Whether you’re preparing your house to sell or simply doing some spring cleaning, tidying up  and decluttering can leave you with a conundrum: “What do I do with all of this unwanted stuff?”

 

Tidying Up after You’ve Tidied Up Tips

Be Patient

No doubt sorting through all of your things was challenging and time consuming! Responsibly getting rid of things also takes some time and patience. Find a temporary place where your stuff can live that doesn’t get in your way but also doesn’t make you forget the task at hand.

Give Yourself A Deadline

Mark your calendar! Nothing like a date on a calendar to spark some hustle. Reward yourself when the task is complete. 

Think of the Person on the Receiving End

You took a moment to hold each item and consider if it sparked joy. Maybe you even thanked it? Regardless, a final wash, fold, wipe or dusting off and neatly placing items in a box or bag can revitalize the energy of what you’re donating. Think of the person on the receiving end.

Get the Family Involved

Donating feels good! It can be incredibly satisfying and odds are you’re going to need a couple of pairs of hands. Recruit the kids.

 

 

Resources for Donating in West Los Angeles

Council Thrift

Located in Mar Vista, Council Thrift is managed by the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action.
More info about what they take here.

Love The City Thrift Store

Where: 4325 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230

Where to Donate Electronics or E-Waste

Unwanted electronic devices should be reused or recycled. Computers, monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment should NOT be disposed of with regular garbage; in fact, it’s illegal in California to do so.

Option 1: The Salvation Army (Santa Monica)

Where: 1665 10th St, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Option 2: Homeboy Electronics Recycling

We were incredibly impressed by Homeboy Electronics Recycling in Downtown Los Angeles. Homeboy Electronics Recycling is committed to the highest possible quality and sustainability standards for the recycling of e-waste. They are the only full-service R2 certified company in Los Angeles proper and the only B-Corp certified e-waste company in the United States.

Where: 1370 E 18th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (in the Furniture and Decorative Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles)

Here’s a list of what they accept

 

Baby2Baby

Our top choice for anything kid related is Baby2Baby which provides children living in poverty, ages 0-12 years, with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. Each item that is donated to Baby2Baby is inspected with the greatest of care to make sure that every piece of clothing is free of stains and holes, that every puzzle contains all of its pieces, that every toy is clean and ready to use, and that every shoe is in good condition and part of a pair. For a complete list of drop off centers click here.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center 

The Los Angeles LGBT Center welcomes gifts of gently used clothes, and new underwear and socks, to distribute to the many homeless LGBT youth. Items of apparel for young men and women in greatest demand are: - Gently used casual clothes (of all adult sizes)- Gently used professional attire for job interviews- Gently used winter coats and sweaters- Shoes in excellent condition- New socks and underwear You can drop off the clothes at: McDonald/Wright Building
1625 N. Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6213
323-993-7400
Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
They are happy to provide a donation letter for tax purposes.

Learn more here.

Book Monster

If you’re interested in selling your books, Book Monster in Santa Monica has an automated electronic system to assist with buying your used books. More info about the process here. Anything we missed in or around Mar Vista? Contact us at [email protected] and let us know. Happy Spring! Claire and Rebecca