“For as long as I can remember, I have been organizing,” says Jon Siegel, a.k.a. the Spatial Guy. Inspired by Elsie, his beloved childhood nanny, “I would organize our kitchen, pantry and closets just for fun. I went to friends’ houses and organized theirs on weekends.”

​Later in life, people would often approach him while he was shopping and ask where to find merchandise. “I guess I was putting things back neatly,” he laughs.

Nowadays, he’s turned that skill into a career as a professional organizer, helping clients from Malibu to Whittier declutter and organize their homes and offices — and often their lives.
He calls it “Creating an aesthetic yet functional space puts people at ease.”

Clients give Jon high marks for his naturally calm, caring demeanor, and he's earned respect from his peers too, serving on the board of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Association of Productivity and
Organizing Professionals.

“Since each client is unique, I don't believe one method works for everyone,” he says. “It is my job to be my clients’ personal trainer and coach and help them learn how to live a lifestyle that works for them.”

Take one client so concerned with emergency preparedness that her garage overflowed with food and supplies, alongside everything from family heirlooms and long-outdated documents from her retired husband’s business to a random bicycle given to her by a neighbor. “We had to make walkways just to get through decades' worth of stuff,” Jon
recalls.

But when they finished, he says, “It looked like everything belonged where it should. We joked that it was like setting up a grocery store, one section for tin foil and Tupperware, another for beans…”
For other clients, blocks to a less cluttered life can be as much mental as material.

One recent client came to him “ready to clear her space and her mind of clutter,” he says. Through discussions with Jon, she came to see the clutter in her home as representing emotional baggage from her parents. After that breakthrough, “she was ready to clear her space, start fresh and reinvent herself.”
“Connecting those two things is what I do,” he reflects. “It’s kind of like therapy.”

Jon says these “light bulb moments” motivate him. Through decluttering and creating a calmer space, he says, “clients feel a sense of accomplishment and have that weight taken off their backs.”

Jon had his own light bulb moment about 5 years ago. The Denver native had moved to LA in the mid-2000s with a bachelor’s degree in retailing and consumer sciences from the University of Arizona, to
pursue a degree at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and a career in advertising.

That kept him going until 2017, when he suddenly found himself unemployed just when his wife, Danielle, was expecting their first child. “I decided to refocus my talents on what I have always loved most — organizing — and have been doing it professionally since,” he says. As his business has grown, so has his family. Jon and Danielle have since been joined by son Asher and daughter Stella, alongside the family’s poodle mix, named Elsie of course.

And what of life at home as a professional organizer? “When Danielle and I met,” he recalls, “she’d walk into a room and drop everything, and I’d pick it back up and find a place to put it. But over the years we’ve come to a middle ground, and sometimes she’s now the one that points things out to me!”

If it worked for her, perhaps it can work for you too.

Organize your work from home setup with these 15 expert tips
 
By Lindsay Tigar
Updated Friday, March 27, 2020 at 10:21 PM

PHOTO: iStock
The desk. You spend more time sitting there than you’d care to admit, don’t you? And chances are, it’s a bit of a mess. If you’re like us, sticky notes, pens and notebooks tend to be scattered across the entire surface, and it’s long overdue for a little upgrade.
That may be especially true now that more and more of us have been instructed (or are choosing) to work from home indefinitely as one way to help slow the spread of coronavirus. So what better time than now, really, to get things organized so your desk at home or working space (which may currently be your kitchen table) becomes a space devoted to focus, precision and determination.
To help keep you focused on all your tasks at hand, we offer these decluttering office supplies, all recommended by top organizers who have been there, cleaned that. Their strategies will have you up and working, stat.
Choose a dedicated work space
In some cities, having a one-bedroom is a luxury in itself, so a home office? Fat chance. Even so, chief organizing expert for Mercari, Patty Morrissey, says it’s essential to have a dedicated working space when you’re away from a traditional business environment. How come? This allows us to report for duty — so to speak — and then check out when we’ve finished our day. “When you walk into the room or the nook or sit at your desk you should feel a shift, the space should trigger a response that it’s time to work,” she explains.
 
