Perhaps the reason that your husband has the cleanest closet in the house is because he is constantly going through its entire contents. If he receives two or three new dress shirts for Christmas or his birthday he immediately goes to his closet and sees if there is anything he should get rid of. As a result, his contributions to his favorite clothing drop off locations are welcome donations. He is often donating shirts that are both gently used and still in style.
Unfortunately, many people are not like this husband. Many people hoard clothing and keep it so long that by the time it is donated it is very out of style, and in the worst cases, some of the fabric has even started to disintegrate. Large closets do not mean that you need to keep it full from end to end.
It is okay, and actually recommended, that you clean out your closet on a regular basis and make donations to clothing drop off locations that help distribute those donated items. One closet organizing tip applies to people who live in a climate that has at least two seasons. For these people, professional organizers say that if you have something that you have not worn in six months, you should give it away.
Some of the best charities to donate to are groups that distribute the donations to veterans and their families. A nice work suit, or even a nice pair of khaki slacks and a polo shirt, can make a big difference to the veteran or other person in need who is going for a job interview.
Donating used clothing to charities is not only good for other people, it is also good for the environment. In the year 2006, for example, nearly 2.5 billion tons of clothing was kept from landfills because it was donated. In fact, no fabric should ever end up in a landfill. Even the most worn pieces of clothing and household linens can be recycled. Unfortunately, because Americans only recycle or donate 15% of their clothing, this country sends approximately 10.5 million tons of clothing to landfills a year. What a waste, and what a sad commentary on our disposable society.
Instead of keeping unworn clothing in your packed closets, drawers and attics, why not put them to a better use. Clothing drop off locations in every major city accepts clothing and other household items that will be distributed to those in need, especially war veterans and their families. Clothing that is so old and worn that it is no longer useable can be donated to fabric recycling centers where it can find a new life as a new piece of recycled textile. Don’t be like the average American who throws nearly 70 pounds of clothing away a year. Instead, donate it to a good cause.
