Clear the clutter at Sunderland Library’s Home Organization Swap

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Residents looking to kick off the new year with a more organized home will have an opportunity to do so, in an eco-friendly way, at an upcoming Home Organization Swap, in the Sunderland Branch of the Brock Township Public Library.

The swap will be held, on Saturday, January 24th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sunderland Branch. Community members are invited to exchange gently used home-organization items, they no longer need, for ones which may better suit their space or lifestyle.

In advance of the event, the library is accepting donations of organizing items, during regular branch hours, until Wednesday, January 21st. Accepted items include: baskets, bins, jars, planners, calendars, hooks, and storage containers. Those who donate ahead of time will receive an early bird ticket, allowing for early access to the swap on the day of the event.

“This swap is about helping people start the year fresh, without the pressure to buy new products,” said Jen Fulop, Coordinator of Outreach and Programming with the Brock Township Public Library. “Many of us already own organizing items [which] no longer work for our homes, but could be exactly what someone else is looking for.”

Ms. Fulop said, the event also reflects the library’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

“It’s a fun and practical way to reduce waste and reuse what we already have,” she said. “We want people to feel inspired and supported, as they tackle clutter and rethink how they organize their spaces.”

In addition to the swap, attendees can expect to pick up simple tips for managing clutter in the new year. Library staff will also showcase a selection of their favourite organizing and decluttering books, available through the library.

Local resident Amanda Reeves said, the event offers a refreshing alternative to shopping for new storage solutions.

“I’m always reorganizing and end up with bins which don’t quite fit my space anymore,” Ms. Reeves said. “Being able to swap them, instead of throwing them out or buying more, is a great idea, and it’s nice to see the library bringing people together around something so practical.”

Ms. Fulop hopes the event will encourage residents to see organization in a new light.

“A clear space can really lead to a clearer mind,” she said. “This swap is about sharing resources, learning from each other, and making organization more accessible for everyone.”

The Home Organization Swap is free and open to the public. Items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with early access provided to donors holding early bird tickets. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, to take full advantage of the selection.