I love thrifting, but spring might be my favorite time of year to do it. As the weather warms up, people start cleaning out closets, rearranging their homes, and getting rid of things they no longer use. That means thrift stores suddenly have a lot more donations coming through their doors.

But not every donation is equally useful. Stores need items that shoppers are actually looking for, especially things that fit the season and are still in good condition.

If you’re doing some spring cleaning, these are some of the donations that thrift stores can really use right now.

Seasonal Clothing That’s Ready to Wear

Once winter starts winding down, shoppers begin looking for lighter clothes. Heavy coats may take a back seat while spring jackets, dresses, jeans, activewear, and everyday tops become more popular.

Clean clothing that is ready to wear is especially helpful. Kids’ clothing is also a great donation since children can outgrow their wardrobes so quickly. Work clothes, shoes, and simple everyday pieces are useful for people who need affordable options without spending a lot.

Housewares and Kitchen Basics

Spring is a busy time for moving, graduating, and setting up a first apartment. That creates plenty of demand for basic household items.

Pots, pans, plates, glasses, utensils, bakeware, and small appliances can all be useful donations. Someone furnishing a kitchen on a tight budget may be looking for exactly these kinds of items.

If you have kitchen items sitting in a cabinet that you never use, spring cleaning could be a good time to pass them along.

Home Decor That Feels Light and Fresh

After months of darker colors and heavier winter decor, many people start looking for ways to make their homes feel lighter.

Vases, mirrors, wall art, lamps, curtains, and throw pillows can all give a room a different look without requiring a major decorating budget. Neutral colors and simple patterns are easy for shoppers to work into their existing homes.

Books and Media for Spring and Summer

Books are one of those donations that can find a new owner over and over again. As the weather gets warmer, people often start looking for something to read at home, on vacation, or outdoors.

Paperback novels, children’s books, cookbooks, and other popular titles can all be useful. If you’ve already read a stack of books sitting on your shelves, donating books gives someone else a chance to enjoy them.

Sports Gear That Kids Will Actually Use

Spring means sports season for a lot of families, and buying equipment for growing kids can get expensive.

Bikes, baseball gloves, soccer cleats, tennis rackets, helmets, and other gently used sports gear can help families save money. Kids also tend to outgrow equipment quickly, so secondhand gear can be a practical option.

If you have sports equipment sitting unused in the garage, check its condition before adding it to your donation pile.

Outdoor and Gardening Essentials

As soon as the weather warms up, people start spending more time outside. That also means shoppers begin looking for affordable gardening and outdoor supplies.

Gardening tools, plant pots, hoses, patio chairs, folding tables, and outdoor decorations are all useful donations. Clean hand tools and usable planters can be especially handy for someone starting a garden without wanting to spend a lot.

Planters, Plant Stands, and Spring Greenery Finds

Spring has a way of making people want to add more plants to their homes. That makes plant-related items popular at thrift stores.

Planters, plant stands, baskets, small stools, and other pieces that can hold plants can all find new uses. A planter that has been sitting in your garage for years might be exactly what another shopper has been searching for.

Wicker Baskets and Everyday Storage

Spring cleaning often leads people to look for better ways to organize their homes. That makes storage pieces especially handy.

Wicker baskets, bins, shelves, and storage containers can be used for everything from blankets and toys to pantry items and bathroom supplies. They’re practical, easy to reuse, and often work well with different decorating styles.

Vases and Tableware for Seasonal Hosting

Spring brings plenty of reasons to gather with family and friends, from holidays and birthdays to backyard meals and casual get-togethers.

Floral plates, pastel dishes, glassware, serving pieces, and vases can be popular this time of year. Someone may be looking for just a few pieces to complete a table setting without buying an entire new collection.

Outdoor Furniture and Patio Pieces

Once temperatures start climbing, patios and backyards get a lot more attention.

Small outdoor tables, patio chairs, folding furniture, and other outdoor pieces can be great donations if they’re clean and still usable. These items can be expensive new, so shoppers often check thrift stores first.

Before donating outdoor furniture, give it a quick cleaning and make sure it’s free of major damage.

Light Layers and Transitional Pieces

Spring weather can change from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so lightweight layers are useful.

Cardigans, denim jackets, blazers, lightweight sweaters, and casual jackets are easy to wear throughout the season. These pieces also tend to work well for people building a wardrobe on a budget.

Even the Unexpected—Like Fans and Folding Chairs

Some useful spring donations aren’t clothing or decor at all.

Working fans become handy as temperatures rise, while folding chairs can come in handy for parties, outdoor gatherings, and extra seating around the house.

A good rule for spring cleaning is to look at the things you no longer use and ask whether someone else could put them to work. If an item is clean, functional, and in decent condition, it may be worth donating rather than leaving it tucked away in a closet, garage, or storage room.