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Last updated on June 17th, 2023 at 03:57 am
One of the most difficult things about decluttering is figuring out what to do with the items that are still useful but not useful to you. Many of us feel guilty when we “get rid of” these types of items but it’s a challenge to find new homes for our discards. If we’re able to give to a cause we believe in, giving our things away is much easier. Since it is such a challenge, however, I compiled an ultimate list of where to donate your gently used items.
Even though I’ve compiled this list, it’s crucial to note that effort is still required on your part when making a donation …
- Research the charity to make sure their values line up with your own
- Make sure items are in good condition
- Keep a list of donations for tax purposes
- Check that any questionable items will be accepted by calling the organization ahead of time
- If national charities don’t accept your items, check with smaller organizations in your town.
- Carefully pack breakable items.
Many of the organizations linked in this post are national organizations. If you want to support your local community, do a quick online search to find charities, food banks, churches, and organizations in your area. In my own city, there are many small local thrift shops that benefit members of our local community.
Use this ultimate list of where to donate your gently used items.
Easy Ways to Donate
These organizations will pick up or let you ship your donations for free and for a good cause! Schedule a pickup online or by calling them. Click on the links below to learn about each organization and how to donate.
- Pickup Please (Vietnam Veterans of America)
- The Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- Habitat for Humanity
- The Arc
- Furniture Bank Network
- PickUpMyDonation.com
- GreenDrop
- Give Back Box
Item Specific Donations
Many of the organizations above receive all types of donations. In addition to those, here are some item-specific organizations to check out.
Clothing
Craft Supplies
- Libraries
- Boys & Girls clubs
- Shelters
- Public schools
- Private & charter schools
- Homeschool families & groups
- Churches
- Preschools
- Daycares
- Nursing Homes
- American Heritage Girls Troops
- Assisted Living Centers
- Buy nothing groups on Facebook
- Summer camps
- Recreation Centers
- Children’s Hospitals
Books & Magazines
- Local libraries
- Friends of the Library bookstores
- Assisted Living Centers
- Kids Need to Read
- Books to Prisoners Programs
- Better World Books
- Books for Soldiers
- Operation Paperback
Toys
- Stuffed Animals for Emergencies
- Toys for Tots
- Second Chance Toys
- Shelters
- Libraries
- Preschools
- Daycares
- Foster programs
- Children’s hospitals
- Animal Shelters
- Police & Fire Departments
Holy Cards, Magnificats, & Religious Items
Catholics often ask what to do with holy cards and religious items they’re not using, so I thought I’d throw that in this post as well.
- Use holy cards as bookmarks
- Donate to religious ed teachers
- Donate to Catholic schools
- Send to a religious order
- Donate to your parish
- Donate to the Legion of Mary
- Send to someone who could use the intercession of a specific saint
- Use for crafts on feast days
- Donate to the Missions
Use this ultimate list of places to donate your gently used items. Donating to an organization you care about will make you feel even better about decluttering!
If you still need to get started with decluttering, download the Where To Start Decluttering Guide.
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