While packing, cleaning, and moving, I did my damnedest to avoid putting usable items in the trash. It’s difficult for me to think about ‘stuff’ clogging up landfills all over America that could instead be used by others.
However, two caveats:
- Many people give their broken, gross, or generally ‘busted’ items to thrift stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army. Please don’t. If they can’t sell it, they discard it… and then they have to pay to do so. If it’s not something you would sell to a friend and it’s not in working condition, find a way to recycle it (or responsibly dispose of it).
- Facebook may be your friend. It isn’t my friend; I don’t use it. Also, there wasn’t a local Craigslist site in our region. So, I didn’t rehome ANYTHING using either of those platforms. However, Facebook Marketplace is where most people can get rid of anything and everything… especially if it’s free.
Without Facebook or Craigslist, here are some options to get rid of our stuff while helping others:
Bedroom & Bath Items
Extra bed linens, sheets, blankets, and towels:
- These were donated to the local humane society. They use them to line crates, pens, and other animal areas. I was surprised to find out they welcome pillowcases and sheets of all sizes since they can fold them up and use them in a variety of spaces and are easier to clean than bulky blankets. Call or check with your local animal rescue organizations to see if they too accept items like this. Each shelter is different.
Personal & Self-Care Items:
- Skin lotion, hair styling products, curlers/hair styling tools, Q-tips, skincare products, and women’s personal hygiene products are always welcome at women’s shelters. We had OODLES of hotel shampoos, soaps, conditioners, shower caps, and mending kits, which the shelter was THRILLED to take.
- Unopened/sealed over-the-counter medicines, cough drops, flu medicines, and first aid supplies like gauze, first-aid ointment, and band-aids are also welcome at shelters. We split our horde between a shelter (for meds) and the little free pantries in town (for the first aid supplies). Here’s a listing of pantries to find or register one near you.
Kitchen, Dining, & Furniture Items
- Unopened food, condiments, and assorted kitchen items were placed into little free pantry boxes. You’ll often find their religious-minded counterparts, Blessing Boxes, near churches.
- For open condiments from the fridge, I gave what I could to friends and neighbors. For the remaining items, I rinsed the glass or plastic containers out and recycled them.
- For pots, pans, silverware, kitchen appliances, glasses, dishes, and furniture, look for organizations in your area similar to Caritas. These types of non-profits help people get back on their feet; your donated items will be used to furnish apartments for families or individuals getting off the street, starting over, or generally overcoming hardship. This is your opportunity to pay your good fortune forward. If you have a large group of items (or large furniture), you may be able to schedule a bulk pickup for everything.
Home Improvement Items
- Homeowners amass a ridiculous amount of home improvement and random maintenance items. From windows and doors for a project I never got around to starting, to hinges and extra 2×4’s sitting around… they were taking up space in the garage. Thankfully, all these items can be donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They also accept new and gently used furniture, appliances, and houseware.
- I also sold a LOT of misc garage items (including yard tools, our lawn mower, weed whacker, leaf blower, power tools, gardening supplies, and hand tools) during the estate sale on garage clean-out day, then donated what was left over.
Paint & Painting Supplies:
- This one is tricky because if not stored properly, old paints are unusable (and therefore have to go to a hazmat collection point). But, if you properly store paint, it can (and does) remain usable for a long time. I had a fair amount of leftover indoor (and some outdoor) paint.
Instead of throwing it all away, I made sure each paint can was clearly labeled, and then made a guide for the new owners so they knew which color was used in which location. After they move in, if they need to touch up anything (if they don’t immediately plan on repainting), the paint cans are now a helpful tool for them instead of a pile of junk). I also used them to do touch-ups after all the artwork was removed from the walls – they were helpful to have!
If you painted unusual colors in your home (something new buyers may be unlikely to keep), usable paint can also be donated to organizations operating after-school or summer art programs and kids camps. Call in advance to check, but I found some that would take both indoor and outdoor (water-based) paint, as well as acrylic paints, gouache, and watercolor paints.
Clothing
- I sent clothing with holes, tears, or stains to textile recycling. They’ll shred the fibers and repurpose them into new products (like home insulation).
- Clothing in good shape was donated to local thrift shops.
- Like-new clothing and shoes were delivered to a local consignment store. We won’t be there to get the money off the items when they sell, but we alerted a friend (who could always use a little extra cash) and they were extremely grateful to have those items donated in their name.
- Designer clothing was sent to TheRealReal.com. The consignment % isn’t as high as I’d get if I sold it directly on a different site, but I don’t have to deal with it, the shipping is free, and someone else is wearing and loving those items. It was a win/win for me. Interested in consignment? Here’s a $100 site credit for you.
Misc. & General:
Pet food, pet toys, and general pet supplies:
- To a different animal rescue center, we donated all our dog’s dry food, toys, treats, leashes, harnesses, and collars that she wouldn’t be using anymore. We also donated her winter coats, sweaters, and misc. items like water/food bowls, lick mats, and ‘food puzzles’ that helped to keep her busy. It warms my heart to imagine her previously loved today bringing comfort and happiness to another shelter pet while they await adoption.
Books:
- We donated all of these to the local library. You can also donate books to the little free libraries.
Other:
- Since it was cold, I added the following items to the little free pantries around town: clean winter hats, scarves, gloves, and unused socks. They were put into a plastic zip-lock bag and taped shut, to keep them clean and hygenic until they were needed.
That’s it (or at least everything that comes to mind right now). Hope it helps!