My kids had tons of stuffed animals they didn't play with anymore. Donating them made it easier to let go.

• Getting rid of stuffed animals can be hard for kids because they have sentimental value.
• We learned to donate them instead of throwing them out.
• We contacted our local soup kitchen and realized there were more things we could donate.

This fall we got new carpeting. While packing our house we found dozens of items from our kids' childhood — clothes, stuffed animals, cuddle blankets — shoved into closets and under beds. Things that hadn't been previously donated or recycled but they were also not using. Except now, we didn't have space for.

While surrounded by piles of sweet plush faces — the white dog now gray from being loved, the bunny from grandpa — we knew we needed to figure out where to send them. Thankfully I have a good friend who volunteers at a soup kitchen. She shared that they have a need for stuffed animals and my kid's childhood friends would find a new home.

Letting go of stuffies can be hard

Getting rid of things that have sentimental value isn't easy. When I was moving in junior high I struggled getting rid of my stuffed animals. Each one had meaning to me — the Figment plush from Disney World, my first Care Bear — and the idea of throwing out stuffed animals seemed mean.

Items that are a comfort to us, like stuffed animals and blankets, can be hard to let go of. These items have nostalgia, provide emotional comfort, or may be a reminder of someone we love. I can't let go of the stuffed animals my grandma had before she passed away.

Knowing that their stuffed animals would go to kids who needed them, helped my kids as we sorted through the large pile of plush.

A volunteer at my local soup kitchen also told me that stuffed animals tend to be gone within minutes since it's not something they have often.

Knowing this made us look at all the unused items we have and think about what else we aren't using — things that are just sitting on a shelf, that could have new life as a comfort to someone else.

The stuffed animals were just a start. By talking with volunteers we learned there was a serious need for items we didn't think we could donate.

Winters where I live are rough. Cold-weather clothing and blankets are in high demand. Even items like throw pillows and mattress toppers are put to good use. Our coat closet was a treasure trove of boots, gloves, and hats that we were ready to give away.

Socks and undergarments are popular and most places will take underwear and bras. I had so many pairs of toddler underpants post potty training — I wish I knew then what I know now and had donated them.

I checked with my kids before putting something on the donate pile

I sometimes look at my kid's room and have flashbacks to the book "Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room." I just want to walk in with a huge garbage bag and get rid of all the mess.

Blankets, stuffed animals, toys, books — especially the story you read to them before bed — should be something you agree on before donating. You don't want to get rid of something that has sentimental value.

I asked around before finding where to donate our things

I was surprised how many of my mom friends had connections or volunteered at places. Schools, townships, and churches are another good source.

During the holidays many charities ask for new items. Keep their information because they may take used items the rest of the year.

Your local food bank is an excellent resource for locating soup kitchens and food pantries — places that may provide support beyond food.

It feels good to donate items that help another parent get their kid through a growth spurt, provide blankets needed during the cold months, and give-away stuffed animals that are a comfort to a child in need.