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Lately my household has been on a mission to get organized. We’re doing our own version of Marie Kondo and Swedish death cleaning, purging the boxes in the back of the closet and the drawers that won’t quite close. Part of that process is accepting that some of the things we received as gifts just aren’t going to make the cut. The unused scented candles. The cute coffee mugs. The concert t-shirt from 2004 that never felt comfortable enough to wear.
Every one of those was given with love. I know that. And every one of them is now sitting in a bag by the front door, waiting for a ride to the donation center.
I’ve been thinking about that bag a lot, because the season of buying is almost here. Pretty soon we’ll all be standing in a store aisle, or scrolling at midnight, trying to find something for the people we love who already have everything that fits in a box.
What People Tell Me They Need
When people find out what I do and start telling me about their yards, the conversation almost always comes back to time and energy. They tell me about the load they’re carrying with a new puppy, or a new foster dog. The fact that they work all the time. That no one in the house wants to do that job, so it just doesn’t get done.
What would it mean to hand one of them an hour back?
That’s the idea I’ve been chewing on. Instead of stuff, give ease.
Who’s On Your List
Picture who’s on your list this year. Your sister, who’s stretched so thin she’d never in a million years ask for help, so this is help she doesn’t have to ask for. Your friend who just brought home her first rescue and is learning everything at once. The couple who both work late and still keep score over whose turn it is to go out back. Or your mom and dad, who love that dog like a grandchild. A clean, safe yard underfoot is one less thing for you to worry about from across town or across the country.
A Gift That Takes Up Zero Closet Space
This is a gift that takes up zero space in a closet. It shows up every week. Someone quietly takes care of the worst chore in the house, and your person walks outside to a yard they can actually enjoy.
I started UrbanTail because I know what it feels like to have one more thing on the list. Taking that one thing off someone else’s list might be the most thoughtful present you give this year.
Be the First to Know
We’re putting the finishing touches on our gift options for the season now. If someone came to mind while you were reading this, head to urbantailcleanup.com/gift and leave your info. I’ll send you the details first. And you can give from anywhere, as long as your person lives in our corner of DFW.
Nobody ever has to decide whether a clean yard makes the cut. It just makes life a little lighter.
Local News Matters.
