Spring Clean Your Life

1. Have It Picked Up
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State makes it super easy to get rid of clothes and home goods. Schedule a free pickup, leave your stuff on the curb and poof! Your unwanted stuff gets delivered to a nearby Savers for a shot at a second life while BBBSOS makes a tidy profit to offset their operational costs.

2. Drop It Off
The Salvation Army accepts everything from appliances and clothing to furniture and vehicles. With 55 drop-off locations in Rhode Island (plus a pickup service as well), it’s easy peasy.

3. Donate It
All sorts of non-profits have wish lists on their websites seeking used items. Blankets for animal shelters and cell phones for domestic abuse shelters are just a few examples of how your trash can be someone else’s treasure. Serve Rhode Island has a comprehensive list of charities.

4. Consign
Consigning your stuff is a great way to get rid of gently used clothing and home goods, and also get paid for it. Each store has a different policy, as some will pay up front and others pay you as items sell. Visit Yelp.com for a local roundup.

5. Sell It
If you have in-demand items, like collectibles or electronics, then eBay.com is the way to go. Half.com is ideal for selling books, video games and DVDs. For everyday clothing, ThredUp.com lets you ship a bag of clothing off to them and collects cash for you, and there are lots of sites designed to sell gently used high-end handbags and accessories, like ReBagg.com.

6. Host a Swap Party
Clothing swaps are a fun way to not only get rid of your stuff, but also get some “new” stuff in return. Ask your friends to bring a handful of clothes and accessories they no longer want, then let the swapping begin.

7. Find a Virtual Yard Sale
Facebook has a load of local ongoing “yard sales” in which you upload a picture of something you’re selling, and get messages from those interested. Providence Online Yard Sale and RI Second Hand Children’s Toys and Gear are just two of the many pages available to join.

8. Pay It Forward
Freecycle’s mission is to “keep good stuff out of the landfills.” With a few chapters available in Rhode Island, members post what they are offering for free, and what they’re searching for.

9. Hire an Expert
Organizing experts can help if the first eight tips listed here just create more anxiety about your clutter. Organizing in RI can organize your closets, kitchens and even your paperwork.

10. Unplug
Goodwill Industries will take anything with a plug, like an old computer, television, printer and other e-waste. A 24-hour drop-off bin is available outside of their Providence location.