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Whether you're looking to earn extra money—or to extend extra kindness for a specific cause.
Now that the calendar has turned the page and a new year has begun, there’s a lot of incentive to declutter. Whether it’s the kitchen cupboards, a closet, or that dreaded storage area in the basement, the temptation may be to simply head off to your nearest thrift shop to make a donation. And while avid thrifters like me will be thankful to shop your castoffs, you can also do a lot of good—for you and local organizations—by thinking beyond the thrift store.
Of course, it’s not bad to donate to a thrift shop, especially if it’s run by a local charity, meaning that funds raised go to help others in your community. But this is the year to adopt a different strategy of paring down. By thinking creatively, you can raise extra funds or donate items to help meet a specific need. Here are some tried-and-true places I’ve learned to take my unwanted things to give them a new home.
To Make Money or Store Credit
Clothing Consignment Boutiques
When I’m cleaning out my closet, the first thing I do is sort out the best items to take to my local clothing consignment shop. Although they take 50% commission, I made almost $1,000 over the past year by letting them resell clothes that were just taking up space. Give your pieces a fresh wash, check them for any necessary repairs, and make an appointment to drop off your clothing.
The shop may not accept everything—typically, these stores know their clientele well and want up-to-date styles that their customers are seeking—but at least you can hopefully make a little bit of money while you’re at it.
Local Bookshops
Do you have a bunch of books you need to offload? If your locally owned bookshop sells used books, you may have some sought-after titles at home. Stores will typically look through your box of literature while you peruse their stacks. Whether they give cash or offer store credit, you can easily pick out another book or two while you’re there.
Another one of my favorite places to take preread titles is to a Little Free Library. If you aren’t familiar with the premise, people leave a book or take a book, and participation is free. You may find everything from cookbooks and romance novels to children’s stories and old atlases tucked inside these mini bookstores.
Household Consignment Shops
Much like a clothes-centric consignment boutique, a furniture, art, and home decor consignment shop works on the same premise. I’ve been able to give wall art, decorative items, and a few couches a new lease on life while recouping a bit of my investment. Before simply showing up with large-scale pieces, call your local store to see if they’re accepting what you have. While there may be room for your pictures, they may be overloaded with dressers, and you may have to wait before stopping by.
These stores are also commission-based and generally ask you to sign a contract when you bring your things. If you don’t care about making money, a Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great place to donate furniture, home improvement supplies, and household goods.
Chain Resale Stores
After the consignment shop reviews my clothing, I often stop by a resale store to see if they want any of my pieces. Again, these shops—think Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate—are picky and often cater to a younger audience. These businesses will pay for your clothing on the spot. However, because resale stores invest money in keeping your items, they usually offer extremely low prices. So, don’t have sticker shock if they offer you less than expected.
If you have sporting goods or children’s items, national stores like Play It Again Sports and Once Upon a Child will also pay on the spot for pieces in good condition.
To Donate To a Specific Cause
Humane Societies
Check with your local animal shelter to see what types of goods they need, as many will gratefully accept blankets, pillows, comforters, and stuffed animals to comfort pets. Of course, if you have any animal-centric items—think crates, carriers, bowls, food scales, and litter boxes—they will typically take those off your hands. Even if the shelter itself can’t use the items, they will distribute them to foster care providers or new pet parents who need supplies. I regularly cull through my sheets, towels, blankets, and pillows, finding the worn ones to take to our shelter.
Emergency Shelters
Follow local charities on social media to stay informed about their current asks, as you never know what they need that you may have in excess. During my recent blanket cleanout, I took several fleece throws to a mission. They had recently issued a call for items to keep displaced folks warm in winter. Local shelters—whether for women, domestic violence victims, or veterans—are also in need of body products, clothing, and shoes for all ages, from infants to older adults.
Assisted Living Facilities
People often think about older folks during the holiday season as they schedule caroling or plan Angel Tree gifts. However, those in assisted living facilities aren’t always top of mind at other times of the year. If you’re cleaning out unused toiletries, books, magazines, games, DVDs, CDs, or art supplies, consider asking whether your local nursing home could use them. Residents are also often in need of slippers, non-slip socks, and cozier items, such as shawls and cardigans. Again, call ahead to see what they’re willing to accept, so your items go to good use.
Children’s Programs
Is your play area bursting at the seams? If you plan on sorting out books, games, and toys your kids no longer use, a children’s program may be able to take them off your hands. Local community centers often accept art supplies and games to keep children occupied after school. As with any donations to a specific organization, be sure to check if they truly want your items. For example, our local children’s hospital only accepts new items, but foster care services may welcome gently used art supplies, toys, games, and clothing to help kids and parents adjust to a new living situation.
Read the original article on Southern Living
