Summer is beginning to wind down. Children are enrolling for school and we are already making winter plans. One of the biggest tasks when it comes to winter preparations is the changing out of clothing and shoes. Living in a four season state means the summer weather will soon be replaced with cold and snowy conditions. Use these organization tips to prepare for the coming cold weather months.
Start organizing now
The task of changing out seasonal clothing seems daunting because it is such a large job. However, if you begin the organization process now, it will seem easier. Every time you put away clothing, either in your own closet or a family member?s closet, pull out a couple of items that have not been worn in months. If they have not been worn all summer, it is unlikely that they will be worn again. Start a donation box. Place these unworn clothing items into the box. Place a storage box next to the donation box. You can begin to place dressier or special occasion items into that box. Before you know it, the boxes will be full and it will be time to schedule a Red Cross pickup or to move the other one into storage.
Donate one item per each purchased item
Back to school time also means back to school shopping. If your children?s back to school ritual includes shopping, make it a point to donate one item for every item purchased. This will prevent the closet from overcrowding and will make your children choose clothing items that they will actually wear. Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments a year. That is 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person or more than one piece of clothing purchased per week. Easily donate these selected items to the Red Cross clothing pickup location nearest you.
Take advantage of summer clothing sales
As stores bring out fall and winter inventories, they will offer steep discounts on summer clothing. Purchasing next year?s summer clothing now can offer you affordable clothing. Because summer is coming to an end and there isn?t much time left to wear your new summer clothes, simply pack them away. As you go through your closet, keep in mind the new items purchased, and donate unused clothing pieces. When it comes time to unpack your new summer clothing, you will get the same excitement of going shopping for new clothes, without the price.
Shop at the local clothing donation center
A lot of people donate clothes that have never been worn. You can shop for a brand new fall and winter wardrobe, at a discounted price. Local charities sell these donated clothing items to raise funds for additional charitable actions. For 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, the American Red Cross provides relief for families and communities in the form of blankets, food, blood, and shelter. By shopping at the Red Cross clothing pickup center, you are also supporting these additional charitable needs.
Remember to donate
Switching your household to a new season will leave you with a lot of unused items, both clothing and household items. Although it may be tempting to hold onto some of these items, they tend to just take up a lot of valuable space. Donating your items gives them a new use and can also provide you with tax benefits. Your donation to your selected charity is tax deductible for the value of the items you donate. Just make sure you donate to a government backed charity, like the Red Cross clothing pickup center. American Red Cross clothing donations are always tax deductible.
Summer is flying by and before we know it, winter will be here. Begin the clothing transition process now for less hassle. As you go back to school shopping, replace unused clothing with newer ones. Take advantage of summer sales to replace your summer wardrobe for next year. Remember to donate your unused clothing items to a reputable charity, like the American Red Cross clothing pickup.
