Where to Donate Gently Used Items After Decluttering

Did Marie Kondo's Netflix special leave you feeling inspired? Instead of overwhelming your local thrift store, spread the love and donate these in-demand items to a charity.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.

April 04, 2019

By: Katie Friedman

Shop This Look

Photo By: Holly Marder

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

©Style Me Pretty/ Greg Finck Photography

Photo By: Chad Mellon Photography

Photo By: LCo Design

Photo By: Mary Costa

Photo By: Amy Bartlam

Photo By: Jules Frazer, SugarShoots.com

Photo By: Terracotta Design Build

Photo By: Jenna Kutcher

Photo By: Colin Price Photography

Photo By: PRAIRIE

Business Clothing

Sure, you could drop off your old clothing at a thrift store, but we have another idea: sort out your business clothes and donate them to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that provides professional attire to low-income women. Your favorite blazer or pleated skirt will help someone else nail their next job interview.

Footwear

Instead of feeling guilty about those never-been-worn shoes in the back of your closet, give them to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit based in Nashville. They distribute shoes to communities all around the world and even sort their donations by season, so your sandals will go to someone in a warm climate and boots to someone who lives in a colder region.

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

Wedding Dresses and Formal Wear

While there's nothing wrong with holding on to your wedding gown, we love the idea of gifting that special garment to someone else. To make a difference, you can donate your wedding dress to Brides Across America, where it will be given to a military or first responder bride for free. Alternatively, you can send it to The Brides Project, where it will help raise funds for families impacted by cancer. And if you have a piece of formal wear? Reach out to Operation Prom.

From: Abby Larson

Mascara Wands

As you're emptying your makeup bag, check the expiration date on your mascara; most brands only last a few months, so it could be time to get a replacement. But before you toss that tube in the trash, wash the wand in soapy water and send it to Wands for Wildlife. They'll use your mascara wand to treat baby animals and remove tiny bugs from their fur.

Bedding Sets

If you have a bedding set to spare, consider donating it to a homeless shelter. Although their policies vary, many shelters accept gently-used bed sheets, comforters and pillow cases, in addition to mattress covers, clothing and toiletries.

From: Lindye Galloway

Blankets and Towels

Looking to do some good with your old blankets and towels? Try taking them to an animal shelter. Most locations will use these linens to soften kennels or dry off dogs that need a bath before they get adopted.

From: THELIFESTYLEDCO

Furniture

Whether you're moving out or simply upgrading to that sectional you've had your eye on, your old sofa probably still has a lot of life in it. Instead of posting an ad on Craigslist, put your furniture in the hands of Habitat for Humanity. By dropping off your sofa, chairs, side tables and other items at your local Habitat ReStore, you'll divert waste from landfills and help families in need build a foundation for their future.

From: Caitlin Murray

Small Appliances

Let's be honest: you definitely have a blender or toaster collecting dust in your cabinets. Wipe these small, still-working appliances down, round up their accessories or cords, and then, take the items to an organization like The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. Your donation will get a lot of use helping a family settle into their new home.

From: Natalie Myers

Food Storage Containers

On that note, your food storage containers can also help someone get a fresh start. Always ask about their policies prior to making a donation, but refugee resettlement programs and rehousing groups alike often accept small storage containers.

Paperback Books

While it's tempting to take a stack of paperbacks to your local library, most branches have strict rules about adding titles to their collections. So we suggest finding a Free Little Library in your community, sending them to Operation Paperback for troops to enjoy oversees or even donating them to Books for Prisoners.

From: Terracotta Design Build

Toys and Stuffed Animals

If you have a surplus of toys and stuffed animals in your home, consider taking them to your local police station or fire department, or collecting them for Stuffed Animals for Emergencies. These groups will then turn around and use the toys to comfort children in traumatic situations.

From: Little Crown Interiors

Bicycles and Helmets

It's a lot easier to say goodbye to your old bike when you know that it's going to a child in your community. While there are countless programs like this across the country, a few of our favorites include Kids on Bikes in Colorado Springs, Colo., Back Alley Bikes in Detroit, Mich., and Recycle Bikes for Kids in Little Rock, Ark.

From: Noz Nozawa

Cell Phones and Computers

Prevent your old cell phones and computers from sitting in storage, and donate them to organizations like Secure the Call and World Computer Exchange. The former collects used cell phones, wipes them clean and then gives them to senior citizens and domestic violence survivors who need a way to contact 911, while the latter repurposes your device as an educational tool in developing countries.

From: Prairie

Luggage

Why stack suitcases in your closet when they could serve children in your community? If you have extra bags at home, donate them to a group like Luggage of Love. They'll gift your gear to children who are in foster care or experiencing homelessness and need something to help carry their clothes.

Where to Donate Gently Used Items After Decluttering

Shop This Look

Business Clothing

Footwear

Wedding Dresses and Formal Wear

Mascara Wands

Bedding Sets

Blankets and Towels

Furniture

Small Appliances

Food Storage Containers

Paperback Books

Toys and Stuffed Animals

Bicycles and Helmets

Cell Phones and Computers

Luggage

How to Build Regulation Cornhole Boards

50 DIY Home Improvement Projects to Tackle This Weekend 50 Photos

How to Pick Kitchen Cabinet Frames

How to Clean a Humidifier

How to Build a Banquette Seat With Built-in Storage

18 Valuable Vines to Plant in Your Garden 19 Photos

Related Pages