The vast majority of my blog posts focus on self-love because this is an important topic to me. I also write quite a bit about "letting go," mostly of toxic people and who no longer serve a positive purpose in your life.
I want to continue with the theme of "letting go" as we move into the spring season, but this time I want to focus on getting rid of things in your home that you no longer use. Spring is a time for renewing and rejuvenation. It is a time to make room for the new by releasing the old. In fact, the idea of "spring cleaning" dates back to the 1800s. In an article in Country Living, author Maria Carter shared that "the biggest annual housecleaning took place in the spring because the winter left homes coated with a layer of soot and grime in every room. Proper cleaning required opening windows to let the soot out, which, of course, could only be done during warmer weather."
One area where I do the most "spring cleaning" is in my closet. Each season I go through the clothes in my closet and remove those clothes I did not wear in the same season previously. So, for example, at the beginning of spring, I go through all my spring clothes and remove anything from my closet that didn't get worn the previous spring and that most likely won't get worn in the upcoming spring season. This has become my ritual at the beginning of each new season. Not only does it allow me to clean out my closet, but also it allows me to try on clothes I plan to wear for the season to see what still fits. And, I do the same thing with shoes and jewelry. In this way, I take inventory of my clothes, shoes, and accessories and can determine if I need to add any new pieces for the season. I may find after cleaning the closet that I need a new spring jacket because the one from last season no longer fits.
Now that you have cleaned your closet of clothes, shoes, and accessories that you no longer use, what do you do with all this fabulous merchandise? I'm glad you asked!
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to be a blessing to others. Now that you've made room in your closet for new blessings pass those old clothes on and be a blessing to others. You can definitely donate to the usual suspects: Salvation Army and Goodwill. I would encourage you, though, to look for other ways in which to be a blessing to those in your community. Remember, people who shop at the Goodwill and the Salvation Army must pay for those items. There are probably several not-for-profit organizations in your community that work directly with those in need and provide them with resources free of cost. These are the organizations to whom I like to donate. Some organizations may need specific sizes because they have people already in mind who are in need.
Are there local shelters for women and children, men, or families who could use your clothes? A quick Google search for local women's or men's shelters will provide you with organizations in your community that would love all those nice things you are parting with. There are domestic violence shelters, transitional housing, homeless shelters, and emergency shelters. Connect with these organizations through social media or drop them an email and let them know that you have some goodies for them. I know they'll appreciate you for it.