Decluttering usually ends the same way. You start with one closet, somehow move on to three drawers and the hall cabinet, and before long, bags and boxes pile up by the door. The easiest thing to do is toss everything in the car and head to Goodwill.
I’ve done that plenty of times, but I’ve also started thinking a little more about where things go after I’m finished with them. Goodwill is convenient, but depending on what you’re giving away, there may be a better place for it. Your old work clothes could help someone getting ready for an interview, while those towels you were about to toss might be exactly what a local animal shelter needs.
Before loading up the car, consider separating your donations by type. You may find that some of the things you no longer need can be much more useful somewhere else. Just call or check with the organization first, since donation needs and policies can change from one location to another.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
If you’re remodeling, replacing furniture or finally getting that old vanity out of the garage, check Habitat for Humanity ReStore before hauling it to a regular thrift store. ReStores commonly accept furniture, appliances, cabinets, lighting, building materials, and other home improvement items, with proceeds helping support Habitat’s housing work.
Women’s and Family Shelters
Women’s shelters and organizations that work with families may need practical items such as clothing, children’s clothes, diapers, toiletries, bedding and basic household supplies. This is one place where you definitely don’t want to simply show up with a trunk full of stuff, though, since storage is often limited and some organizations only accept specific items or new products.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is probably one of the easiest alternatives to Goodwill, especially if you have a mix of clothing, furniture, and household items. Donated goods may be sold through its thrift stores to help fund community programs, and some locations offer pickup for larger items.
Schools and Family Resource Centers
If your kids have outgrown perfectly good coats, backpacks, books, or school supplies, consider checking with a nearby school or family resource center. Some collect items for students and local families, which can be a nice alternative to watching good children’s stuff disappear into another thrift store donation bin.
Veterans Organizations
Some veterans organizations collect clothing and household goods to support their programs. Vietnam Veterans of America, for example, operates a household donation program in participating areas, and pickup may be available depending on where you live.
Career Closets and Professional Clothing Organizations
That blazer, handbag or pair of work shoes gathering dust in the back of your closet could be useful to someone preparing for an interview or starting a new job. Organizations such as Dress for Success, along with local career closets and workforce programs, may accept professional clothing and accessories, although individual locations set their own donation rules.
Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups
Before tossing old towels because they’re no longer nice enough for the bathroom, call your local animal shelter. Shelters and rescues may use towels and washable blankets for bedding, bathing, and cleanup, and some also accept crates, carriers, leashes, bowls, and unopened pet supplies.
Buy Nothing and Freecycle Groups
Not everything needs to go through an organization to be reused. Local Buy Nothing and Freecycle groups can be especially useful for the random stuff that’s hard to donate, like moving boxes, leftover craft supplies, kids’ gear, gardening supplies, or a piece of furniture someone nearby happens to need.
Local Libraries and Friends of the Library
If decluttering your bookshelves leaves you staring at several boxes of books, check with your local library or Friends of the Library group before taking them to the thrift store. Some accept books for fundraising sales or other uses, but many are selective about condition and won’t take things like outdated reference books, encyclopedias, or heavily damaged copies.
Savers Thrift Store
Savers is another convenient option, especially when you have several bags or boxes to clear out at once. Their stores tend to be large, the donation process is pretty simple, and in many locations you’ll receive a coupon or discount toward a future purchase after donating, which is a nice little perk if you plan to head inside and thrift afterward.
