Cleaning out your home usually means sorting through clothes, books, shoes, and kitchen items, but plenty of other belongings can be worth donating. That old bicycle in the garage or musical instrument gathering dust in a closet might be useful to someone else.
Donation policies vary by store, so it’s always a good idea to check before packing everything into your car. Here are 10 less obvious items that may find a new home through a thrift store, charity, or special donation program.
Bicycles
An old bicycle taking up space in your garage may still be useful to someone looking for an affordable way to get around. Some thrift stores and community organizations accept working bikes, while others may take bikes needing minor repairs.
Related: This is Why You Keep Missing the Best Thrift Store Finds
Cars
If you have an unwanted car, truck, or van, a vehicle donation program may be able to help you pass it along to a charity. Depending on the organization and the vehicle’s condition, it may be resold, recycled, or used to raise funds for community programs.
Related: Vintage Books Worth Grabbing When You Spot Them at a Thrift Store
Computers, Printers, and Accessories
Old computers, monitors, keyboards, printers, and other electronics may be accepted by certain thrift stores, charities, or electronics reuse programs. Remove personal data from computers and storage devices first, and check whether the organization accepts your specific equipment.
Related: Berkeley Has Some Seriously Good Thrift Stores—Here Are 9 Worth Visiting
Televisions
A working flat-screen TV may be welcome at a thrift store that has the space and facilities to test and resell electronics. Older tube televisions and damaged sets are harder to handle, so contact the store or an electronics recycling program before taking one in.
Related: 8 Things Thrift Store Workers Wish Donors Knew Before Dropping Items Off
Hand Tools
Spare hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, and measuring tools can be useful donations for people fixing things around the house. Clean tools in working condition are more likely to be accepted than rusty, broken, or incomplete ones.
Lawn and Garden Tools
Extra shovels, rakes, pruning shears, watering cans, and other garden supplies may be useful to someone starting a garden or working on their yard. Check that the tools are safe to handle and in usable condition, then ask your local store whether it accepts them.
Musical Instruments
Guitars, keyboards, violins, and other instruments can give someone a chance to learn music without paying full retail prices. Donation centers and community music programs may accept playable instruments, though some may request cases, accessories, or proof that the instrument works.
Old Halloween Costumes
Gently used Halloween costumes can be a welcome find for families trying to keep seasonal expenses down. Wash costumes before donating them, check that all pieces are included, and ask whether your local thrift store accepts seasonal clothing.
Sports Equipment
Basketballs, tennis rackets, baseball gloves, golf clubs, and other sports gear may be useful to people trying a new activity on a budget. Clean equipment in good condition is a better donation choice, but helmets and other protective gear may be refused because their safety history can be difficult to verify.
Fishing Poles
Fishing rods and basic fishing gear can be worth donating if they’re still in good working order. Some thrift stores accept them, while others may decline fishing equipment or certain accessories, so check the store’s policy before dropping them off.
