Choose a day when you don’t have anything else going on, such as a free Saturday or a day off work or school. Sorting through clothes can be time-consuming, and you don’t want to get frustrated because you run out of time in the middle of your de-cluttering extravaganza. To make this process more fun, put on some upbeat music while you sort. Closets, more than other spots in your house, collect things. These will be the areas of your home where most unused clothes and shoes are located. Start with bedroom closets, and then move to any hall or storage closets. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, consider giving it away. If something doesn’t fit you, it may also belong in the donate pile. Remember, something that’s no longer perfect for you could be someone else’s treasure. You can make three piles: “Keep,” “Give Away,” and “Unsure.” At the very end of your sorting, revisit the “Unsure” pile and ask yourself “will I really wear this again?” for every item. While it may be tempting to give away that pair of totally ruined jeans, resist that urge. You’re creating more work for donation centers when you give them items that can’t be reused by other people. For clothes that are in total disrepair, consider ripping them up to make cleaning rags. You can also look online for clothing recycling centers, which are different than donation centers. People who are out of work often rely on donated clothing for interviews. They may not be able to afford full-price suits, shirts, and slacks, so anything you donate could be put to very good use.  Professional shoes are also in high demand. Even out-of-date professional clothing can be useful. People may be able to have these items tailored and still spend less than they would on new professional clothing. Shoes that are in good condition can be donated. Do not donate shoes that are out of shape or have worn soles though, as people won't find these useful. Shoes that have good soles, have kept their shape, are clean and have all fittings like laces still intact make perfect choices for donating. Sandals, boots and sneakers are also wanted items in charity stores.

Summary: Set aside a whole day to clean out your home. Focus on closets. Sort your clothes into piles for keeping and giving away. Choose items that are in good condition. Give away professional clothing to help job-seekers. Donate shoes.


The best time to confess a crush? Right now. There's no use in waiting, because you're only giving your crush the opportunity to start dating someone else, or find someone else to crush on and forget about you. If you know someone and like them, the perfect time is now. The only time you should wait is when your crush is currently dating someone. Telling someone that you like them while they're in a relationship can make things kind of complicated. It's best to find someone else to crush on for a while, and return to the person later when they're single. Despite what you may think, telling someone that you like them shouldn't be a big deal. Even if they don't feel the same way, it'll be such a nice thing to say! Especially if you approach them in a calm and cool way, being gentle and humorous in your approach. Make it easy and try to take the pressure off yourself.  Build yourself up before you do it. Look in the mirror and say, "I got this. I'm a cool person my crush should want to be with." Then go put yourself out there. Look your best on the day you decide to do it. Wear clean, stylish clothes that fit you well and flatter you, and make sure you're fresh-breathed and clean-haired. If you don't know your crush very well, it can be kind of difficult to confess a crush. The last thing you want to do is to take the risk of saying so and having them say, "Wait, who are you?" If you're not sure whether or not the person knows you, go up to them and introduce yourself. It doesn't have to be complicated: "Hey, I don't know if you know me real well. We're in the same grade, I think we had Mr. Robinson's class last year? Well, I've wanted to tell you something for a while..." The best way to have this conversation is in private. It's important that both of you feel as comfortable and calm as possible, to avoid making this a super-big-deal, but it's also good to have a little privacy so it's less embarrassing.  Passing between class periods can be a great time to catch someone really quickly. Right after class or when you're leaving the same class is a good time, too. Or, you could try to sit together on the bus. Just hang back and say, "Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?" Never go up to a crush while they're in a big group, or try to confess in the middle of the lunch room while everyone can hear you. It can be really awkward if it doesn't end up going well. It's a private conversation, so do it one-one-one. If you say, "I like you" and your crush says, "I like you too," then what? Are you just going to say, "Well....cool." No! It's important to have a specific date in mind so you can follow up.  If a dance is coming up, say, "Cool, I hoped maybe we could go to the dance together. Would you like to?" If there's nothing school related, or you're not in school, say, "I hoped we could get a bite to eat sometime. Want to go for pizza this Friday? Say around 7?" In some cases, it might be better to not rush it. Don't expect much of an answer if you tell someone that you like them. They may want to think about it for a while. That's a good thing. Don't worry about waiting. The big moment doesn't have to be a big deal. There's no point in making it complicated, or super-creative, when the content is "I like you." Just introduce yourself, smile, and say, "You know, I've wanted to say this for a long time. I've always noticed you, and you seem really cute and sweet. I find myself thinking about you. I like you a lot." Don't follow a "script" when you try to talk. Lots of people who feel awkward in this situation think it will be better if they're reading from a script, but that'll just make you sound like a robot. Talk naturally, as if you were talking to one of your oldest friends. You know what? It happens. It's happened to everyone. Being rejected might sting a little at first, but it's a whole lot better than wondering what might have happened if you'd have said something, but didn't. You'll grow up, you'll move on, and so will your crush. Just get out there and go for it. If you get rejected, just smile and say, "Well, I'm glad to know at least. Have a good rest of your week." Never complain, scoff, or do anything dramatic. Even if you're feeling upset, at least you know now and can move on.
Summary: Don't wait. Try to stay calm and cool. Introduce yourself, if necessary. Talk one-on-one, in person. Have a specific date or event in mind to follow up with. Cut to the chase. Don't worry about rejection.