In about two weeks you’re going to start seeing every article under the sun to clean out your home/office/garage/closets in order to start the New Year off right. That whole New Year New You campaign, you know what I’m talking about. But why wait?! Take an hour, two if you have it, and do it now. Right now! Here’s why:

2017 Tax Write-Off. If you wait to do a major overhaul until January 1, you’re going to be dumping your bags of clothes right when everyone else is. It inundates the charity, plus gives you more opportunities to lose the donation receipt (since it will be another 15 months before you actually turn it in). And, you’ll miss the write-off for this year (when you might really need it).

Help People in Need, Now. Speaking of need. The need is so great in our community, in every community. Especially around the holidays. Imagine if you took the time to purge your pantry, warm winter coats, superfluous toys, electronics and more – now – and could make the season a little brighter for a family in need? To us, that is the real spirit of Christmas.

Santa’s Coming (I know him!!). Now is your opportunity to clear out the playroom, the closets, the toy bins before all of your current stuff gets pushed to the bottom and Santa drops even more down the chimney.

Fresh Fights Stress. Follow me on this one. You’re about to host a major holiday where you’re worried about cooking the meat perfectly, hosting family, avoiding those provocative political conversations…yikes. I’m getting that tightness in my chest just thinking about it. I don’t know about you, but when my house is clean and organized, I feel like I can tackle anything. Plus, if you have some nosy Nancies, you want your cupboards and closets looking tight and right.

New Year State of Mind. If you can purge even a tenth of your space, you’re going to get in that mindset now so you’re ready to tackle those resolutions day 1. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit and if you start now, you’re more than halfway there. I can’t tell you how good it feels to clear out the clutter…and help others while doing it.

For our friends in Syracuse, Rochester, and Chicago – GiveToOthers.com is a great resource to donate anything and everything. It’s fast, easy, FREE, and places your items with the people who need them the most.