Observing National Give Something Away Day

July 15 is National Give Something Away Day, a calendar holiday launched in 2015 that invites people everywhere to #give something — anything — to friends, family and the less fortunate; be more aware of one’s carbon footprint; and practice mindful consumerism. Lofty goals!

But don’t hesitate — National Give Something Away Day is easy to observe. All you have to do is exercise some generosity with your money and possessions, and maybe reduce the number of things you own in the process.

For example, if you have an article of clothing, a knickknack or a piece of jewelry that a family member or friend might like better or get more use from, give it to them. Even #giving something as small as a compliment qualifies.

Consider giving the gift of time by volunteering at a local nonprofit such as an animal shelter, food bank or veterans home. Help an elderly neighbor with their yardwork or shopping. Donate needed supplies to a homeless shelter, school or charitable organization.

To make giving really easy, do a wholesale #decluttering and give a bunch of things away all at once. Go through a drawer, closet or room and sort out the things you don’t need; you may be surprised at how much you can do without.

“The world can always use more kindness and generosity,” says Mostly Mindful. “Why not view the day as an opportunity to give the things you no longer need to someone who could use them? After all, there’s no point keeping something if it’s just gathering dust.”

Put that extra stuff in bags or boxes and contact ClothingDonations.org for a free #donation #pickup. You’ll be celebrating National Give Something Away Day while funding programs that provide the nation’s #veterans with food, health care and other sustaining programs.

Giving is a simple act that can brighten another person’s day and effect real, positive change. Observe National Give Something Away Day to get started, and seek out ways to #give throughout the year. #NationalGiveSomethingAwayDay

Free Yourself From a Lifetime of Clutter

The latest word in #decluttering advice is “death cleaning,” a no-holds-barred strategy to get rid of unnecessary belongings that can be undertaken long before the ultimate demise forces family members to do it on one’s behalf. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter, artist Margareta Magnusson asks readers to embrace #minimalism to put things in order for good. It can be a difficult but invigorating process, and the book is an entertaining beach read for any aspiring #declutterer with aging family members. When you’re done reading and #decluttering, contact ClothingDonations.org for a free donation pickup!  #SummerReading

Summer Reads to Fit Your Schedule

Pick an #organizing book that fits into your schedule to avoid getting overwhelmed with the task, says VeryWell Mind. Pick a short book with small projects if you’re time-constrained, or something more detailed from a #decluttering or home guru such as Marie Kondo or Martha Stewart. If you can count on your family to join you in the struggle to #declutter and #organize, try The Real Simple Method to Organizing Every Room: And How to Keep It That Way, which offers checklists and step-by-step instructions for a variety of household organizing projects that can build a new routine and encourage long-term tidiness. #SummerReading

Start a 12-Month Organizing Schedule

As you enjoy #summer #vacation, make a plan to #organize your home once and for all: Grab a copy of Organize Your Home In A Year Or Less! by Kai M. Jordan as your beach read. The book discusses mistakes when attempting to #orgnanize their homes and three techniques you can use to sort out your life. The calendar-based approach offers 12 exercises to follow in organizing your kitchen, living room, bathroom, garage, attic, bedrooms, closets and more, and discusses the differences to know between #decluttering (a project) and #organizing (a system). Get with the program to clear up the persistent messes and #clutter that add to stress. #SummerReading

Summer Reading for the Aspiring Declutterer

Summer is in full swing, and you’re chilling at the beach. But even as you relax, you can’t help but you left something undone — all of those home #decluttering and #organization tasks you’ve been meaning to do for months. Guiltlessly prepare for your return by reading up on the topic to get some tips you can use on a rainy day. Want to start small? Check out Start With Your Sock Drawer: The Simple Guide to Living a Less Cluttered Life by Vicky Silverthorn. The longtime professional organizer details bite-sized, actionable steps that can add up to a significant impact on your home’s organization and efficiency. #SummerReading