Try this: Ardilla Floating Desk ($142.99, originally $159.99; wayfair.com)

Ardilla Floating Desk
 
If you’re tight on space, consider this floating desk that’s attached to the wall. Simply unhook when it’s time to dial in for that 9 a.m. conference call, and stow it away when you’re off the clock.
 
Strategize a drawer system
If you ask Amy Tokos, the president-elect of the National Association of Productivity Organizing Professionals, your home desktop should be considered as prime real estate. Anything that isn’t necessary on a daily basis should be categorized neatly in drawers. That includes school papers, bills, home projects and so on. “Think of the system that works best for your family situation so that you can easily sort/find a home for each person or project,” she says. Whichever way you slice and dice it, finding a way to keep these drawers tidy is key.
 
Try this: mDesign Plastic Divided Drawer Organizer ($22.99; amazon.com)

mDesign Plastic Divided Drawer Organizer
 
Tokos likes the functionality of these dividers, and the fact they’re clear. This way, it’s easy to see where everything is and if clutter is starting to scatter.
 
Create a desktop file
And no, we don’t mean on your computer’s desktop — but the surface of your working space. This should be an easy way to file every paper that’s coming and going. Jordan Marks, the co-owner of organizational design firm It’s Organized, calls this a home office essential, since it houses your active documents. One way to set it up is via various folders titled “This Week,” “Next Week” and “This Month,” to ensure the paper trail is tidy. “Actively sorting and working on these folders will enable you to stop the random piles of paper,” she says.
 
Try this: Blu Monaco Foldable White Magazine File Holder ($23.97; amazon.com)

Blu Monaco Foldable White Magazine File Holder
 
Modern and durable, this set of six is not only trendy for your working space, but serves an organizational purpose, too. The leather label holder elevates the design factor.
 
Have an outbox, too
You have a section of your home desk for papers and projects you’re currently tending to — but what about the ones you’re finished with? Morrissey says just as you have an inbox (both physically and digitally), it’s important to set up an outbox system, too. “It’s important to dedicate a space for things that are leaving your home, such as the items you’re taking to the post office, items that belong in your car, things you need to return to friends, and the items you want to sell like unused office supplies or electronics,” she says.
 
Try this: AmazonBasics Medium Duty Storage Filing Box with Lid ($43.99; amazon.com)

AmazonBasics Medium Duty Storage Filing Box with Lid
 
This pack of 12 is not only inexpensive, but the boxes are easy to carry, with a handle on each side. Pack one full of whatever you’re donating or dropping off at FedEx, lug it to your car and you’re ready to jet.
 
Make everything digital — and recycle
Most professionals feel a sense of completion when everything is labeled, filed and put away, but few actually take the time to do just that. As Jon Siegel, the owner of professional organizing firm The Spatial Guy, explains, a home office can easily get piled up if we allow random business cards and documents to be scattered about. He suggests scanning and digitally organizing any lingering items once a week. Once they’re on the cloud, you can recycle them and clear up some room.
 
Try this: Canon Wireless Printer Scanner AirPrint ($49.99; amazon.com)

Canon Wireless Printer Scanner AirPrint
 
This small but mighty office printer can scan and print, all with the click of your phone. Built-in Bluetooth gives busy professionals the ability to wirelessly send docs without installing software or drivers. As a bonus, it can also print photos.
 
Invest in a bulletin board
Your desk can also serve as a command center: the hub of your family’s daily workings, according to professional organizer Sandra Schustack. “Think invitations, school calendars, schedules, family notes, tickets, and so on,” she explains. “These items need to be easily accessible, visible and top of mind! A bulletin board hanging in front of or alongside your workspace is the perfect solution for hosting these ‘hot’ items.”
 
Try this: Office Expressions Personalized 16-Inch Multi-Purpose Memo Board ($21.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)

Office Expressions Personalized 16-Inch Multi-Purpose Memo Board
 
If you can’t decide between cork, dry erase and chalk, you’re in luck. This personalized memo board offers all three. Add a family quote or saying, and hang this practical — and pretty! — space saver on the wall.
 
Always have a to-do list you can see
Yes, there’s an app for that. But there’s also something motivating about physically checking off something on your priority list, according to Elise Gurock, founder and CEO of Chaos Concierge. “A master to-do list allows you to see everything you need to get done. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing things off as they are completed. This is the best way to make sure you get everything done and don’t forget something important,” Gurock says.
 
