After youre donedecluttering, you have the chance to do some good with yourunwanted or unused belongings.
Need help and advice?
A professional home organizer can help you declutter and suggest ways to get rid of any belongings.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Some libraries put donated books on the shelf for checkout or sell them at fundraisers.
Local schools and community centers might also take your gently used reading materials.
Otherwise, charitable organizations like Goodwill Industries and The Salvation Army will accept most book donations.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
you’re free to look for a Little Free Library in your neighborhood to share books with neighbors.
Proceeds help fund the organization’s mission to provide safe, affordable housing.
Always check with your local organization in advance of drop-off to get their guidelines for accepting donated materials.
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Cell Phones
Ready to upgrade your phone?
Reselling clothing is made easy through platforms like Mercari, Poshmark, ThredUP, and more.
If yours doesnt, there may be a nonprofit or other organization in your area that does.
Credit: Laura Moss
Eyeglasses
Donating eyeglasses you no longer wear can help someone else in need.
Another option is to sell your old furniture at a yard sale, but be prepared to haggle.
Or consider donating furniture in good condition to your local Habitat ReStore, Goodwill, or Salvation Army outlet.
Credit: Megan Chaffin
Sometimes, you might need to schedule a pick-up appointment or take the item to a drop-off location.
Call ahead to check before you drop items off.
If you want to make money, remember that these items often do well at garage sales.
Credit: Courtney Apple
Have an extension cord and working outlet nearby so prospective buyers can test anything electronic.
Be sure to invite parents with kids of various ages so the selection includes a range of sizes.
Afterward, clothes that no one wants can be donated.
Otherwise, online resale sites like Poshmark and ThredUP can be handy places to sell kids' clothing.
Second Chance Toys is another organization that accepts plastic toys for kids in need.
Another option is to donate kids' items to a local school or daycare center.
Always check with the organization first before dropping your items off.
Otherwise, thrift stores are generally good places to donate them.
Call your local ASPCA, Humane Society, or small-animal rescue groups to find out what they need.
This works well for worn towels and linens unsuitable for resale or donation to a thrift store.
Before you toss them in the trash, check whether the plastic container is recyclable.
Look for a stamped number inside a rectangular recycling logo, usually on the container’s bottom.
Professional Clothing
Many job seekers could use business clothing that no longer fits or suits you.
Local homeless shelters, community centers, and veteran organizations might also appreciate professional clothing donations.
Prom Dresses
Give worn-once prom dresses a second life by donating them.
you could sell prom dresses and other still-stylish formalwear through resale platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark.
Plenty of charities will dole out good-condition shoes to those in need.
For example, Nike will collect and recycle used athletic shoes from any brand.
Simply drop them off at a participating Nike retail store.
The goal is to reduce waste and ease the burden on landfills.
National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO).
Book Donation Programs: Donating to Prison Libraries.
Electronics Donation and Recycling.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
How we (and you) help.
Eyeglasses and hearing aids recycling.
The Freecycle web link.
