Books: When everyone goes through their bookshelves and chooses many titles to give away, something psychological happens. You no longer see books as a permanent asset that you keep forever and pass through the family. When you are at a bookstore or online looking for books, suddenly you care that the book may only be read once, then donated away. This mindset helps you consider whether it would be better to read the book on an e-book reader, borrow it from a friend or check it out from the library. You can also purchase books at places like Goodwill or Half-Price for a fraction of the new price.

Clothes: When you continually cull out clothing that does not fit or is not loved you will quickly begin to see and understand the clothes that really “go the distance” in your home.
One child of mine never likes jeans. After donating three or four pair with the tags still on them, I realized it was a total waste. No more jeans for her. Also, keeping the drawers more empty makes it easy for everyone to find the clothes they really love and to keep them neat and well utilized. The same is true for “hand-me-down” clothes from friends. I have learned to go through them, and rather than putting all the clothes that fit into the mix with my children’s current clothes, I pick 5-10 outfits total per child in their rooms. When they get too worn our or outgrown, we swap them out.

Food: This is an area where reality may be painful. You may learn to your horror that no one really eats the canned spinach or the all-natural cereal or the dehydrated twig bits you buy at the store. Before these things expire, donate them away and mark on your grocery list “Do not buy dehydrated twig bits.” Buy the food your family actually eats and enjoys. There are plenty of healthy items they DO love – so skip the rest.

Toys: Get rid of any junky toys missing critical parts and pieces. Realize that toys with a million pieces can be frustrating to children. Keep the toys you buy to a few well-made toys that will stand the test of time and children. Donating frequently will help you and your children to hold onto things loosely and make better choices with your family’s money in the future.

Time: This may seem a little odd – but donating your family’s time to help prepare meals for the homeless or to visit and help at a home for children can radically change the way you see the possessions you have. Short-term mission trips can also make a huge change in the hearts of your family. It suddenly seems frivolous to care about having the latest iPod when you serve hot food to whole families at the end of the month because their food stamps were used. That is not to say we do not use and enjoy technological gadgets, but they have a different importance than they could if we never gave our time and hearts away to those sincerely in need.