The Dos and Don’ts of Donation: What You Need to Know Before Decluttering

Next to shopping, decluttering seems to be America’s favorite pastime. Heck, minimalist gurus like Marie Kondo have made entire careers out of helping people tidy up and let go of belongings that no longer “spark joy.” All that conscious purging is good news for charity-run resale stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army. But clutter-busters take note: Not every unwanted item is welcome at donation centers.

Before you load up your car with bags of unwanted stuff, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

The Dos:

• Do donate gently used clothing: Clothing in good condition is always appreciated by charity organizations and can make a huge difference to those in need.
• Do donate household items: Dishes, small appliances, and other household items in good working condition can find new homes with those who need them.
• Do donate books: Many charity stores sell books at low prices, so your old reads can continue to bring joy to new readers.

The Don’ts:

• Don’t donate broken items: Items that are damaged or missing pieces are not useful to anyone and will likely end up in the trash.
• Don’t donate expired food: Food banks and shelters cannot accept expired or opened food items for health and safety reasons.
• Don’t donate stained or soiled clothing: While clothing in good condition is welcome, items that are stained or soiled are not suitable for donation.

By keeping these dos and don’ts in mind, you can ensure that your donations are making a positive impact on those in need. So before you declutter your home, take a moment to consider what items are truly donation-worthy, and help make a difference in your community.