Here's the news from Maureen:
Is down-sizing on your list of things to do this season? I'm aware of a noticeable pattern: we spend the first half of our lives collecting and amassing quantities of things, but we end up spending the last half trying to divest ourselves of the same items.

If you're ready to let go of some of your excess, this issue is all about how to prepare for the release and where to take things once you've decided they've got to go.

• Set a bag or box in the entry and/or in each person's closet to be able to toss in an unwanted item whenever you think of it.
• Schedule a 'once a month purge' session; the whole family can be involved.
• Adopt the 'one new in; one old out' principle: whenever you buy something new (or even something used) you make a point to let go of a different item. This works especially well when you have cramped quarters.
• A serious minimalist lives by 'minimum/maximum guidelines': for those of you who like to make lists, here's an opportunity for you to write out how many (of any given category) you'll allow yourself, e.g., 5 sleeveless tops, 5 short sleeve, 5 long sleeve, 7 shorts, 5 jeans, 7 dress pants, 3 jackets per season, no more than 10 pairs of shoes total and so on.

However you decide to tackle the problem, it is well worth your effort. Don't give up! Even if you only make one trip per season to donate items, they'll no longer be competing for your limited space.

Where oh where should my donations go?
Since Maureen is local to the Minneapolis area, she listed a variety of places for our large Choice Mom community here in my hometown. Please share your own favorite donation sites in the comments field below.

American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org or 1-800-227-2345

Value Village Thrift Stores & Pickup Service
www.arcsvaluevillage.org or 612-866-8820

Courage Center
www.couragepickup.org or 952-881-1100

Epilepsy Foundation
www.efmn.org or 651-287-2300

Salvation Army
www.thesalvationarmy.com or 612-332-5855

Vietnam Veterans of America
www.vvapickup.org or 651-778-8387

Charities Review Council of Minnesota
www.smartgivers.org (Rates various charities)

Mikki's note: Freecycle has websites in a variety of cities to help you find a new home for something that you don't think needs to simply take space in a landfill.

Donating tips, from www.GoodwillEasterseals.org

• When in doubt, throw it out! (if you wouldn't wear it, it probably won't sell either)
• If it isn't sale-able, please dispose of it properly. (don't contribute to their trash bill)
• Check with donation site to ensure that item meets safety standards. (no hazardous waste!)
• Your donation is tax deductible! (Be sure to get a receipt.)