For Jamie Novak, an organizing specialist in Chicago, that redistribution is taking many forms. “I am editing what we own and sharing with others in a variety of ways,” she says. “I’m dropping things off to local charities, liberally using Freecycle.org, and trying out zwaggle.com” (where participants receive points for giving their used items to other families and then use those points to obtain things from other members).

She takes pet goods to animal shelters, dresses and items that can be used as props to community theaters, and makeup and personal items to women’s shelters. Arts and crafts supplies, including yarn, go to assisted-living facilities. Ms. Novak gives stuffed animals to police stations and family-services groups. She donates bags, boxes, and packing material to thrift stores for use in wrapping purchases.

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