I found it very helpful to have a box right by the front door that I put a tape label on, reading DONATIONS.
This encourages Dan and I to put things in the box that I can take to Goowill, or wherever, on my way out for errands. It's convenient, and allows us to easily put stuff aside to donate (rather than throw away), and keeps the clutter down by the front door area. Previously I would just stack stuff, willy nilly, near the shoes. This is much neater.
I am also going to put a box by the door to be labeled RETURNS.