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You've Tidied Up. Now What?

Whether you’re preparing your house to sell or simply doing some spring cleaning, tidying up and decluttering...


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?”

First, if you’ve taken the time to tidy up, congrats! Yes, the hype of Marie Kondo’s Book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” is truly life-changing. Tidying up feels good and so does living with all the things that spark joy for you and your family.

The next step is dealing with the aftermath of Kondo-ing. If you’ve got a unmanageable pile of garbage bags and/or boxes you’re not alone. The thought of getting rid of your stuff can be daunting, especially if you want to dispose of it responsibly.

Inspired by this NY Times article about how to tidy up after you’ve Kondo-ed everything, we thought we would share some useful tips and resources for the West Los Angeles community to find a proper and responsible place to complete the process. We hope it sparks joy...

 

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


These are just a handful of places in or around Mar Vista. 
Be sure to double check info before you make a visit!

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.

Where: Mar Vista, 12120 Venice Blvd. (at Grandview) Los Angeles, CA 90066
Pick up available. Great for Furniture!

More info about what they take here.

Love The City Thrift Store


Love The City thrift store is more than just a thrift store. In addition to selling gently used goods, they are also a non-profit outreach that provides ministry and service to the community.
They are a small group of people trying to make a big impact!

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

Option 3: Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment

This accept electronic waste on Saturdays ONLY

550 Charles E. Young Drive West, Los Angeles, CA 90095 
8:00am-2:00pm 
 

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
 


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