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Decluttering before back-to-school and where to donate around Chicagoland
Another school year is about to start, and with it comes a flood of books, backpacks, and homework into Chicagoland homes. Our real estate agents are here to help with handy decluttering tips and to show you where to take your donations this season.
Decluttering tips for Chicagoland homeowners
Getting ready for the school year starts with making space. Decluttering your home now will help avoid messes and clutter during the season ahead. Start with these simple steps:
Organize the entryway
Everyone in the house—and all their belongings—passes through your front door every day during the school year. Get this area organized with hooks, hangers, and cubbies for jackets, backpacks, and shoes. To avoid future clutter, make it a rule that only items that leave the house frequently belong in the entryway area.
Create craft and homework zones
Set up an area for crafts and homework, and make sure it's well stocked with everything your kids might need, like paper, pens and pencils, art supplies, rulers, and calculators. Having all these supplies in one place will keep the rest of your home tidier and avoid "lost" homework.
Empty the closets
Closets tend to be some of the most cluttered places in our homes. Start by combing through your clothes and eliminating items that are worn out, outdated, or no longer fit. Go through kids' clothes to get rid of garments and shoes they've outgrown, and organize unwanted items for donation.
Donation centers in Chicagoland
Wondering what to do with your decluttered treasures? Check out these great donation centers in Chicagoland's unique neighborhoods.
Cradles to Crayons - Chicago, IL
Address: 2500 W. Bradley Place, Chicago, IL 60618
With a mission to end clothing insecurity for kids, Cradles to Crayons is an important resource for Chicagoland families. The organization accepts a wide variety of new and gently used clothes and school supplies (see guidelines here) and has more than 70 drop-off locations across Chicago and its suburbs.
Share Our Spare - Chicago, IL
Address: 3800 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641
As Share Our Spare celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, this vital organization continues to connect Chicago parents with essential resources. Headquartered on the city's Northwest Side, Share Our Spare accepts a wide variety of items but specializes in baby essentials like baby clothing and shoes, toys, play equipment, and supplies.
Savers - Chicago, IL
Address: 6560 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60707
Accepting donations ranging from clothing and shoes to home decor, kitchenware, and small furniture, Savers operates multiple donation centers and thrift stores throughout Chicagoland. The Community Donation Center at the Unique thrift store in Elmwood Park is among the most popular.
The Kids' Pantry - Mount Prospect, IL
Address: 400 E. Gregory St., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
Founded by a group of local moms, The Kids' Pantry is an organization that helps provide family essentials in the charming Northwest Suburb of Mount Prospect. The Kids' Pantry hosts multiple giveaways throughout the year and is currently accepting donations for children's items, from clothing and toys to strollers and cribs.
CareForReal - Chicago, IL
Address: 5840 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
With locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park, the CareForReal organization is dedicated to helping provide food, clothing, and other essentials to Chicagoans in need. A wide variety of donations are accepted, including clothing and nonperishable food items, with current top needs including unopened toiletries and hygiene products.
Back-to-School decluttering and donation FAQs
What should I declutter before the school year begins?
Start with high-traffic areas such as the entryway, children's closets, homework spaces, and craft-supply storage. Remove outgrown clothing, worn-out shoes, unused school supplies, and items that no longer serve your household.
What kinds of items can Chicagoland donation centers accept?
Accepted items vary by organization but may include gently used clothing, shoes, toys, school supplies, baby gear, kitchenware, small furniture, nonperishable food, and unopened personal-care products. Review each organization's current guidelines before dropping off donations.
Should donated items be cleaned and sorted first?
Yes. Clothing, toys, household goods, and baby items should be clean, safe, and in usable condition. Sorting donations by type and removing anything broken, stained, recalled, or incomplete can make the donation process easier for both your family and the organization.
More to explore in Chicagoland
Chicago is a wonderfully family-friendly city. Contact us today to learn more about back-to-school season in Chicagoland, and talk with our real estate agents about finding your dream home in our unique neighborhoods.
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