Try this: At-A-Glance Planning Notebook ($11.50; amazon.com)

At-A-Glance Planning Notebook
 
Every morning, scribble down your deliverables in this undated planning notebook. Scratch them off as you go, and then recycle the paper before bedtime.
 
Choose effective organizers
If you’re someone who prefers items to match, a set of desktop organizing goods may be ideal for your style. They’re also effective for organizing necessities like scissors, pens, Post-its and beyond, according to Marks. When we have easy-to-reach organizers within sight, we’ll see an uptick in our productivity and effectiveness, since we won’t be overwhelmed by piles of papers surrounding us.
 
Try this: Blu Monaco Office Supplies Gold Desk Accessories ($27.97, originally $30.97; amazon.com)

Blu Monaco Office Supplies Gold Desk Accessories
 
This pretty set of gold baskets makes sure everything from your mail to your important papers to your pens are all in order.
 
Label away
What really leads to clutter on a desk is not having a special place for everything you need — or not knowing where those things are, once you’ve given them a space of their own, according to Michele Goldsmith, professional organizer and founder of Live Love Organize. “This may mean that supplies you use monthly or less often are tucked away on a shelf or in a closet in clear labeled bins,” she says. “No matter if your supplies are visible to others or are tucked away, you want them to be neatly organized so that you can find what you need when you need it.”
 
Try this: Brother P-Touch Easy-To-Use Label Maker ($19.99, originally $34.99; amazon.com)

Brother P-Touch Easy-To-Use Label Maker
 
Not only is this little guy lightweight and portable, but it also offers various fonts, symbols, frames and templates. Using a label maker not only makes it simple for others to find what they need, but keeps you standardized, too.
 
Remember, file cabinets are still trendy
Sure, your mother had one, and probably your grandfather, too. As Gilat Tunit, the founder of personal organizing firm The Project Neat, explains, these cabinets keep clutter off your desk and allow you to have zones. “Rolling carts are also an amazing product to help out with all of your desk clutter,” Tunit says. “They add a ton of extra storage space without breaking the bank.”
 
Try this: Invie 3-Drawer File Cabinet ($99.99; amazon.com)

Invie 3-Drawer File Cabinet
 
Lock away sensitive material and maintain a spick-and-span working space with this file cabinet. Not only is it affordable, but it comes in various colors to match your style.
 
Use a color-coding system
To keep that rolling file cabinet tidy and user-friendly, professional organizer and founder of Apartmentjeanie, Jeanie Engelbach suggests a color-coding system that make sense for your workflow. “You have been liberated from oppressive olive drab hanging files,” she says. “I recommend using specific colors as visual clues for the file’s contents — green for financial documents, red for health matters — whatever makes sense to you. It’s far easier to initially search by color than by label — which of course every file and folder should be labeled.”
 
Try this: AmazonBasics Hanging Folders, Letter Size ($10.88, originally $12.00; amazon.com)

AmazonBasics Hanging Folders, Letter Size
 
The jewel-tone colors in this 25-pack are not only pretty to look at, but practical for keeping everything you need to WFH organized and clean.
 
Find freedom from cables and cords
Repeat after Melissa Groff, professional organizer from Namastay Organized: It’s time to tame your cables. Between smartphone chargers, laptop chargers, headphone cords and countless others, Groff says these can be a distracting eyesore. “Start by shortening your long cords by wrapping them and secure with a cable tie,” she says. “Organize what is left using cable clips to keep them in place. With a sticky backing, they can be placed anywhere and prevent a tangled mess.”
 
Try this: OHill Pack of 24 Self Adhesive Black Cable Clip Holders ($11.99; amazon.com)

OHill Pack of 24 Self Adhesive Black Cable Clip Holders
 
Sure, you might not need two dozen right away, but for the price, it’s smart to have a supply on hand. Let’s be real: You’ll probably lose a few, right?
 
Use stick-on hooks to allow for change
Perhaps with one gig, you want a whiteboard for brainstorming. But then a year later, when you’re promoted, you want to hang awards instead. Stick-on hooks keep your walls safe and provide flexibility.
 
