3 Steps to Getting Organized and De-cluttered in the New Year

Out with the Old and in with the New

The end of the year is upon us and all of the holiday presents have been opened. The next obvious chore is to find a place for all of this new stuff! Once I get past the wrapping paper and empty toy boxes, I need to find a place for each of these new toys, books, clothes and other goodies. This means I must de-clutter first.

It has been such a poor year for our economy that many charities are operating at a loss or have fewer donations than previous years. There is also a greater demand for their services. Take the time to de-clutter your house. Get rid of the old books you have read and the clothes that no longer fit, get rid of the gift from your aunt that you never really liked anyway and throw away anything in poor condition. If you can not easily repair it, throw it away. The thrift shop will not be able to sell it broken. I encourage my children to help and talk with them about donating to the other children in need. They can de-clutter their bedrooms of stuffed animals, puzzles and more.

An added bonus of de-cluttering your space is that you can get a tax deduction. Don't worry if you don't get it in time for the 2008 taxes. You can always use it next year. Take your donation to the local GoodWill or Salvation Army, maybe a church or school or Boy Scout club. Request a receipt when you drop off the goods. To estimate the fair value of your items visit http://www.bankrate.com/brm/itax/edit/news/stories/news_20000107a.asp

They have worksheets and IRS approved fair value guides. Keep your paperwork for tax filing.