Declutter with Purpose: A Guide to Donating Your Unwanted Items

Clearing out your home doesn’t have to mean filling up the landfill. Donating your unwanted items is not only eco-friendly but also a way to give back to your community. Here’s how to declutter with purpose and find the best homes for the items you no longer need.

Step 1: Decide What to Donate

Before you start bagging up your belongings, take a closer look at what can and can’t be donated.

• What to Donate:

  • Clothes, shoes, and accessories in good condition.

  • Books, toys, and games.

  • Small appliances and electronics that still work.

  • Furniture, décor, and household goods.

  • Non-perishable food (check expiration dates!).

    
    

• What NOT to Donate:

  • Broken or heavily damaged items.

  • Used mattresses or bedding **see below for recycling

  • Hazardous materials like paint or chemicals.

  • Expired food or medications.

If you’re unsure, contact the organization to confirm what they’ll accept.

** There are local initiatives that will take used mattresses and used boxsprings, such as Hand-Up Mattress. Feel free to search for other mattress recycling inititives in your area.

Step 2: Sort and Organize Your Items

A little preparation can go a long way in making your donation process smooth:

1. Group Similar Items Together – For example, box all books in one container or bag all clothes together.

   
   

2. Clean and Repair – Wipe down furniture, wash clothes, and fix minor damages to ensure items are ready for their new owners.

   
   

3. Label Boxes – Clearly mark containers to help donation centers sort through your items more easily.

   
   

   

Step 3: Choose the Right Donation Center

Not all items are accepted everywhere, so it’s important to find the right organization for your donations. Here are some great options:

• Clothing & Household Goods:

  • Savers: Supports local nonprofits like Big Brother Big Sister Foundation.

  • Salvation Army: Provides affordable goods and community support.

  • GiftsToGive: From their website, "Focused on child poverty, literacy, service to others and giving."

    
    

• Books:

  • Local libraries or schools.

  • Nonprofits like Better World Books or Books for Africa.

  • Even Savers, Salvations Army, and Gifts To Give.

    
    

• Furniture & Appliances:

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

  • Local shelters or thrift stores.

    
    

• Specialty Items:

  • Electronics: Find certified e-recycling centers or donate to organizations that refurbish old electronics for schools.

  • Food: Donate to food pantries or food banks like Feeding America.

    
    

Step 4: Schedule a Pickup or Drop-Off

Many organizations offer convenient options for donating:

• Drop-Off Locations: Some donation centers have bins or storefronts where you can leave items during business hours.

  
  

• Pickup Services: Large items like furniture can often be picked up free by the organizations directly, check with them first. Sometimes these organizations are not able to schedule a pickup, but junk removal companies like Coastal Junk Removal Solutions are able to do this, in the greater Fall River and New Bedford area, though at a small cost.

Step 5: Keep Donation Receipts

Donating can have financial benefits, too! Many organizations provide receipts so you can claim a tax deduction for your charitable contributions. Make sure to document the value of your items for accurate reporting.

The Impact of Your Donations

Every item you donate has the potential to make a difference. A gently used coat can keep someone warm, while donated books can inspire young readers or fund community programs. By choosing to donate, you’re not just decluttering your home—you’re contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate world.