Try this: Command Hooks ($6.68, originally $13; amazon.com)

Command Hooks
 
Simply add adhesive to the wall and to the hook, let it sit and you’re ready to hang. Once you’ve changed your mind and need a refresh, simply tug on the strip and it releases, without chipping the paint or making a mark.
 
Think vertically
If you’re lacking desk or drawer space in your at-home working area, organizing expert and lifestyle blogger Mika Perry says to look up! “A blank wall can be utilized for so many storage dilemmas — from hanging hooks that can hold supplies to putting up a pinboard for your important documents and inspirational quotes, swatches, and snapshots,” she says. “Your clutter-free surfaces will thank you.”
 
Try this: Compono Hanging File Organizer and Wall File Holder ($15.99; amazon.com)

Compono Hanging File Organizer and Wall File Holder
 
A spot for files, pens, scissors and more, this organizer just needs two hooks to have your necessities hung and ready to use.
 
Use scents to focus
Adding little luxuries is an effective — and meaningful — way to make your desk feel less cookie-cutter and more your own. That’s why Perry suggests tapping into your sense of smell to supercharge your workflow. Scents like mint and citrus are known to help us focus, so candles and diffusers shouldn’t be limited to our bedrooms or bathrooms.
 
Try this: Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set ($39.95; amazon.com)

Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set
 
Complete with an ambient light and 10 scents, this modern and simple diffuser will let you figure out which aroma sparks your creativity. Time to get your Zen on.
 
Note: The prices above reflect the retailer’s listed price at the time of publication.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
The desk. You spend more time sitting there than you’d care to admit, don’t you? And chances are, it’s a bit of a mess. If you’re like us, sticky notes, pens and notebooks tend to be scattered across the entire surface, and it’s long overdue for a little upgrade. 
That may be especially true now that more and more of us have been instructed (or are choosing) to work from home indefinitely as one way to help slow the spread of coronavirus. So what better time than now, really, to get things organized so your desk at home or working space (which may currently be your kitchen table) becomes a space devoted to focus, precision and determination. 
To help keep you focused on all your tasks at hand, we offer these decluttering office supplies, all recommended by top organizers who have been there, cleaned that. Their strategies will have you up and working, stat.
Choose a dedicated work spaceIn some cities, having a one-bedroom is a luxury in itself, so a home office? Fat chance. Even so, chief organizing expert for Mercari, Patty Morrissey, says it’s essential to have a dedicated working space when you’re away from a traditional business environment. How come? This allows us to report for duty — so to speak — and then check out when we’ve finished our day. “When you walk into the room or the nook or sit at your desk you should feel a shift, the space should trigger a response that it’s time to work,” she explains. 

Try this: Ardilla Floating Desk ($142.99, originally $159.99; wayfair.com)
Ardilla Floating Desk

If you’re tight on space, consider this floating desk that’s attached to the wall. Simply unhook when it’s time to dial in for that 9 a.m. conference call, and stow it away when you’re off the clock.
Strategize a drawer systemIf you ask Amy Tokos, the president-elect of the National Association of Productivity Organizing Professionals, your home desktop should be considered as prime real estate. Anything that isn’t necessary on a daily basis should be categorized neatly in drawers. That includes school papers, bills, home projects and so on. “Think of the system that works best for your family situation so that you can easily sort/find a home for each person or project,” she says. Whichever way you slice and dice it, finding a way to keep these drawers tidy is key.


Try this: mDesign Plastic Divided Drawer Organizer ($22.99; amazon.com)
mDesign Plastic Divided Drawer Organizer

Tokos likes the functionality of these dividers, and the fact they’re clear. This way, it’s easy to see where everything is and if clutter is starting to scatter.
Create a desktop fileAnd no, we don’t mean on your computer’s desktop — but the surface of your working space. This should be an easy way to file every paper that’s coming and going. Jordan Marks, the co-owner of organizational design firm It’s Organized, calls this a home office essential, since it houses your active documents. One way to set it up is via various folders titled “This Week,” “Next Week” and “This Month,” to ensure the paper trail is tidy. “Actively sorting and working on these folders will enable you to stop the random piles of paper,” she says. 


