Spring into Action!  Clean-up & Donate!

Why is Spring such a great time to clean-up?  Well, it begins with doing jobs that we’ve been ignoring because of the long winter chill. The weather’s warmer and as we transition our home with tasks such as putting out patio furniture, we tend to notice that the basement needs organizing, and often the garage needs to be attended to as well. Of course, the most obvious area needing attention becomes apparent when we transition our closets from winter clothes to spring and realize just how much stuff we have…

Spring into action! Once you have organized and purged, the only question now is what to do with all that stuff.  Why donate to a local charity of course!

There are dozens of charities in the Weston, Wellesley, and Needham areas that come to your doorstep for pick-up and local moving help for your donated items – and are free!

6 Local Massachusetts Charities That Offer Free Donation Pickup

1. Amvets

Amvets offers critical support to disabled and at-risk American veterans. Amvets caters to veterans who are currently serving, or who have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, including those in the National Guard and Reserves. 

Amvets accepts charitable donations of clothing, household items, furniture, and shoes. To donate your lightly used and good-condition items, schedule a free pickup with Amvets. www.scheduleapickup.com

2. Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported charitable network. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to support the social, emotional, and personal development of kids in America through a partnership with a volunteer “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.” 

Big Brothers Big Sisters accepts a wide variety of items, including gently used clothing, household items, books, DVDs, small toys, and more. View their list of acceptable donation items online and then schedule your free pickup with your local branch.  

www.bbbsfoundation.org

3. Family Thrift

Family Thrift Center has a location in Boston, and partners with Vietnam Veterans for America to pick up new and gently used clothing, household items, and furniture. Contact (800) 775-VETS (8387) to get started or simply schedule your pickup online.  www.familythrift.com

4. Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity helps people improve and repair their homes and neighborhoods by offering low-cost home goods, advocacy, and volunteers.  The organization accepts donations of home goods, building materials, and vehicles. Acceptable items include gently used appliances, furniture, household goods, building materials, and more. 

To donate to Habitat for Humanity in the Boston area, visit Restore’s website.  While you can drop off your goods directly, ReStore also offers local moving help for free donation pick-ups for your convenience. www.restore.habitatebsv.org/donate/

5. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO) is dedicated to improving the health, economic, and spiritual conditions of the poor throughout the world where The Salvation Army is active. Since 1977, SAWSO has helped people help themselves through sustainable programs that improve living conditions, combat the spread of disease, raise skill levels, increase productivity, and instill self-confidence. 

The Salvation Army accepts donations of furniture, household goods, appliances, clothing, and more. Commonly donated items include clothing, furniture, cars, household goods, and small appliances. View the complete list of acceptable items and schedule your free donation pick-up.  www.satruck.org/donate/choose.

6. Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a local organization that provides free and low-cost services to the homeless and at-risk populations in our area. The group accepts donations of lightly used clothing and small household goods. Call 1-800-675-2882 to locate a drop-off bin, or to schedule a free pick up for your items.

It’s often difficult to part with household items, furniture, and clothing – some have sentimental value and some we liked enough to buy.  Spring into action and donate!  It’s a very nice feeling to donate to when you know they’re going to help someone in need. 

5 Fast Tips for Preparing Your Goods for Donation:

Now that you know where you can donate your goods, let’s talk about how to get them ready. Follow these simple tips:

• Wash clothing and textiles. Anything you donate should be clean and in good repair. Wash clothing, curtains, and other textiles before placing them in the donation bag. 
• Repair small imperfections. Items with small imperfections are generally acceptable for donation, but it’s still wise to fix anything you can. Patch small holes in clothing, for example, or repair scuffs and scrapes on furniture. 

• Sort by category. To make things easier for the person who receives and sorts your donation, sort your items by category. Household goods with household goods, clothing with clothing, and so forth. 

• Assemble the pieces. If you’re donating items with small pieces (like a child’s toy set, for example), consider donating it fully assembled, rather than in a box full of pieces. 

• Prepare the item for pickup. If you’re having the charity come pick up your item, make it as easy as possible for them. Have furniture bagged by the door and ready to go and move furniture and other large items outside. Local and long-distance movers can help you with this last step and ensure your donation pick-up goes as smoothly as possible.

Giving Back to the Community and Recycling Goods

Giving Back to the Community and Recycling Goods

• Habitat for Humanity of Martha's Vineyard
  Their “…mission is to build simple, decent housing for families in the lowest qualifying income range.” They also state “Our homes are built with volunteer labor, donated materials and charitable donations. We believe that addressing the lack of affordable housing - one house at a time - will keep our Island a healthy, vital community.”
  Vineyard Haven MA 02568
  PO Box 1093
  508-696-4646
  http://www.habitatmv.org
  
  
• Martha's Vineyard Boys & Girls Club Second Hand Store
  Recycle useable clothing, furniture and household items; the sale of donated items is a major source of income for the Boys & Girls Club.
  Edgartown MA 02539
  North Summer Street
  508-627-5683
  http://www.mvbgclub.org
  
  
• The Thrift Shop on Chicken Alley - Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
  Proceeds from the sale of donated useable items at The Thrift Shop help to provides funds when some of the services provided by the staff of MVCS, such as counseling, community outreach, etc become under-funded.
  38 Lagoon Pond Road
  Located across from the Vineyard Haven Post Office at
  Vineyard Haven MA 02568
  Phone: 508-693-2278
  http://www.mvcommunityservices.com

Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home. Spring cleaning is important for everyone, particularly if you’re an allergy sufferer. And it’s even more important in the times of COVID-19. You owe it to yourself and your family to enjoy a deep clean. 

