Donation Ideas and Decluttering
What to do with all your “stuff” after you’ve decluttered?
Most people have items they no longer use and aren’t sure what to do with them. Whether it’s clothing that no longer fits or is outdated, furniture that needs replacing, or old sports equipment, books, toys, or household items, these belongings take up valuable real estate in your home. However, you don’t need to let them go to waste or end up in landfill.
Some tips to help you reduce the mess in a responsible and ethical way:
Clothing Clutter
You can free up room in your closet by selling any gently used clothes. Consider taking them to a consignment shop or posting them on websites such as ThredUp and Facebook marketplace for regular items. Poshmark is a good pace for mid-to-high end brands, and the RealReal for pricier luxury pieces. (Some sites charge a fee to sell on their sites.) Ensure your clothing is clean and in good condition, and always take good photos and provide accurate descriptions, including the brand, size, ans condition. If selling feels like too much effort and hassle, you can always donate clothing to shelters, nonprofit organizations, or community centers.
Books
If you have a library of books you have no longer need or want, you can sell them online for extra cash. Online book vendors like Decluttr will purchase hardback and paperback books, children’s books, and even used textbooks from you directly. If you would rather donate, many libraries, schools, and day care centers welcome preowned books in good condition.
Furniture
Many consignment shops will take furniture and other home goods if they’re in decent condition. This can be a great way to unload older pieces to make money and room at the same time. If your goal is to donate them, investigate organizations like Habitat for Humanity or GreenDrop, which will typically pick them up to ensure they go to people in need.
Older Electronics
If you have usable outdated electronics, think about donating them or selling them for a profit at a yard sale or on sites like Craigslist or eBay. Even if they’re no longer working, you can sell them for parts since many people use spare parts to repair other devices. You can also take them to a tech recycling program, which will dispose of them properly.
Old Sporting Goods
There are many ways to find a new home for the old sports equipment filling your garage or basement. Whether you choose to sell your wares to a secondhand sporting goods store like Play It Again Sports or Sideline Swap, donate them to your local athletic organization. Or, better yet, gift them to someone who will use them. It can be a win-win for everyone involved.
Items in Poor Condition
For items that aren’t in good condition to resell or donate, contact your town’s recycling department to learn how to dispose of them sustainably. Or, take them to a reputable and ethical recycling center - just inquire first about what items they will not accept. This helps ensure that your unwanted stuff doesn’t end up in a landfill.