Try this: Blu Monaco Foldable White Magazine File Holder ($23.97; amazon.com)
Blu Monaco Foldable White Magazine File Holder 

Modern and durable, this set of six is not only trendy for your working space, but serves an organizational purpose, too. The leather label holder elevates the design factor. 
Have an outbox, tooYou have a section of your home desk for papers and projects you’re currently tending to — but what about the ones you’re finished with? Morrissey says just as you have an inbox (both physically and digitally), it’s important to set up an outbox system, too. “It’s important to dedicate a space for things that are leaving your home, such as the items you’re taking to the post office, items that belong in your car, things you need to return to friends, and the items you want to sell like unused office supplies or electronics,” she says. 


Try this: AmazonBasics Medium Duty Storage Filing Box with Lid ($43.99; amazon.com)
AmazonBasics Medium Duty Storage Filing Box with Lid

This pack of 12 is not only inexpensive, but the boxes are easy to carry, with a handle on each side. Pack one full of whatever you’re donating or dropping off at FedEx, lug it to your car and you’re ready to jet.
Make everything digital — and recycleMost professionals feel a sense of completion when everything is labeled, filed and put away, but few actually take the time to do just that. As Jon Siegel, the owner of professional organizing firm The Spatial Guy, explains, a home office can easily get piled up if we allow random business cards and documents to be scattered about. He suggests scanning and digitally organizing any lingering items once a week. Once they’re on the cloud, you can recycle them and clear up some room. 


Try this: Canon Wireless Printer Scanner AirPrint ($49.99; amazon.com)
Canon Wireless Printer Scanner AirPrint 

This small but mighty office printer can scan and print, all with the click of your phone. Built-in Bluetooth gives busy professionals the ability to wirelessly send docs without installing software or drivers. As a bonus, it can also print photos. 
Invest in a bulletin boardYour desk can also serve as a command center: the hub of your family’s daily workings, according to professional organizer Sandra Schustack. “Think invitations, school calendars, schedules, family notes, tickets, and so on,” she explains. “These items need to be easily accessible, visible and top of mind! A bulletin board hanging in front of or alongside your workspace is the perfect solution for hosting these ‘hot’ items.”


Try this: Office Expressions Personalized 16-Inch Multi-Purpose Memo Board ($21.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)
Office Expressions Personalized 16-Inch Multi-Purpose Memo Board 

If you can’t decide between cork, dry erase and chalk, you’re in luck. This personalized memo board offers all three. Add a family quote or saying, and hang this practical — and pretty! — space saver on the wall.
Always have a to-do list you can seeYes, there’s an app for that. But there’s also something motivating about physically checking off something on your priority list, according to Elise Gurock, founder and CEO of Chaos Concierge. “A master to-do list allows you to see everything you need to get done. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing things off as they are completed. This is the best way to make sure you get everything done and don’t forget something important,” Gurock says. 


Try this: At-A-Glance Planning Notebook ($11.50; amazon.com)
At-A-Glance Planning Notebook 

Every morning, scribble down your deliverables in this undated planning notebook. Scratch them off as you go, and then recycle the paper before bedtime. 
Choose effective organizersIf you’re someone who prefers items to match, a set of desktop organizing goods may be ideal for your style. They’re also effective for organizing necessities like scissors, pens, Post-its and beyond, according to Marks. When we have easy-to-reach organizers within sight, we’ll see an uptick in our productivity and effectiveness, since we won’t be overwhelmed by piles of papers surrounding us.


Try this: Blu Monaco Office Supplies Gold Desk Accessories ($27.97, originally $30.97; amazon.com)
Blu Monaco Office Supplies Gold Desk Accessories

This pretty set of gold baskets makes sure everything from your mail to your important papers to your pens are all in order. 
Label away What really leads to clutter on a desk is not having a special place for everything you need — or not knowing where those things are, once you’ve given them a space of their own, according to Michele Goldsmith, professional organizer and founder of Live Love Organize. “This may mean that supplies you use monthly or less often are tucked away on a shelf or in a closet in clear labeled bins,” she says. “No matter if your supplies are visible to others or are tucked away, you want them to be neatly organized so that you can find what you need when you need it.”


