Whenever you do a house cleanout or spring cleaning, your primary aim is normally to declutter. Often, you’ll go through your old things—like notebooks, decorations, and old furniture—and realize you don’t need or want them anymore. Like most people, once you’ve gathered the things you no longer need, you’ll probably throw them out or try to sell them online.
But have you considered donating it instead? Doing so is not only a means of decluttering your home, but it’s also an opportunity to contribute to those in need.
In this article, you’ll discover five reasons to donate your household items the next time you spring clean.
It’s An Easy Way To Get Rid Of Your Unwanted Items
When you’re cleaning your home, you want to remove unwanted items out of the way immediately. If you were to sell them, it could take a few days to a few weeks before you find buyers. Also, you must regularly check whether someone has sent you messages on the platform you’re selling on—which can be time-consuming and frustrating when other matters require your attention.
Throwing it out is equally unappealing, as your old sofa will stand outside for everyone to see, defeating the object of your cleaning and decluttering efforts.
But when you donate your unwanted items, you can get rid of them fast and easy when you hire a donation pickup service, like easydonationpickup.com. The best part is that you need not be home when they pick up the items. So, if you live a busy life, you can leave it outside in boxes, and they’ll collect on the scheduled date.
Your Old Items Will Be Useful To Someone In Need
The best part about donating is knowing that someone will benefit from the things you no longer have use for. For example, that old office chair you no longer use can be a veteran’s last addition to their home office to start a new home-based business.
Some families may consider a bed, a couch, or even a desk as luxuries they can’t afford. So, always keep in mind that your old ‘junk’ may add value to someone else’s life.
Old Items Can Become Something Different
Even though your old desk or bed frame no longer has a use in your eyes, to others, it may be the missing part they need to complete a project. For example, your old wooden bed frame can become part of a new table, desk, or chair.
So, before you throw an old piece of furniture out, consider the fact that it could be useful to someone else, and donate it instead.
You Can Get Tax Deductions
When you donate your furniture, clothes, or other items to a charitable cause, you can benefit from tax deductions. The deductions will vary on a per-item basis. For you to quality, the donated item must be in an acceptable condition. The IRS refers to ‘fair market value’ to determine if and how you will qualify for tax deductions when you donate your old items.
Work with a TurboTax Live tax expert or CPA
Unfortunately, if your old sofa has old coffee or paint stains, it may not be eligible for a tax deduction. However, this shouldn’t stop you from donating as it will positively contribute to the life of someone in need.
It’s A Way Of Giving Back
You need not make enormous monthly contributions to charitable organizations to give back to society. Donating your old items is just as impactful as any other means of giving back. You don’t even need a lot of items to donate; that old folding chair, shoe rack, or hamper in your basement is enough to make a difference to those who wouldn’t otherwise get them.
Once you donate, it may inspire you to do it more often and to contribute in other ways, too. For example, you may start helping a local shelter in its soup kitchen. Donating your old items not only lessens the clutter in your home but helps you discover your unique way of wanting to give back.
Conclusion
The next time you clean out your home or apartment, you’ll inevitably come across old furniture, decorations, and other household items you would want to get rid of. Remember that, instead of throwing your unwanted goods out or even selling, you can make a difference in someone’s life by donating it.
It’s a perfect depiction of the saying, “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
