January Is Prime Time to Donate Unused Items & Here’s Why

The start of a new year brings fresh goals, renewed motivation, and the perfect opportunity to reset your space. That’s why January is officially Get Organized Month (also known as “GO” Month!)—a time to declutter, simplify, and start the year feeling lighter and more intentional.

But decluttering doesn’t just benefit your home. When you donate your unused items to Goodwill, you’re creating a ripple effect that supports your community, protects the planet, and helps others move forward. Here’s why January is the best time to get started, and how to make it stick.

Clear Space, Clear Mind

Clutter can quietly take a toll on your mental health. Piles of unused items often create feelings of stress, can be a bit overwhelming, and carry emotional weight, especially after a busy holiday season.

Decluttering can help you:

• Reduce stress and anxiety caused by visual clutter
• Feel more in control of your space
• Create a calmer, more peaceful home environment

By letting go of items you no longer use, you make room for clarity, comfort, and a fresh start for the year ahead.

How Your Donations Strengthen the Community

Once you’re organized, donating your gently used items to Goodwill turns your decluttering efforts into something even more meaningful.

When you donate to Goodwill, you’re doing more than clearing space in your home; you’re investing in your community. Donations are sold in local Goodwill stores, and the proceeds are reinvested right here in South Central Wisconsin.

Your donations help support essential Goodwill mission programs that create real opportunities for individuals in our communities, including access to stable housing, employment support, and critical services that help people build skills, confidence, and independence. What you no longer need can become a steppingstone for someone else working toward a fresh start.

Decluttering as a Sustainable Choice

Donating is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and support sustainability. Instead of sending items to the landfill, you help extend their life and reduce the demand for new production.

Donating helps:

• Keep usable items out of landfills
• Promote reuse and secondhand shopping
• Reduce environmental impact from fast fashion and overconsumption

Choosing to donate is an easy way to make your New Year’s reset more environmentally responsible.

Practical Decluttering Tips to Get Started

You don’t have to tackle your entire home at once. Small, consistent steps can make decluttering feel manageable and sustainable.

Try these tips:

• Start with duplicates: Extra mugs, reusable bags, chargers, or tools are often the easiest items to let go of.
• Declutter by category, not room: Gather all clothing, books, or kitchen items at once so you can see how much you really have.
• Use the one-year rule: if you haven’t used it in the past year, consider donating it
• Use the “maybe” box: If you’re unsure about an item, box it up with a date. If you don’t use it in 30–60 days, donate it.
• Make it a habit: Set a weekly or monthly decluttering goal to prevent clutter from piling back up.
• Don’t organize clutter: If you don’t need it, donate it—organizing unused items just hides the problem.
• Keep donated items visible: Place your donation box near the door or in your car so it’s easy to drop off.
• Declutter with intention: Ask yourself, “Does this support the life I want this year?”
• Tackle high-impact areas first: Closets, entryways, and kitchen counters can make a big difference quickly.
• Set a realistic finish line: Decide in advance how long you’ll declutter so the task doesn’t feel endless.

A Fresh Start That Gives Back

A little effort can go a long way. Spending just a few minutes each day getting organized can lead to a healthier, happier home, while also helping someone else in your community when you donate.

January is the perfect month to declutter with purpose, donate with intention, and start the year feeling organized and focused.