Try this: Brother P-Touch Easy-To-Use Label Maker ($19.99, originally $34.99; amazon.com)
Brother P-Touch Easy-To-Use Label Maker 

Not only is this little guy lightweight and portable, but it also offers various fonts, symbols, frames and templates. Using a label maker not only makes it simple for others to find what they need, but keeps you standardized, too. 
Remember, file cabinets are still trendySure, your mother had one, and probably your grandfather, too. As Gilat Tunit, the founder of personal organizing firm The Project Neat, explains, these cabinets keep clutter off your desk and allow you to have zones. “Rolling carts are also an amazing product to help out with all of your desk clutter,” Tunit says. “They add a ton of extra storage space without breaking the bank.”


Try this: Invie 3-Drawer File Cabinet ($99.99; amazon.com)
Invie 3-Drawer File Cabinet

Lock away sensitive material and maintain a spick-and-span working space with this file cabinet. Not only is it affordable, but it comes in various colors to match your style.
Use a color-coding systemTo keep that rolling file cabinet tidy and user-friendly, professional organizer and founder of Apartmentjeanie, Jeanie Engelbach suggests a color-coding system that make sense for your workflow. “You have been liberated from oppressive olive drab hanging files,” she says. “I recommend using specific colors as visual clues for the file’s contents — green for financial documents, red for health matters — whatever makes sense to you. It’s far easier to initially search by color than by label — which of course every file and folder should be labeled.” 


Try this: AmazonBasics Hanging Folders, Letter Size ($10.88, originally $12.00; amazon.com)
AmazonBasics Hanging Folders, Letter Size

The jewel-tone colors in this 25-pack are not only pretty to look at, but practical for keeping everything you need to WFH organized and clean.
Find freedom from cables and cordsRepeat after Melissa Groff, professional organizer from Namastay Organized: It’s time to tame your cables. Between smartphone chargers, laptop chargers, headphone cords and countless others, Groff says these can be a distracting eyesore. “Start by shortening your long cords by wrapping them and secure with a cable tie,” she says. “Organize what is left using cable clips to keep them in place. With a sticky backing, they can be placed anywhere and prevent a tangled mess.”


Try this: OHill Pack of 24 Self Adhesive Black Cable Clip Holders ($11.99; amazon.com)
OHill Pack of 24 Self Adhesive Black Cable Clip Holders

Sure, you might not need two dozen right away, but for the price, it’s smart to have a supply on hand. Let’s be real: You’ll probably lose a few, right?
Use stick-on hooks to allow for changePerhaps with one gig, you want a whiteboard for brainstorming. But then a year later, when you’re promoted, you want to hang awards instead. Stick-on hooks keep your walls safe and provide flexibility.


Try this: Command Hooks ($6.68, originally $13; amazon.com)
Command Hooks 

Simply add adhesive to the wall and to the hook, let it sit and you’re ready to hang. Once you’ve changed your mind and need a refresh, simply tug on the strip and it releases, without chipping the paint or making a mark.
Think verticallyIf you’re lacking desk or drawer space in your at-home working area, organizing expert and lifestyle blogger Mika Perry says to look up! “A blank wall can be utilized for so many storage dilemmas — from hanging hooks that can hold supplies to putting up a pinboard for your important documents and inspirational quotes, swatches, and snapshots,” she says. “Your clutter-free surfaces will thank you.”


Try this: Compono Hanging File Organizer and Wall File Holder ($15.99; amazon.com)
Compono Hanging File Organizer and Wall File Holder

A spot for files, pens, scissors and more, this organizer just needs two hooks to have your necessities hung and ready to use.
Use scents to focusAdding little luxuries is an effective — and meaningful — way to make your desk feel less cookie-cutter and more your own. That’s why Perry suggests tapping into your sense of smell to supercharge your workflow. Scents like mint and citrus are known to help us focus, so candles and diffusers shouldn’t be limited to our bedrooms or bathrooms.


Try this: Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set ($39.95; amazon.com)
Ultimate Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set

Complete with an ambient light and 10 scents, this modern and simple diffuser will let you figure out which aroma sparks your creativity. Time to get your Zen on. 


Note: The prices above reflect the retailer’s listed price at the time of publication.

Doesn’t it feel good to give back? Here's where you can donate everything from DVDs and crayons to musical instruments and prom dresses.

