Tackle that clutter for a good cause

Having some clutter around the house is unavoidable. Lives are busy, so we often throw items in a junk drawer instead of putting them away, or we move boxes of old toys and clothes to the basement instead of finding them a new home.

However, taking some time to de clutter and get organized not only improves the space where you live but could also put some money in your pocket or help the community.

Molly Hunter , a professional organizer with My Clutter Solutions in Roanoke, recommends that people go through their piles of stuff every four to six months.

"Just touch it again," she said. "Touch it, go through it; decide if you really love it."

With a degree in human development from Virginia Tech, Hunter understands the mentality that makes us want to hold on to things we no longer need.

Hunter and her business partner Carl Beck are both stay-at-home parents who come from families with histor ies of hoarding . That's what got Hunter inspired to help people.

"After my grandmother's death I watched my family clean out her house and it took a long time," she said. "I don't want anyone to have to deal with that in my generation."

So what are some options for the average household to de clutter and get organized? Hunter recommends taking an inventory .

"I find that people already have almost everything they need or want, as far as organizing," she explained. Usually the containers holding the clutter can be re-used.

Hunter and Beck prefer clear plastic bins when they're helping a client. It's always best to be able to see exactly what you have in each box, and Hunter stressed the importance of storing like items together.

Once everything has been organized and cleaned out, there are plenty of local resources for getting unwanted things out of your home.

Donate here

If you have good quality jewelry, clothes and furniture, Hunter recommends selling those items through a consignment shop. Locally she prefers Crowning Touch, which also has an auction house, and New to Me Consignment Boutique, both in Roanoke.

Old, high quality toys can also be sold on consignment. Recently a customer of My Clutter Solutions cleaned out a collection of old trains and train tracks that sold for a high price at auction.

Hunter donates many items to the Rescue Mission of Roanoke. Toys and clothes make great donations because shelter residents get first pick of the donations.

Business clothes, specifically, can be donated to social services so clients can use them for job interviews.

If you have a big pile or large items, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, the Rescue Mission and Disabled American Veterans all offer pick up at your home.

There are also places for the smaller stuff. A surplus of craft supplies and magazines is common in many homes.

"A lot of crafters don't know when to stop," Hunter joked. "We've done a lot of craft rooms."

It's not only important to clean out any extra craft supplies, but to acknowledge when you know you won't be able to complete a project. Hunter's favorite outlets for unneeded craft supplies are the Rescue Mission and local libraries and schools. She likes to donate magazines to the Salem VA Medical Center.

If you choose to donate items, remember to get a receipt that can be used for tax deductions.

E-Waste collection

Goodwill and the Clean Valley Council have partnered to present E.C.O. E-Waste Collection. Four retailers throughout the area are accepting old electronics from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today.

Drop-off locations include:

• Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, 1319 Grandin Road, Roanoke
• Yokohama Tire, 1500 Indiana St., Salem
• First Citizens Bank, 65 Kingston Drive, Daleville
• Wade's Supermarket, 510 Roanoke St., Christiansburg

Goodwill will receive all donated electronics, which will either be sold in Goodwill stores or recycled locally. Some accepted electronics include: computers, computer monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, fax machines, ink cartridges, cords, small appliances, cellphones, radios and more.

What are your favorite tips for getting organized? What's your favorite place to donate unwanted items? Join the conversation on the Shoptimist blog at blogs.roanoke.com/shoptimist.

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