Jump Start to Spring-Cleaning

With New York temperatures soaring into the 70’s after a week of snowstorms, I’m inspired to jump start spring-cleaning. Are you?

Consider three actions as you go through your home and find items you no longer want: Donate, Sell, Trash. Here are some helpful suggestions on where to donate plus some cleaning tips for motivation.

Donate

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Someone’s trash may be another person’s treasure but keep in mind; some items are trash. Do not use a not for profit charity as your dumping ground for broken items. Contact the charity directly as each has its own guidelines.

Michele McKeon, Chief Operating Officer of RECAP says, “Since 1965 RECAP has provided comprehensive programming serving those in need in our community, in particular seniors, veterans, victims of domestic violence, those living with HIV/AIDS and individuals struggling with addiction. RECAP is located at 40 Smith Street in Middletown and accepts gently used household items, sheets, towels and blankets.”

Catholic Charities can take basic household items, pots, pans, plates, etc. and small furniture. Items can be dropped off at 27 Matthews Street, Goshen or 319 Broadway, Newburgh. To make arrangements, contact 845-294-5124 ext. 333 or 325. All donations are redistributed to those in need in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Local Humane Society and animal shelter need towels, blankets, rugs, cleaning supplies, pet carriers and crates.

Local libraries may accept used books.

Charity Yard Sales

Diane Blanton of Better Homes and Garden Rand Realty, Goshen says, “People can get rid of their items at charity yard sales. The proceeds are donated to a charity of their choice. Our office does one for Making Strides every year”.

The First Presbyterian Church in Goshen has two rummage sales per year (spring and fall). The church is also hosting a “Community Yard Sale” on April 29, 2017. Your $30 tax-deductible donation gets you a spot to sell your stuff. Contact the church at 845-294-7991 or email Darlene Bartley at bartley51@yahoo.com for a registration form for the community sale. Thanks to Nancy Warner of Coldwell Banker Village Green in Goshen for sharing this information.

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Cleaning Tips

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is truly magical. Professional stager Michelle Minch says, “I use it for cleaning everything. Dry for mirrors. Wet for walls, upholstery, tile, glass, and painted surfaces. Just make sure to test it in an inconspicuous place as it does contain bleach.”

Clean your washing machine. “Disinfect it with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Run your washing machine through a hot was cycle, let it sit for 30-45 minutes, rinse then wipe cleans,” suggests Holly Gassler of the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club.

June Evers of Goshen does the “touch it once” method when she is cleaning. “Instead of transferring stuff from here to there, touch it once and make a decision where it’s going. Saves time as stuff tends to get transferred here and there and then nothing is done with it”.

Stay tuned for more on this topic.