The holidays are full of celebration, and also the perfect time to declutter before the festivities begin. A clutter-free home creates a warm welcome for guests, and with less to clean and organize, you will have more time to relax and enjoy the season.
Decluttering isn’t just about making space—it’s also a great way to help others in need. My grandmother had a saying for just about everything. We’ve all heard “Waste not, want not,” and that was one of her favorites. We live in a world of excess. We have all said… I need that purse, skirt, pair of shoes, etc., when truly it is a want.
My mother’s Sunday school teacher had a line she would occasionally use: “I need to get my ‘wanter’ fixed.” I’ll digress here and leave most of that subject matter to someone else, but what I do want to talk about is what to do with that excess when it is no longer wanted or needed in our homes. The occasional yard sale is always a fun endeavor, but that’s not always possible, and many people simply don’t enjoy hosting them. Of course, shopping at other people’s yard sales is much more appealing to me!
If you are Facebook savvy, you can always make a little green by posting your items on Facebook Marketplace. I’ve used this handy little system many times, and almost always the results are positive. However, when time doesn’t allow or when simplicity is the best option, DONATE! I cannot think of a single negative aspect to donating unwanted clothing, kitchen items, décor, tools, and the like.
There are many entities in the business of selling your donated items. I have personal experience with GraceWorks and Habitat ReStore, among others. These are using your donated items for local worthy causes, and what better time to give than around the holidays?
Let’s talk about household donations first. Those last three wine glasses from the set of eight, those leopard print heels that made you wince when you walked in them, the jeans that are just not quite on the cutting edge of style, the trim fit business shirt that is a little too trim fit now, or the TV that isn’t smart but still works great, can all be donated. There is someone out there who needs wine glasses, and those three are the perfect fit for their budget, and I am betting there is a cost-conscious, smartly dressed lady out there with a foot narrower than mine who will be giddy with glee that she scored a pair of Anthropologie leopard heels for $7.
Some people who thrift shop from donation stores are on a budget, starting out fresh or starting over, but there is a group of people who shop thrift stores for the simple pleasure of finding the unusual, the discontinued, the out of the ordinary, not to mention just the pleasure of scouting out a bargain! My mom and her husband live in Franklin, near Westhaven, and several thrift shops are nearby, which they frequent regularly. Along the way, they have formed several friendships with the staff members who work there. I think it’s all a part of that small-town charm.
I have also been the recipient of several of my mom’s thrifting trips. Antique mirrors, brass doorknockers, and an extensive collection of beautiful books for my library have all been acquired through their adventures. Someone else’s donation has benefitted me, so I am happy to donate my unwanted items to others! There is the added benefit of that April 15th tax deduction when you donate.
Additionally, if you are remodeling, many items can be reused and repurposed. A few items I have donated in the past include stainless steel sinks, faucets, a stove, wall ovens, a microwave, and interior doors.
Side Note: When I remodeled my previous home in Nashville, the prior owner removed all of the original 1940 hardwood doors and replaced them with faux wood doors. Why??? Over a period of four years, I hunted down yard sales, estate sales, and thrift stores, and replaced every one of them with repurposed vintage doors and hardware, which brought me great joy.
Keep in mind, when renovating, the donations are almost endless. Granite counters, walls of cabinets, chandeliers and lighting of all types, exterior windows, cabinet hardware, bathroom mirrors, and interior doors are all donation options. “Waste not, want not.” Oh! I want to mention that ReStore also offers pickup, as do some other donation centers.
To help minimize clutter year-round, I keep a large shopping bag at the back door to drop items in as I declutter. When it fills up, I take it to a donation drop-off location. I feel good about having clean closets and, along the way, helping someone else out. There’s never anything wrong with having an empty drawer, cabinet, or closet!
One of my best thrift store finds is a beautiful mahogany sideboard from Habitat ReStore, which I purchased several years ago for $275. There was not one scratch on it. Not everything in your home can be that big of a bargain, but when you do find one, it sure does feel good! While a well-collected home is comforting and desirable, excess can weigh us down. So, go free yourself this holiday season and give back by donating!
Finally, now that your house is clean and ready for the holiday season, I’d like to share one of my favorite pork tenderloin recipes with you. Enjoy!
AMY MONTGOMERY has over 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home in Columbia, Tennessee. She delights in sharing her personal collection of vintage china and dishes with readers. As a lifestylist, she is focused on the home and is thrilled to offer her customers an elevated customer service experience. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow her on social media @amymontgomeryhome.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
2 3/4 pounds pork tenderloins
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon minced, fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon ketchup
Instructions
1. Place tenderloins in an 11 x 7 x 1.5 inch baking dish.
2. Combine honey and the next six ingredients, stirring well; pour over tenderloins.
3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for eight hours, turning occasionally.
4. Remove tenderloins from marinade, reserving marinade.
5. Grill tenderloins over medium-hot coals 25-35 minutes, turning often and basting with reserved marinade. Pork is done when meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of tenderloin registers 170 degrees.
6. To serve, slice tenderloins thinly and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Note: Recipe was adapted from Southern Living, Five-Star Recipe Collection.
