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Summer is such a busy time of year.  While I tend to think that it will be more relaxed because we’re out of school, somehow it seems that we’re busier because I tinker around the house so much.  One of the things we do every summer is go through the closets.  Getting rid of the old is a good way to start the summer.  It’s also a welcome change to be organized once the school year starts….then the whole vicious cycle begins again.  While we’re going through our closets, I try to place items in piles with their destination in mind.  In years past, we had yard sales but since we live on a pretty isolated street it’s not really worth the time.  I’d also rather be going to yard sales instead of having one of my own.  So, usually we just give stuff away or donate it.

When I decide what my piles will be, I try to put the items directly in a box or bag.  That way, I only touch each item one time.  This seems to save me a few minutes (or at least, I tell myself that it does.)   We have the hand-me-downs pile for my friends with kids.  Next, we have the Goodwill pile for my own outgrown clothes that my friends are too skinny to wear.  Tiny kids’ meals toys that were never opened go in empty shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.  Then we have the devices that have been outgrown or replaced.  They kind of remind me of the forgotten toys that no one wants to play with anymore.  Getting rid of your old stuff without having a yard sale is easy with programs like Gazelle.  If you’re updating to the new MacBook, you can trade in your old one for cash.  They even take care of packing and shipping it for you.  So awesome!     Once my closet or room is cleaned out, I immediately take the box/bag to the car and put it in the trunk.  In the past I’ve put it in the basement and it never budged from its spot.  Putting it in my car makes it more likely that I’ll get it to the person I intended to give it to.

Do you spend time organizing in the summer?   How do you get rid of your unwanted goods?