Habitual Hoarder l April 22, 2010 l Earth Day isn’t just about planting a tree or pledging to “live green.” It’s also a great time to clean out your closet, garage, car, or wherever else you keep your junk.
Then, instead of selling your unwanted items – which, hey, is a perfectly acceptable option if you’re <a href=”http://www.smartaboutmoney.org/economicsurvivaltips/Spending/ImInOverMyHead/tabid/603/Default.aspx”>strapped for cash</a> – recycle your items to one of these great programs.
These are just some of the organizations that might want your junk!
- For those of you with an athletic shoe addiction, Nike recycles your old sneaks - whatever the brand -into running tracks and athletic courts. For a drop-off location near you or to download a shipping label to send your shoes, visit: www.nikereuseashoe.com/
- Outdated prom, cocktail, and bridesmaid dresses are fun for dress up, especially for those who can’t afford them. Donate your closet full of fluffy, brightly colored, sequined garb to: www.donatemydress.org. If it’s a suit you’re trying to get rid of, donate to the Dress for Success program. You’ll feel good about the item finding a second home, and you’ll have more room in your closet!
- Smart phone lovers, listen up! We don’t blame you for wanting to have the latest and greatest phone, but what have you done with your old versions? Recycle your old phones at www.call2recycle.org.
- As we see in this Spendster’s video, most home gym equipment becomes a clothes hanger or decorative item after a while. Clear up some of that room in your house by selling the item to a store such as Play It Again Sports.
- For all those who have a trash bag full of once-favorite hats, belts, shoes, clothes, stuffed animals or random gadgets that now clutter up your house, donate them to Goodwill.
- If you’d rather know who you are selling or donating your item to, go local. Most cities have a Craigslist available to them, or at least to a city nearby. This online message board allows you to post your item for free, sort through the requests, and send your useless item to someone who really wants it.
In many cases, your donations are tax deductible. Be sure to request and hold on to your receipt, and take a look at this IRS booklet to determine the value of your donated goods.