Giving new life to your old items
We all have stuff sitting around the house that we no longer need. While it can be easy to toss most of it in the trash, you should seriously consider donating it instead—even these surprising things you didn’t know you could donate. “Donating and recycling in today’s world is crucial for the future of our planet,” explains Los Angeles–based professional organizer Jon Siegel. “The contributions individuals and local communities can make are important in the difference they can make in our nation and the world.” In addition to helping the environment, passing along certain items can make a real difference to people in need, as well. However, it can be difficult to figure out where exactly to donate your old stuff. That’s why we compiled this comprehensive list of where to donate everything from cars and clarinets to crayons and cardboard boxes.

Donate building materials and furniture to: Habitat ReStore
 
Habitat ReStore resale outlets sell everything from reusable and surplus building materials to furniture—all of which they receive via donated goods. “While every ReStore is a little different, most focus on home-improvement goods like furniture, home accessories, building materials, and appliances,” Siegel explains. The goods are then sold to the general public at a fraction of the retail price. But here’s the best part: The proceeds help local Habitat affiliates fund the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes within their communities. So, is there anything you shouldn’t give to someone else? Here’s a list of items you should think twice about donating.

Donate wheelchairs and medical equipment to: UCP Wheels for Humanity
 
There are so many people who can’t afford a wheelchair, so UCP Wheels for Humanity is a great place to donate newer (five years or less) manual and power wheelchairs, says Siegel. They also accept other durable medical equipment for local and international distribution. You can also do a lot of good for a wide variety of people by donating your used books.

Donate used cardboard boxes to: Used Cardboard Boxes
 
So many of us stick our old cardboard boxes in the recycling bin. However, donating them to Used Cardboard Boxes is a better option, according to Siegel, as the company “takes an innovative approach to providing low-cost, Earth-friendly moving boxes.” They “rescue” truckloads of quality used boxes from large companies that might otherwise recycle them or simply throw them away, and bring them back to their regional distribution centers, where they are inspected and sorted by size and shape. Boxes that meet their strict requirements for quality, shape, and strength are prepacked (along with convenient packing accessories) into low-cost, eco-friendly “stacks” and “kits” and are resold to customers all across the United States, via their website. Speaking of which, these are the packing tips you’ll definitely want to know before moving.

Donate bras to: Uplift Project
 
For women in disadvantaged communities, a bra is often unobtainable or unaffordable. If you have any bras sitting around that no longer fit or you simply don’t like them, you should consider donating them to the Uplift Project, urges Siegel. “This project collects new and secondhand bras and sends them upon request,” he explains. Don’t miss these stories of people whose lives were forever changed thanks to the power of generosity.

Donate shoes to: Soles4Souls
 
Both new and used shoes from companies, retailers, and individuals are welcomed at Soles4Souls, which distributes them to those who need them. The group’s goal is to help lift people out of poverty by providing them with this basic necessity. “You can ship them to Soul4Souls yourself, or Zappos will ship them for you,” explains Siegel. Or, you can also find a donation location near you on their website. While you’re going through your old stuff, take a long, hard look at it and figure out what your favorite shoes say about your personality.

Donate excess produce to: Ample Harvest
 
Many people with a garden—no matter how big or small—end up with excess fruits and veggies at some point in the growing season. Instead of tossing those extra tomatoes in the compost, consider using them to feed someone in need. “Ample Harvest diminishes hunger in America by educating and enabling gardeners to donate their excess harvest to the needy in their community instead of allowing it to rot in the garden,” Siegel explains. Did you know that it’s actually illegal for grocery stores to waste food in this European nation?

Donate old crayons to: Crazy Crayons or The Crayon Initiative
 
If you have kids, chances are you’ve thrown away plenty of broken crayons. However, did you know that you can actually recycle them, even if they’re in small pieces? “Crazy Crayon‘s Crayon Recycle Program takes unwanted, rejected, and broken crayons to a better place where they’ll be recycled into fresh, new crayons,” explains Siegel. The Crayon Initiative also recycles old bits of crayons to make perfect new ones, then gives them to art programs at children’s hospitals around the country.

