From Anisa's Genius House Hacks newsletter.
It's amazing how quickly closets fill up. Every time I organize one, I find clothes I forgot I owned, shoes I haven't worn in years, and random household items that seemed like a good idea at the time. Instead of putting them back "just in case," I've started using one simple trick that keeps clutter from piling up.
I keep an empty donation box in the closet.
It sounds almost too simple, but it makes it incredibly easy to let go of things when I realize I no longer need them. This week, I'm sharing that easy habit, along with another tip that makes donating even easier.
Instead of waiting until your closets are overflowing, place an empty box or sturdy bag in the back of a closet or laundry room. Whenever you find a shirt that no longer fits, a kitchen gadget you never use, or a book you've finished, drop it into the box.
Because you're making tiny decisions throughout the year, you avoid the overwhelming task of sorting everything at once. Once the box is full, seal it up and drop it off at your favorite charity, then replace it with a new empty box and start again.
If you donate regularly, keep a simple list of the items you place in your donation box. You can jot them down on a notepad, use the Notes app on your phone, or print a basic checklist.
Having a record makes it much easier if you decide to claim a charitable deduction at tax time and helps you remember what you've already donated.
