So many of my clients have such great big hearts, and when it comes to downsizing, they want to know how their possessions can make a difference in the life of others.
While their children and grandchildren may be happy to make room for a cut crystal vase, a small mahogany table, and vintage Pyrex bowls, they understand that—for the most part—many of their cherished possessions that will not fit in their downsized new homes need to be “disposed of.”
How and where to donate household items
So what is to be done with a houseful of treasures that no one wants? Can they be donated? Who would want them, and how can you get them to these organizations?
My clients often ask me what thrift stores and charities are willing to accept. What makes a good donation?
Let’s break it into categories:
HOME DECOR
For furniture, donate those wicker pieces that would go great in a sunroom or on a porch. Office chairs, mirrors, and night stands get gobbled up. Buyers would love your china and crystal too. People shopping at thrift shops can’t get enough seasonal decor—so pack up those holiday ornaments and decorations carefully, and donate away.
Think bedding, linens, pillows, draperies, curtains, rugs, comforters, lamps, baby items, art and frames. Hospital gift shops love to get back donations of vases.
All donated items should be clean, and in gently-used condition.
BOOKS
Lurking beneath the worn jackets of many hardcover books are beautiful covers that would look great displayed on a shelf or coffee table. Even realtors buy up books to make their empty listings look more homey.
MUSIC COLLECTION
There are lots of die-hard music fans who may be waiting for your Bowie or Beatles collection. Donate your LPs and CDs for that lucky thrift shop scavenger hunter.
IN THE KITCHEN
Gadgets, pots, pans, coffee makers, blenders, and dishes are all great to donate to a thrift store or other charity. Don’t forget glasses, silverware, and small household appliances.
When bringing food to shut-ins or those who have had recent surgery, it’s nice to send dinner not in a throwaway-metal tin, but on a real platter or in a serving bowl. Donate those and they will be sure to go to good use.
CLOTHING
Boy, those closets are stuffed! Tired of finding forgotten items with the tags still on them? It will be great to move into your new place with a closet that has room to see all of your clothing choices. That means it’s time to purge. Just because something is out of style, don’t think it’s unwanted. First off, we know everything comes back. (I just saw an ad for gaucho pants!) Second, vintage items are hugely popular now and can look so trendy with the right accessories. Your white go-go boots can get new life. Think theme parties.
Halloween clothing and costumes can be used for theater performances or dress-up for kids. So can old recital attire. Donate, donate, donate.
ELECTRONICS
That old boom box? Yup. Playstations and laptops? Yes. DVD players and old monitors? Check. Different organizations will accept most of these items. But those old clunky TVs? Not so much. One client told me a story about being unable to donate her big old 35” television. Even church basements have flat screens these days. (But, some NJ towns offer electronic recycling centers as well as some Best Buys that may just take your clunky old TV!)
TOYS
Remember the Pokemon craze? How about Cabbage Patch? There is always a market for board games, puzzles, dolls, sporting equipment, action figures, and Legos. Check specific organization’s rules about stuffed animals.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Step aside Jane Fonda. Donate exercise equipment and gear—weights, step platforms, fishing poles, snowboards, and baseball bats. Around here, lacrosse and soccer equipment is always wanted. Tools, drills, nail guns, lawnmowers, weed eaters, outdoor furniture, spreaders etc. are welcome as well. Bicycles, musical instruments…yes please!
Where to Take Donations
Some great places to donate your items:
VA Hospitals are always looking for men’s clothing, electronics, and small kitchen items
Westfield Service League (thrift and consignment shops)
Check your local preschool to see if they are collecting children’s board games, toys, and books
The Vietnam Veterans of America, a national non-profit organization that assists U.S. veterans, will pick up clothing, as well as most household items, through Pickup Please. They accept all types and sizes of clothing, from baby sweaters to junior’s dresses to men’s sportswear, whether they were popular when Nixon was president, or if they were bought last year at the mall. Think shoes, boots, belts, ties, handbags and accessories, in addition to regular clothing items. They sell your donated items to private companies by annual bid, which generates the majority of the funding to support the local, state, and national programs of the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Don’t get overwhelmed by all the items you would like to donate! A Simpler Life Now is here to help. We will pack up and deliver your donations for you at various charities throughout New Jersey, and you will even get a receipt for your taxes. We’ll pick up and deliver your larger items as well, and even pack up and deliver your unexpired cans of foods and pastas to food banks while you are downsizing. Contact us today to see how we can help.