Donate eyeglasses to: One Sight Organization
 
If you have any old glasses, especially ones you’ve taken good care of, don’t even think about trashing them, says Siegel. One Sight Organization will repair used and unwanted eyeglasses and distribute them to several Lions organizations, which will subsequently give them to people who cannot afford new glasses. (One Sight itself only offers new eyewear to patients.) By the way, this is how you’re abusing your eyeglasses without even knowing it.

Donate old electronics to: Homeboy Electronics Recycling
 
Don’t toss your old electronics in the trash—even if they don’t work anymore. “Homeboy Electronics Recycling breaks down electronics and then either ships them out for proper recycling or fixes them for resale,” explains Siegel. Got an old Nintendo or ancient cell phone? They will take those, too. “They also have a selection of vintage items for prop rentals on photo shoots and other productions,” he adds. Here are some more ideas about what to do with those old tech devices.

Donate old work clothes to: Dress for Success
 
Founded in 1997, Dress for Success helps provide women with the support, professional attire, and career-development tools they need to enter and succeed in the workplace and beyond. They accept donations of gently worn suits and accessories to help empower women to look their best. Dress for Success has affiliate locations nationwide. Check out these powerful ways to give back without breaking the bank.

Donate old formal attire to: Operation Prom
 
Many take going to the prom for granted, but for some people, the cost of a prom dress or suit is beyond their reach. Enter Operation Prom. Here, you can donate gently used and new formal attire that is appropriate for teen girls hoping to attend their big night. Some locations even accept tuxedo donations. See the website for donation sites, and keep checking back since more sites get added during prom season.

Donate old toys to: Second Chance Toys
 
Second Chance Toys has a dual mission—to keep plastic toys out of landfills and to donate them to children in need instead. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, nearly 14 million children live in families with incomes below the federal poverty level. Donating even one toy helps bring a smile to a child who faces hardship and struggles every day.

Donate musical instruments to: Hungry for Music or Children’s Music Fund
 
As the Hungry for Music website states, “Our most important service is putting musical instruments into hungry hands.” They accept unused or unwanted musical instruments, including acoustic guitars, flutes, and drums. They don’t accept upright pianos and organs. Of course, they prefer working instruments, but they have people on hand capable of fixing and repairing instruments as needed. They then distribute the working instruments to children in need and pair them with willing teachers. Siegel also suggests the Children’s Music Fund, a national charity with a mission to provide music therapy and musical instruments to children and young adults with chronic or life-altering illnesses, and to support research on the effects of music therapy. If you’re looking to donate to charity, your donations will make the biggest impact at these organizations.

Donate movies to: DVDs4VETs
 
Donate used and old DVDs and Blu-Rays to DVDs4VETs, whose mission is to provide entertainment to veterans who normally wouldn’t have access to it. More than one million discs have already been donated. The group does not accept old VHS tapes, as most VA Hospitals don’t use VCRs anymore. Here are some other simple but powerful ways you can support vets.

Donate coats to: One Warm Coat
 
One Warm Coat aims to provide people in need with a warm coat, and according to their website, nearly 15 percent of Americans live in poverty and may not be able to afford heavy coats. The charity started in San Francisco in 1992 and has grown into a national organization that runs more than 3,000 coat drives each year. Keep in mind that donating at any time of year is great, but the need is greatest during the fall and winter. In case you were wondering, it really does matter where you donate. This is what else can happen to your used clothing donations.

Donate cars to: Kars 4 Kids or Habitat for Humanity
 
Have an old car, boat, or piece of real estate you’d like to donate? Kars 4 Kids has accepted more than 450,000 cars since its founding in 1995, and they have raised more than $100 million for charity programs. One such program is a summer camp that focuses on educating and mentoring kids. They’ll pick up your car, boat, RV, snowmobile, or pretty much any other vehicle within 24 to 48 hours, and it’s all tax-deductible. Kars 4 Kids is also where you can donate vehicles that are no longer running. And you can do it all online.
Siegel also suggests Habitat for Humanity‘s vehicle program. “By donating a car to Habitat’s Cars for Homes vehicle donation program, you help your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate build and rehabilitate houses in partnership with families in need of a hand up, not a handout,” he explains.
Next, check out these heartwarming stories of people who came from nothing—and now want nothing more than to give back.
 
Originally Published: February 24, 2020