Donating to a thrift store can be a great way to clear out your home while giving useful things a second home. But some donations create more work than they save, especially when stores receive items that are broken, dirty, or unsellable.
A few minutes of sorting and cleaning can make a big difference before you drop anything off. It also gives your donations a much better chance of reaching the sales floor instead of ending up in the trash.
1. Skipping the Store’s Donation Guidelines
Thrift stores don’t all accept the same things, and their rules can change based on space, local regulations, and current needs. Check the store’s website or call ahead so you don’t arrive with furniture, electronics, or other items they can’t take.
Related: 14 Items Food Banks Wish More People Would Donate
2. Using the Donation Center as a Dumping Ground
An item that’s stained, broken, badly worn, or missing important parts probably isn’t useful as a donation. Ask yourself whether you’d feel comfortable giving it to a friend; if not, look for a better way to recycle or dispose of it.
3. Donating Dirty Clothing and Household Items
Clothing should be clean, and furniture, toys, and home décor should get a quick wipe before you pack them up. Clean donations are easier for staff to sort and have a much better chance of looking appealing to shoppers.
Related: 13 Things the Salvation Army May Not Want You to Donate
4. Forgetting to Check That Electronics Work
Test lamps, coffee makers, small appliances, kitchen gadgets, and other electronics before donating them. If something doesn’t work or is missing a cord, lid, charger, or other key part, a thrift store may not be able to sell it.
5. Donating Incomplete Toys, Games, and Puzzles
A puzzle missing several pieces or a board game without its cards isn’t very useful to the next person. Check boxes before donating and make sure the pieces, instructions, and other parts are still there.
Related: Before You Donate Anything From Grandma’s House, Check for These Items
6. Leaving Collectibles Anonymous
Old artwork, antiques, vintage décor, and collectibles can be hard to identify without some basic information. If you know the maker, approximate age, history, or where the piece came from, include that information so staff have a better idea of what they’re looking at.
7. Dropping Off Donations at the Wrong Time
Leaving donations outside after hours can expose them to rain, theft, or damage before anyone has a chance to sort them. Drop items off during the store’s posted donation hours so staff can receive and handle them properly.
8. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Sort Everything
Tossing random items into bags at the last minute can leave you with unwanted trash mixed in with your donations. Sort things ahead of time, remove anything that clearly belongs in the trash, and group similar items together to make drop-off much easier.
Related: 5 Items You Used to Donate to Goodwill That May Now Get Tossed
