Get Organized for the New School Year with Goodwill!

Another school year has arrived, and there’s no better time to get organized for a fresh, productive start! Whether you’re a parent or caregiver, teacher, or student yourself, we have some tips to help you get — and stay — organized all year long. 

Check out our top tips:

#1: Clear Out the Clutter

First things first, go through all your closets, drawers, cabinets, and storage spaces. It’s best to pull everything out so you can sort through what’s worth keeping for another season (or not!) 

If you’re having trouble making decisions, ask yourself these questions: 

• Have I used this item in the last six months? Will I use it in the next six months?
• If it’s clothing or shoes, does it fit?  
• Am I keeping it for sentimental reasons?
• How many of this same item do I own?
• Does this item bring me joy? 
• Will it bring someone else joy? 

Eliminating our excess “stuff” isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it! You deserve a space that’s clean, organized, and clutter-free. 

#2: Assign Everything to a “Zone” 

Once you’ve streamlined your belongings, it’s time to organize what’s left. One strategy is to create “zones” for certain items and activities. For example, you might have a “lunch station” with lunch boxes, plastic containers, and pre-packaged grab-and-go snacks. This makes it easier for kiddos to pack their own lunches! 

Another idea is a “homework zone,” with paper, pencils, folders, art supplies, calculators, and even fidget focus toys. You might also have a special space to store backpacks, bags, and shoes for everyone in the household. When everything has a designated place, you can reduce the likelihood of lost belongings and last-minute scrambles to get to school or work. 

#3: Donate What You Don’t Need to Goodwill

After you’ve organized your home, it’s time for the last — and easiest step — donating to Goodwill! Place the items you don’t want or need in a bag or box, then bring them to your nearest Goodwill donation center in Cincinnati. 

Ohio Valley Goodwill gratefully accepts donations of clothing, shoes, and accessories for all sizes and ages, as well as home goods, books, toys, and small electronics. Before you drop off your donations, check out our donation guidelines to ensure we can accept them. 

Donate and Do Good in Cincinnati! 

How does Ohio Valley Goodwill use donations? We’re glad you asked! 

When you choose to donate to Ohio Valley Goodwill, you’re making a lasting difference in the lives of people living right here, in Greater Cincinnati. Once we accept donated goods, we prepare them for resale at affordable prices in our retail stores. When people purchase items from Goodwill stores, it helps support job training programs and employment services for individuals with disabilities and veterans experiencing homelessness. 

Donating to Ohio Valley Goodwill means you can be confident that the value of your items will be maximized to create life-changing opportunities for people in your community! 
Do you have clothing or household items you want to donate to Ohio Valley Goodwill? Find the Cincinnati Goodwill donation center nearest you.