We can often do better with less 'stuff'
by James Simpson

Potomac News
Friday, January 2, 2004

Each New Year brings with it the possibility of new beginnings. Many people may be going through their storage boxes (over the next week or two) in an attempt to put away more Christmas decorations than what they began with in early December.

This is the time to consider purging some of the stuff you have in storage and de-cluttering your life. After an extensive and exhaustive purging in my house, I have a few suggestions for useful ways to help others that I will impart in today's column.

The first step in reducing the clutter in your home, thereby freeing up time you can spend on more important things, is to objectively decide why any particular item is being kept.

A warning here? once this process begins it builds its own momentum. For instance, every time I would purge some of the books from my bookcases, and rearrange the ones that were left, I would find others that I decided I really didn't need? and the purging would start all over again.

When I say "purge" I don't necessarily mean throw away.

Since I already mentioned them, there is no better place to start than with books. Books are difficult to get rid of by those who truly appreciate reading and learning. However, many people I know keep books even though it is unlikely they will ever be read again.

These can be recycled by bringing them to a used book store and getting credit to use toward other books. This allows someone else an opportunity to read a book you enjoyed and it provides you a cheaper alternative to buying your books from one of the large chains.

If you have pet toys, leashes, et cetera that are in excellent condition and not needed - the folks at the Pet Assistance League will happily accept your donations. They are set up virtually every Saturday inside the PetSmart next to Potomac Mills and provide a much needed service - adopting out stray or unwanted dogs and cats. While you are there you might even consider taking home a little companion for your dog, cat or child.

The folks at PAL are always in need of a few extra bucks too? so please keep them in mind if you are near Potomac Mills on Saturday.

If you normally don't recycle newspapers, there are two organizations that could really use your help. The Boy Scouts have a paper drive one day a month at Woodbridge Senior High School and frequently the animal shelter on Va. 234 (Dumfries Road) needs newspapers to care for their furry guests. Call the shelter in advance to see if they can use any newspapers before heading there.

I have been told that many nursing homes need fabrics and craft supplies for their residents to use in creative classes. Rather than toss old crafts that you finally realize you will never get to, call these facilities and see if they could use such a donation.

If you have winter clothes, or other items that could benefit those down on their luck, consider bringing them to one of the numerous thrift stores or shelters in Prince William.

Over the past couple of weeks many of them have been overrun by donations, so it is a good idea to call before loading up and carting your items off to them. The homeless shelter run by Volunteers of America is located in Woodbridge off of U.S. 1 and can be reached at (703) 680-5403.

Action in the Community Through Service (ACTS) is located in Dumfries, and their thrift store can be reached at (703) 490-9697. Securing Emergency Resources through Volunteer Efforts (SERVE) operates a thrift store called Save & Serve off of Nathan Court in Manassas can be reached at (703) 330-8777.

Don't throw away those old cell phones! This past week, as I was cleaning out more of my clutter, I came across three cell phones that I couldn't for the life-of me figure out why I was keeping. I end up taking advantage of the "upgrade" deals offered each time I switch cell services.

I got in touch with ACTS and found out they accept functioning cell phones to benefit the victims of domestic violence.

If you can't make it out to one of the thrift stores, consider calling Value Village in Maryland at (301) 422-1212. They can schedule a pick up at your home, and the proceeds go towards the National Children's Center, Inc.

If you have old torn and tattered American flags, please drop them off in a box located in the front of the McCoart building. They will be properly destroyed. And if you have old chemicals don't just flush them down the drain or toilet. Bring them to the Prince William landfill on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. where they will be safely disposed.

Speaking of landfills? new toys seem to need a never ending supply of batteries. Instead of wasting money and increasing the amount of trash in our landfills, consider buying a battery charger. Most stores that carry electronics also have a good selection of rechargeable batteries.

I hope some of these ideas encourage readers to go through the stuff they store and par down. Clearing the excess also clears the mind. And that is a great way to start off a new year.

James Simpson lives in Lake Ridge? with a lot less "stuff" than he had last year.