Deciding where to donate after you’ve cleared the clutter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a list of 18 options for donating your items that will make you feel better about passing them along to someone else.
While donating your stuff is one of my top declutter tips, I do understand that sometimes it can feel confusing to know where you should send all of those things. Hopefully this list will give you some good options…
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If you’ve read any of my decluttering posts, you know I’m a massive fan of the idea to declutter and donate AS you’re working through the process of decluttering. This is true whether you’re slowly decluttering in layers or trying the S.P.R.I.N.T. method of decluttering very quickly.
The more often you donate, the better you feel about not having a mess while clearing the clutter. Plus, as you develop the routine of decluttering and immediately donating, it gets even easier to remove extra items with each pass through your home.
Consider donating the ‘good stuff’ instead of enduring extra work and frustration trying to sell it. Remember this: Your stuff is not ‘too good to donate’ — so let it go and get on with life. This is one of the mindset shifts you should make for easier decluttering.
Want to declutter but not sure how to begin? CLICK HERE to grab my Quick Start Mini Declutter Plan of Action and get started today!
Before You Donate
Make sure the item is suitable for donation.
Please don’t donate dirty, broken, or ‘questionable’ items.
Check to see if your item has been recalled.
Consumer Product Safety Commission: https://www.cpsc.gov/
For electronics, check with the donation location to make sure they are accepted.
Research where you plan to donate.
Please note that not all of the options listed in this blog post are charities. Also, you may have strong feelings about some of the places on this list. I get it, and I always recommend to research and choose the best place FOR YOU to donate to be sure it aligns with your personal values.
America’s Charities: https://www.charities.org/what-percentage-donations-go-charity
Charity Navigator: https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.alpha
Decide whether or not you wish to claim the donation on your tax return.
If so, you’ll need to do more work. You’ll have to research to see which charities are approved and give tax receipts, as well as inventory and value your donations. Some people find this worthwhile for high-value items.
For the most part, I advise against claiming your donations as tax deductions. (Note: I am NOT a tax professional and this is NOT tax advice, just my personal experience.) It creates a mental connection between the clutter and monetary value. Believe me, it’s MUCH easier to let stuff go if you’re not thinking about money.
Places to Drop Off Decluttered Donations
1. Goodwill
https://www.goodwill.org/donors/donate-stuff/
Goodwill accepts most clothing and household items. If you want to donate items such as computers or mattresses, you should contact your local Goodwill to ask about any restrictions.
2. Salvation Army
https://satruck.org/
(pickup available in some areas)
The Salvation Army is unable to accept items that are damaged, stained, or contain pet hair.
3. Vietnam Veterans of America
https://pickupplease.org/donation-program/
(pickup available in some areas)
Donate almost anything you like – clothing of any kind, shoes and accessories, jewelry, house and glassware, books, toys, bikes, stereos, radios, portable TVs, small electronics, tools of all kinds. This charity is regional, and you should check the website for specific requirements.
4. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
https://www.habitat.org/restores/donate-goods
(pickup available in some areas)
ReStores are home improvement stores that accept small and large donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and more. Search for a location local to you at the link above and contact them for more details.
5. Epilepsy Foundation
https://www.epilepsy.com/give/donate-clothing-and-household-goods
Limited areas
Also pickup in these areas:
In Greater Chicago, IL, call 855-968-3662 or visit www.donateillinois.org
In Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, call 888-322-8209 or visit www.donatenewengland.org
Check here to search for other charities that may pick up in your area:
https://donationtown.org/
https://pickupplease.org/
Donating Locally
6. Schools
Most public schools are desperate for donations of school supplies. They do prefer new and unopened supplies, which you may have if you tend to overbuy during back-to-school sales. Individual teachers often appreciate donations of miscellaneous craft supplies, fun stickers and pencils, etc.
Some elementary schools also appreciate donations of new and very gently used backpacks, books, clothing, shoes, costumes for dress-up, and winter wear. Storage can be an issue, so please call your local school to check whether or not they currently accept donations.
7. Churches
Churches are often hubs of the community with several outreach programs that are not necessarily faith-specific. Even if you don’t attend, know that your donations of appropriate items are appreciated. Most churches have a contact number where you can find out what types of donations they currently accept.
8. Shelters and Missions
Look up your local shelters and contact them. Needs vary, but I’ve often heard them request travel-size toiletries, clothing, and bedding.
9. Community Centers
Many community centers operate on very little money. They often accept donations of all kinds, from used sports equipment to clothing to art supplies. What they don’t use, they usually sell or pass along to those who need the items.
10. Libraries
Books… but not like you might think! Although it sounds a little silly, public libraries usually cannot accept your book donations to place on their shelves for borrowing. There are normally very strict rules and regulations for obtaining books for circulation.
