Whether you are planning a big closet purge or a minor cleanout, do you ever wonder where in the heck you should donate clothing and other items you no longer want or need? I don’t know about you, but sometimes there is freedom in just throwing unwanted clothing in the trash. But that’s not the answer, as it adds an unwelcome burden to our overflowing landfills. Check out this information from the EPA website:
Donating your unwanted clothing will keep it out of a landfill
Where are your donated goods really going? I get asked this question a lot. Here is the rundown on where you can bring your clothing so they can have a second life.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store accepts clothing donations. This is from their website:
“When it comes to men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, St. Vincent de Paul – Twin Cities eliminates the decision to donate or toss. “
“If you would give an item to a loved one … we would love it! If your item is torn, stained, out of style or has a broken zipper … we’ll take that too!“
This last line is music to my ears! What? They will take torn and stained clothing?!
St. Vincent de Paul volunteers sort each piece of clothing – keeping quality items for Thrift Store sale, Parish Free giveaways, or shipment to missions abroad. Items that don’t make the cut are recycled to produce everything from insulation, stuffing for cushions, wiping rags, or soundproofing material. They will do home pick-ups too.
Arc’s Value Village shops, take clothing and even stuffed animals. Some number of years ago, I needed to donate a few garbage bags of stuffed animals and it was tough to find a donation site. I can thank Build-A Bear and my daughter’s desire to be a vet when she was young for all stuffed animals that needed a good home!
Goodwill and other charities want items that can be reused and resold in order to make a profit to further their missions, like community causes and job training.
Local Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Savers Stores will recycle any textile that is not sellable in their stores.
Many charities have free donation pick up; Arc’s, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), Goodwill, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul.
Another way to recycle is to think about selling or consignment
If it’s worth your time, sell it. Did you know that you can ship your consignments to a Turn Style consignment shop? Items that don’t sell after the consignment period has expired get donated to the Salvation Army. They also offer a pick-up service for a $60 charge.
Poshmark, is a new and used clothing online platform where you can sell your clothing. Posting secondhand styles for women, men, kids, pets, and home goods, can put a little cash in your wallet.
ThredUP, is an online consignment and thrift store. ThredUP will send you a cleanout kit that includes a bag to put your stuff in along with a shipping label. It’s that easy. They list it and sell it for you.
Donate goods for good
Stay local and swing by Select Resale store, in Plymouth. Your donations of clothing, Jewelry and much more, are sold to the public with proceeds benefiting Interfaith Outreach or are made available to low-income neighbors free of charge. It’s a great feeling to know that your donation will benefit a local family in need, right in your own community.
Drop off unwanted items at stores that will help recycle, restore and resell
There are even some big-name stores that will accept your unwanted clothes and recycle them for you. American Eagle Outfitters and Eileen Fisher stores will take your old clothes and shoes for you, recycle them, and even give you a reward for it.
Madewell will happily take any denim jeans off your hands. They partner with a green company that turns denim into housing insulation. Drop off a pair of pre-loved jeans in any cut, style, or color, and you will receive a $20 credit to use toward a new pair of jeans.
DSW will take your used shoes and in return give you a $5 reward to use on your next purchase and 50 points for those in the VIP program. Just drop them off at any DSW store. SOLES4SOULS organization takes the shoes and repairs and donates back to low-income communities across the world.
If you don’t want to drop your items off, try shipping them
Give Back Box is an easy way to just ship your goods. They work with retailers and individuals. Reuse your own cardboard boxes, to ship up to 70lbs. Nordstrom Rack & American Eagle stores use this system to recycle.
Things to consider when you are decluttering your closet
Do you love this piece?
Have worn this clothing item recently?
Will you really ever wear it again?
You don’t have to love everything you own. Holding on to particular pieces for specific purposes like travel, seasonal wear, or for the Holidays, only makes sense if you will not want something new when the next event rolls around. Be honest, if that’s the case, let someone else have it. Letting things go in your physical space can also free up emotional space too. I know for me; the clutter can make me crazy! Just ask my husband.
See you soon to help you navigate a new way to let go!
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