A GUIDE TO DONATING STUFF
Donate Like a Human
A quick guide from thrift shop volunteers
Because good intentions deserve a little guidance.
First, about what your stuff is worth
We all think our stuff is worth more than it is. We remember what we paid, who gave it to us, where it sat in the house.
The next person sees a lamp.
That doesn't make your memories less valuable. But memories don't come with a resale price.
Something can be worth less than you hoped and still make someone's day.
Donate it. Offer it in a neighborhood giveaway group. Or, where permitted, put it out on a dry day with a FREE sign and bring it back in if nobody takes it.
You don't have to recover the purchase price to get something good out of letting go.
Understand the mission
Many nonprofit thrift shops sell donated goods to fund food pantries and community programs.
If it won't sell, it won't help.
An unusable donation gives volunteers something to dispose of. A good one gives us something to work with.
Good clothing only, please
Clean. Unstained. No odors. No pet hair.
Check underarms, cuffs, hems, and the seat. Yes, the crotch. You'd be surprised.
At our shop, no used underwear, socks, bras, shapewear—or teddies. A black teddy is still underwear.
And please look through what other people hand you to donate. Your college student's laundry. Your neighbor's mystery bag. Once you bring it to us, it's your donation.
Would someone be pleased to wear it?
Shoes deserve a look, too
Clean, wearable, and in pairs. Check the soles and inside.
Washing washable sneakers can go a long way. But if they're beyond wearing, check whether a local textile recycler accepts them.
Housewares? Yes, please
Clean dishes, glassware, kitchen items, and small home goods can find delighted new owners.
Check for chips, cracks, and missing pieces. Ask before bringing electrical items.
One lovely platter can do more for our pantry than five pilly sweaters.
Small shop. Smaller storage.
Please call before bringing furniture, bulky items, or more than a few bags.
A full apartment arriving in a truck is not a surprise we can easily accommodate.
And please don't leave donations outside a closed shop. Weather can turn a good donation into something we have to throw away.
Read the bin
Clothing donation bins and textile recycling bins aren't all the same.
Some accept worn clothing and other textiles. Some accept shoes. Some have stricter rules.
Read the sign. Follow that bin's instructions.
A bag beside a full bin isn't helping anyone.
Give it another route
A thrift shop can't take everything. Try a neighborhood giveaway group, an appropriate recycling program, or your town's designated reuse area, if it has one.
For electronics and other items needing special disposal, check your town's instructions.
The goal is to get each thing somewhere it can actually go.
One last thing
Letting go can be hard. We know.
But someone else may be thrilled with the bowl you never use, the jacket that no longer fits, or the little table you've been moving around for years.
Most small nonprofit thrift shops depend on volunteers. We sort your donations by hand.
Donate like you're handing it to a neighbor.
And come shop. You'd be surprised by what your neighbors have been keeping.
Need a little help deciding what stays and what goes?
Visit GoShed