Spring Cleaning Solutions During Covid

Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, however, given that most people are quarantined, now seems like a great time to go through closets, basements, garages, and the rest of the house to decide what you want to keep and what needs to be given or thrown away.
​
Unfortunately most places that normally accept donations are now closed or are not accepting them at the moment. This should not keep you from going through your home. Below are a couple options for what to do with the items you no longer want around your home.

If you have items that are still in good shape and would normally be donated, instead of throwing them out, organize a neighborhood swap. Chances are that if you have things that need a new home, so will your neighbors. Plan a day that you can put tables at the ends of your driveways or in your lawn, so you and your neighbors can swap items. Remember to continue to social distance and wear masks. This can be a safe way to freshen up your home with new items while also cleaning out other items.

While some of the items you are getting rid of can be donated or swapped, others may be too worn out for a new owner. If you have large items or the items you are throwing away won’t fit in your garbage can, consider sharing the cost of a dumpster with some of your neighbors. Decide on what size dumpster you all can fill, then you can split the cost in a couple different ways. The first way to split the cost is by figuring out what percentage of the dumpster each family will use then each pays that percentage of the bill. Another way is for each family to make a contribution of what they feel is reasonable. If there is leftover money, decide as a group on a charity where you could donate the extra money.​

In this time when so many are isolated and alone, these ideas for spring cleaning can be a good way to safely connect as a community. It is important to remember in these times that even though we are separated, there are still ways we can come together to continue to work for the good of the community and world.