It’s time to downsize. The house has been gone through. There are three piles: Keep, donate, and trash (should follow proper disposal of trash versus recycling versus hazardous waste)—feeling good! Clothing, shoes, and extra kitchenware are ready to go and be donated. There are a few “other items,” such as furniture, towels, sheets, tools, books, old toys, games, and maybe some art supplies, and not sure what to do with the “other items.” Also, what to do with all the unwanted electronics?

First, look at the local donation facilities.  

Most places have a larger well, known donation facility close to them, such as:

• American Cancer Society Discovery Shop
• Goodwill Industries International
• Habitat for Humanity
• Out of the Closet
• The Salvation Army
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Those places will take clothing, shoes, books, pictures, paintings and kitchen stuff. Some will take electronics (working or not), and some will take furniture but be picky.

Donation ideas:

• Furniture: Post on social media websites (Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, or NextDoor) to see if someone will take it.
• Towels – Human shelters or animal shelters (call first to see if they can take items)
• Sheets – Human shelters or animal shelters (call first to see if they can take items)
• Tools: Habitat for Humanity or a similar type of non-profit or post on social media websites (Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, or NextDoor) to see if someone will take it.
• Toys / Games – youth centers, churches, preschools/daycare, schools, Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts, or a local non-profit art supply store (search online “where to donate old art supplies”). Call before you drop off your items since space is limited, and you need to make sure the non-profit needs and has room for everything.
• Art Supplies – youth centers, churches, preschools/daycare, schools, Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts, or a local non-profit art supply store (search online “where to donate old art supplies”). Call before you drop off your items since space is limited, and you need to make sure the non-profit needs and has room for everything.
• Electronics – If a donation place will not take electronics, contact your local waste company for drop-off options

What about medical supplies / equipment?

Donating medical equipment can help others in need. It can change lives and make a difference. Plus, it helps the environment. The non-profits mentioned above will not take medical equipment. Fortunately, Ability Tools is a non-profit that connects people with local agencies that take medical items. Each non-profit is different, so see what the facility will and will not accept.

Donating reduces waste

We all want to do our part to save the environment by reusing items. Plus, most people get joy from knowing someone can find a use for something they no longer need. Do not let the donation process stop you from the downsizing process. If you still need help with downsizing, you can contact a local professional organizer. They can be a resource and help take an overwhelming process to a manageable goal.

STAGES is here to let you know what support is available.