Determining Whether to Give Away or Sell an Item and Locating the Appropriate Place to Do So
Each decluttering strategy is a bit different, but they all encourage you to put your belongings into at least three categories: keep, donate, and throw away (with the option of adding a fourth: sell). While getting rid of everything is simple, figuring out what can actually be donated and where to donate it can be tricky.
Items to Donate
Ask yourself these three questions when contemplating donating something: Is it in good condition (not damaged, lacking parts, falling apart, or constantly dirty)? Would someone find it useful? Is it safe (doesn't contain hazardous materials or small parts that could harm someone, especially kids)?
For instance, when deciding whether to donate, throw away, or sell clothes, I consider the item's condition and where I got it from. I'm not ashamed to say that I sometimes buy fast-fashion pieces that don't last long, so those items go straight to the trash. Be honest with yourself. Don't feel guilty for discarding something if it's not in good condition or won't be useful. Clutter clearing is more about simplifying your life than helping others, but if you're trying to donate, ask yourself if the item meets those three criteria.
Clothing Donations
Check if specific organizations in your area arelooking for your type of items or if any drives with special needs are occurring nearby. Dress for Success, for example, focuses on collecting gently used professional attire for women. Conduct a quick search to see if similar organizations are in your area or if any events cater to your needs. Alternatively, contact your local donation center to find out their current wants.
Donation Pickup Services
Picking your donation pile and actually donating them are different matters. Keep in mind that it's critical to clear your space, so if you lack time or a donation center doesn't pick up items or if you're far away from one, explore these easy options:
- Pick Up Please operates in 15 states and will grab your donation bag left outside your house. Check if they're available in your region.
- ClothingDonations.org helps with this process in 33 states.
- Many local donation centers also provide pickup services.
Remember, using pickup services, you're typically limited to smaller items that a person could easily carry. To give large items like furniture or appliances, call ahead and arrange transport.
- Habitat for Humanity, however, offers furniture pickups in select regions.
- Pick Up My Donation serves as a middleman to connect you with nearby donation centers and arrange a pickup.
- Green Drop picks up your household items and clothing, then charges a local nonprofit for access.
Online Donation Marketplaces
For larger or more unique items, upload them to online marketplaces like the Buy Nothing platform, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or local "buy nothing" groups on Facebook. Ensure you have a timeframe in mind. If something remains unclaimed within a month, have a backup plan to discard or donate in a different manner.
When decluttering, keep your goal in mind and don't let your desire to give away something transform into an excuse for delaying the process.
Tips and Tricks
- Find local thrift stores or charities that will accept donations of the items you want to get rid of.
- Schedule a time to drop off your donations, ensuring you actually follow through.
- If you're donating many items at once, bundle them together for easy transportation.
- Consider notifying your friends, neighbors, and coworkers about your donation plans or free stuff, which could help someone in need.
- Donate your car if it's in good working condition. Many charities accept vehicle donations.
- Reach out to friends and family about donation centers in your area.
- Use websites like Freecycle or Craiglist to find people who want your unwanted items.
- Call local organizations to see if there's a drop-off time or day when it would be less crowded.
- Set a date to do a massive charity shopping trip, so you can use the donations to purchase what you need.
- Be patient with yourself. Some items may require more effort than others.
- Don't get discouraged if your first donation attempt doesn't go as planned. Try another approach until you find something that works for you.
- Know that even the tiniest gesture can make a difference in someone's life.
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Source: lifehacker.com