Enjoying a healthy and home isn’t as hard you may think. Just follow these top 10 spring cleaning tips and tricks for allergy sufferers in 2022 compiled by Sylvane, an online retailer of Air Treatment and Home Comfort Solutions. 

1. Make a Schedule

Scope out your home: What areas need the most work? Where do you skip during routine cleaning? Those are the best places to start. Regardless of where you start, having a plan will keep you focused on the task at hand. Just go room by room.

2. De-clutter

Studies show that a disorganized home adds to your stress level. It signals to your brain that work isn’t done. The scientific implications of inhaling dust, combined with the stress of coming back to a cluttered work space, can take a toll. Since we’re all spending more time at home and in our home offices specifically, keeping a neat workspace is more important than ever.

Set aside some time to:

• Dust and organize your office
• Look through that dreaded junk drawer (and desk drawers!)
• Organize your closets

You may be surprised how fresh you feel after you eliminate unnecessary stress from your life.

3. Use a HEPA Vacuum

You can remove more than just dust build-up when you vacuum. A good quality HEPA vacuum such as a Miele, is one of the best spring-cleaning tools. They catch tiny airborne particles you can’t see but can stir up allergy symptoms. They trap things like pet dander, allergens, and other household particles – ideal for allergy sufferers.

If you don’t have a HEPA vacuum, look for a vacuum with attachments like dusting brushes, crevice tools and hoses that can be used to clean more than just your floor. These tools make it simple to clean ceiling fans, cobwebs in corners, pillows, and tight spaces like behind furniture. Be sure to move your furniture too (or at least vacuum under it). Arm yourself with a good HEPA vacuum, and you’ll enjoy a healthy, clean home all of spring season.

4. Think Green When You Spring Clean

You want to start spring off on a clean note, so don’t expose yourself to chemicals and toxins. A steam cleaner is one of the best green products for spring cleaning. It can be used to clean your microwave, tile, hard floors, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and even outdoor areas. Since steam cleaners only use hot water vapor, they’re a 100% natural and chemical-free cleaning solution.

If you don’t have a steam cleaner, one of the best natural combinations for cleaning is white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and water. These ingredients are affordable, non-toxic, and have worked for ages when it comes to cleaning. 

5. Always Work from Top to Bottom

When you think about how to spring clean your home, it’s important to start from the ceiling down. This will force debris downward and keep you from having to re-dust or re-clean your space. If you have a vacuum with an extension hose, use it to get cobwebs and dust from your ceilings and fans first. Then dust your furniture and other items before vacuuming all the dust and debris off your floors. It will save you time.

6. Walls and Windows Need Love too

People almost always clean their floors, but they typically forget about walls and windows. Not all dust settles on the floor and other surfaces. Just use a damp towel to wipe down walls and blinds (starting from the top). Remove and wipe down the window screens outside.

When it comes to the actual window, we don’t suggest using chemical cleaners. A steam cleaner with a squeegee is a great way to clean windows.

7. Don’t Be Scared of the Kitchen and Bathroom

Don’t fear cleaning your bathroom! Here are a few common trouble areas people forget about:

Kitchens

• Wipe down your cabinets.
• Go through your pantry and refrigerator. Wipe down the shelves, and throw away any old items.
• If you have stainless steel appliances, be sure to use gentle cleaners or a steam cleaner to avoid scratching or other issues.

Bathrooms

• Change your shower curtain.
• Go through your cosmetics drawer or medicine cabinet and throw away any expired items.

You should also consider installing or upgrading to a new bathroom fan. Replacing an existing fan or adding a new one can help to ensure your bathroom remains in top notch condition. They are great for ventilating moisture during showers and removing odors/vapors. Depending on the unit you select, it may even come with built-in lighting, automatic operation, and other user-friendly features.

8. Don’t Forget About Your Air

Replacing furnace and HVAC filters is one of the most important and overlooked parts of spring cleaning. In fact, replacing a standard filter with a more robust one with a high MERV rating will help keep you healthier as you enter spring. It will catch smaller, irritating particles. Air conditioner ducts build up dust during winter, and upgraded filters catch unwanted particles so they don’t enter your space. It’s an inexpensive way to make sure you’re breathing clean, healthy air.

The best way to ensure healthy spring air void of allergens, indoor chemicals or odors is with an air purifier. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or wakes up stuffy during allergy season, adding an air purifier to his/her bedroom will help.

9. Have Severe Allergies? Protect Yourself.

Cleaning will more than likely unsettle all the winter dust on furniture and fixtures. If you suffer from allergies or are using heavy-duty cleaners, be sure to read the labels. For safe spring cleaning, wear rubber gloves, masks, scarves and even hairnets. Protective clothing will help guard against skin irritations and allergic reactions.

10. Let Spring Cleaning Set a New Tone

If your space feels dark and heavy, you can make small changes to help make it light and fresh for spring. Adding new colorful pillows or art are great ways to change up your space. Replacing items like bedding, towels, table linens, and even window treatments are other ways to transform your rooms for spring and warm weather ahead.