Decluttering? What To Do With Those Unwanted Items

I hear about my job on Friday.  Whatever happens, at least it will be over and I can get on with whatever it is I have to get on with.  I shall do my best to remember to post some sort of update.

In the meantime, here's today's post.  Having talked about decluttering like a ninja and turning your home into a Pinterest perfect minimalist space, you've got another problem. (Ignoring the problem of what on earth do you do with all the toys?!  So many toys ... Suggestions would be useful!)  What do you do with all the stuff that you no longer want?

Most of us don't have a basement or a Room of Requirement, so here are some places to pass those things onto:

Give and Makeup supports organisations working with women who've fled domestic violence by giving them everyday essentials like shampoo, makeup as well as clothing, toys, underwear etc. Applying lipstick or a using a nice scented shower gel often makes me feel better.  Many women fleeing domestic violence leave with nothing, so these items can make real difference.

Smart Works gives high quality interview clothes, styling advice and interview training to out-of-work women on low incomes in Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester and Reading. They aim to help women find a job and move on with their life.  The majority of women who use Smart Works find a job at their first or second attempt.  Once they've got a job, Smart Works gives them a working wardrobe that'll last them a week so they're good to go clothes-wise until their first pay cheque.  My mum bought me my first interview suit.  Smart Works helps those who don't have that kind of support.  Suited and Booted does the same for men and is based in London.

The local charity shop down the road accepts clothes and other items.  My opticians collects glasses. The shoe shop in the city collects children's shoes.  There are two second hand furniture shops in the next town who refurbish furniture and then sell it to raise funds. It's worth Googling to try and find new homes for the items you no longer want.  What you find may be surprising .. My bras are off to a new life in Africa.  

Do you have other great charities to recommend?  Let me know in the comments.  Seriously, I have loads of stuff to shift.

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