Finally, spring! Besides spring-cleaning, this is a good time to get rid of anything that is no longer serving you. Many organizations have fundraising yard sales. Or start gathering up goodies for your own. Sort your stuff into piles: trash/donate/sell.

On the flip side, watch for local yard and garages sales to purchase “new-to-your-home” items. You never know what you might find, and the price can be remarkably lower than buying new. Look for Facebook online yard, too. Just as you are looking to change the look in your home, someone else is, as well.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Greater Newburgh is preparing for the annual flood of spring donations. If you are planning to re-decorate, re-arrange or re-distribute some of your stuff, consider donating your items to the ReStore. The ReStore will use the proceeds to help build affordable housing in Newburgh. Not only will your life be de-cluttered, you will be helping to build your community with your tax-deductible donation.

Visit habitatnewburgh.org/restore to get the specifics of the donation process, but the basics are that they take most furniture, appliances and household goods except for upholstered furniture, computers and electronics. All donated goods should be in gently used, working condition and can be dropped off at the ReStore, 38 S. Plank Road, Newburgh, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. If you have a number of larger items, call them at 565-1789, ext.142, to inquire about a pick-up.

Another “re-” that the ReStore now offers is reused, recycled, re-imagined pallets. They feature a locally made line of furniture made from used shipping pallets. Habitat volunteer Tim McNeilly, using pallet wood from his business, McNeilly Wood Products in Campbell Hall, crafts the furniture.

The furniture was introduced with little fanfare in February, and several items are already out of stock. McNeilly is currently making side and coffee tables, hook racks and benches, with more designs in the works. Because all materials and labor is graciously donated, the ReStore offers these wonderful, handcrafted pieces at substantial savings over similar artisanal furnishings, all profits going toward house building.

Confessions of a stager

Although I have grand thoughts of having a blowout yard sale, the task exhausts me. As I create piles for donations or that imaginary yard sale (whether virtual or live), I ask, “Can I use this in my staging inventory?” The reality is, selling takes time and energy. It is so much easier to donate, plus it feels good to pay it forward. As I write, my car is loaded with donations to bring to the ReStore.

Another option is to schedule a pick up with Big Brothers and Big Sisters (they take electronics!) and veterans organizations.

Happy ReSpring!