However, many libraries have regular book sales to supplement their meager operational funding. The more books they have to sell, the more services they can offer to the community. Win-win.
11. Food Pantries
Well, obviously food pantries need food. And I would ask that you please not donate damaged or expired items. But if you’re doing a deep declutter, then you will likely end up with several things from your pantry that you know you won’t use. It would be entirely appropriate to pass those things along to a food pantry after checking to ensure your items meet their requirements.
Specialized Donations
Shoes
12. Soles 4 Souls
https://soles4souls.org/give-shoes
Donate new or used shoes. They have dropoff locations, or you can get a free shipping label from Zappos.com – https://www.zappos.com/c/soles-4-souls – to drop off at any UPS store.
13. Nike Reuse-a-shoe OR Recycling + Donation program
(different programs, different locations — check with your local store)
https://www.nike.com/sustainability/recycling-donation
For the ‘Recycling + Donation’ program, you can donate gently worn or worn Nike athletic footwear, athletic tops, or bottoms (no cleats, spikes, socks, or underwear).
The ‘Reuse-a-shoe‘ program accepts footwear only and may still be available in some areas, although the website is unclear whether or not they still recycle the shoes into their Nike Grind – https://www.nikegrind.com – materials. Note: This is NOT a charity, as Nike does not donate the recycled product. However, it does keep some materials out of landfills.
Blankets, Towels
14. Animal Humane Society
https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/donate/donate-new-or-gently-used-items
Some — though not all — local animal shelters may also accept used-but-clean sheets and other items. Give them a call and they will let you know what they can and cannot accept.
Stuffed Animals
15. S.A.F.E. — Stuffed Animals For Emergencies
https://stuffedanimalsforemergencies.org/
S.A.F.E. accepts donations of new and gently used stuffed animals, blankets, and books. At the time the article is being written, there are only limited locations in the United States. Check here to see if there are any near you or to volunteer: S.A.F.E. Chapters.
Women’s Professional Clothing
16. Dress for Success
https://dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donation-drives/
The website mostly promotes donations drives by businesses, which you have to set up according to the instructions on the site. Still, it may be worth the work if you happen to have a group of people who are ready to donate some of their professional women’s clothing.
Most Dress for Success affiliate locations (quite limited locations) accept nearly new, contemporary, seasonal career appropriate apparel, accessories, handbags, shoes, and jewelry. The website states they are always in need of very small sizes, 00-2, and plus sizes, 14 and above.
SOME affiliate locations may also accept men’s clothing, but you’ll want to check first.
Men’s Professional Clothing
You’ll definitely want to do a local search if you’re ready to donate this type of clothing. There are often local charity organizations that can get men’s professional clothing to the people who really need it. However, it appears there are no longer any organizations that do this on a national level.
Prescription Eyeglasses
17. Lions International
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/recycle-eyeglasses
Many communities have Lions-sponsored collection boxes for usable eyewear. Or, you can package and mail them. (Details in the link above.) Lions volunteers sort, clean, and distribute the glasses to people in need.
Just a note: I have personally seen the results of this program in my small community, and it’s pretty fantastic.
Cell Phones
18. Secure the Call
Secure the Call provides free 911 emergency-only cell phones to Domestic Violence Centers, Senior Citizen Centers, Police and Sheriff departments. All information is wiped from donated phones before they are distributed.
More places to donate phones: The Best Places to Donate Your Used Phone — Flipsy.com
More Decluttering Inspiration
Top 5 Spaces To Declutter When You’re Craving Calm
Think Like A Minimalist: How To Simplify Without Extreme Minimalism
How I Decluttered My Home: Decluttered Home Inspiration And Tips From A Borderline Hoarder
Now that you know WHERE to donate, get motivated and grab this plan for how to declutter — you could be dropping off your first box of donations by tomorrow!
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Updated July 25, 2025
I’ve donated travel bags, totes, backpacks, etc., to foster care organizations. The kids often move from home to home with only a trash bag to carry their belongings. That free bag you picked up at a conference can be put to better use. Look up a local organization and call ahead. They really appreciate it.
I have boxes of sheets of heavy duty vinyl I would like to donate. Is this something you can use?
Hi Deborah! Perhaps check with local crafters? Otherwise, it sounds like a good donation item.
Hi Julie, Thanks to your blog I just found out there is a Soles 4 Souls drop off center right in my town! My 10 items or 10 minutes just got off to a “running start! I will be making a drop off to this very worthy cause tomorrow while out, simply running my errands. I’m also going to check with my local Lions Club about where and when I can drop off some old prescription glasses. You are so right. Donating can be so rewarding and even (dare I say) fun! I’m done wasting my time trying to sell on Marketplace. Thanks for opening my eyes to another worthy cause.