Spring Cleaning with Purpose: Declutter and Donate to Goodwill

5 Decluttering Tips from professional organizers Kaytlyn & Shannon

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for a fresh start! As you tackle your annual spring cleaning, why not declutter with impact? Goodwill Industries of Alberta is here to help you simplify your space while making a difference in your community.

To make decluttering easier, we’ve teamed up with Professional Organizers Shannon and Kaytlyn from Sort & Simple Professional Organizing for a series on easy decluttering strategies. Each tip will not only help you reclaim your space but also show you how donating to Goodwill supports employment opportunities and sustainability in Alberta.

Why Choose Goodwill for Your Donations?

Goodwill makes donating easy and impactful! Here’s why the Sort & Simple team recommends Goodwill as a perfect place to bring your decluttered items:

• Convenience: Open seven days a week with 37 drop-off sites across Alberta.
• Efficiency: Accepts a wide variety of items, making it a great one-stop donation destination.
• Mission-Driven: 92 cents of every dollar spent in Goodwill stores supports job training and employment opportunities for Albertans with disabilities or barriers to work.
• Sustainability: 88% of donated goods are diverted from landfills through repurposing, reusing, upcycling, and recycling programs.

5 Simple Decluttering Strategies From the Pros to Help You Donate with Ease

1. Keep a Donation Box Handy
One of the easiest ways to stay on top of clutter is to have a designated donation box in your home. When you come across an item you no longer need, drop it in the box. Once it’s full, take it to your nearest Goodwill donation centre—no big decluttering sessions required!

2. Avoid Default: Empty, Then Refill
Instead of removing just a few things at a time, empty an entire space and only put back what truly belongs. This method ensures you’re making intentional choices about every item. The Organizer at Sort & Simple have seen people let go of 60% more clutter using this technique!

3. Ask the Right Question
Not sure whether to keep an item? Ask yourself: Do I use it? Do I love it? Do I need it? If the answer is no, it’s time to donate it and give it a new life in someone else’s home.

4. Use Expiry Dates to Let Go with Confidence
If you’re struggling to part with something, place it in a box with a set “expiry date” (3–6 months from now). If you haven’t reached for it by then, it’s a clear sign you don’t need it—donate it to Goodwill and let it serve someone new!

5. Set Space Limits
For collections like seasonal items, sentimental keepsakes, or clothing, establish a space limit—whether it’s one shelf, one bin, or one closet. When the space is full, it’s time to choose your favorites and donate the rest.

Your Donations Create Opportunities

Every time you donate to Goodwill, you’re not just clearing clutter—you’re changing lives! Your items help fund programs that provide employment, training, and volunteer opportunities for Albertans with disabilities. In fact, 21% of Goodwill’s team has a self-disclosed disability, making every donation a step toward inclusivity and empowerment.

Ready to make a difference? Find your nearest Goodwill donation centre at goodwill.ab.ca and start decluttering with purpose today!

Follow @goodwill_ab and @sortandsimple for the full video series!