20 Ways to Get Rid of Your Decluttered Items
You’ve done a satisfying declutter…
Your trunk is full…
Now what?!
I’ve created a list of options for what to do with all the STUFF.
In no particular order and a total variety.
Choose which ones make the most sense for YOU.
*Note: I’m in Canada but I try to include international options too :)
1) Little Free Libraries
Official info: https://littlefreelibrary.org
But basically if you see one of those cute little birdhouse-looking boxes in peoples’ front yards, it’s probably a little free library. And it’s the perfect spot to drop off books you are ready to let go of.
Plus it’s a fun little outing with the kids!
2) Public Libraries
Some public libraries also accept book donations. They might be a little choosier but it’s worth an ask if you’ve got a really great collection that you want to ensure gets loved.
3) Big Box Donation Stores
In Canada right now - that’s Value Village & Talize.
Like a typical box store, these spots won’t give you the warm and fuzzies. But they can accommodate a LOT of items and generally they have longer hours than smaller shops. So they’re pretty great when you have a huge car load of stuff and it’s 8:30pm on a Tuesday :)
4) Local Charity Shops
Smaller, locally-run charity shops usually operate for a specific cause/fund and they often sell items for great prices - which I love (And which isn’t always the case with the box box stores).
However that sometimes means they operate with volunteers and with fewer resources.
So when I know I’m dropping at local charity shops I try to organize my items clearly and strategically and only drop off a manageable amount at a time.
5) Sell Online
Soooo many options!
Some of the most popular: Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Craigslist, Facebook Yard Sales, VarageSale and ebay.
Last year we made over $2,000 selling old items online! It’s the perfect way to create a simpler home + get a little extra pocket money.
I share some tips for selling old stuff online in a video right here.
6) Habitat for Humanity Restore
A GREAT spot for home renovation materials that you no longer need.
You know when you finish a project and have one sheet of drywall or insulation left?!? - you are never going to use it!!!!
https://habitat.ca/en/restore (Canadian link but I’m sure there is something similar in US/UK as well)
7) Midwife’s Office
Our local midwife’s office accepts newborn clothes, blankets and accessories. A lovely way to pay it forward to new parents :)
“Letting go is even more important than adding.”
8) Humane’s Society
Our local Humane’s Society posts their “wish list” right on their website: https://quintehumanesociety.com/wish-list.php
In our area, we also have Fixed for Life which also accepts a variety of pet-related items.
9) Buy Nothing Project
A local group (in our area it’s a Facebook group) where you can post items you no longer need, for free.
This is the prefect spot for things that are trickier to sell but worth something to someone: toiletry/cosmetic products, home decor, seasonal, kitchen appliances, etc.
10) Yard Sales
Yard sales are a TON of work and not usually an amazing money-maker buttttt they can be super fun (especially if you team up with your friends/neighbours) and they are a great way to get rid of a TON of stuff in ONE day - without having to leave the house!
If you are helping someone who is getting ready to downsize and needs to get rid of everythinggggg, estate sales are also a great option. And as a shopper, estate sales are pretty dang fun!
Make sure you get all the right municipal permits :)
11) Clothing Swaps
I’ve never participated in one of these but they sound like a BLAST. Basically get together with a group of friends and bring all your clothes you no longer want and SWAP. Mix in some food and drinks for extra fun :)
*Toy/Baby Item Swaps would also be great!
Scored this winter jacket on VarageSale!
One man’s trash….
12) Put it at the end of the Driveway
One of my favourite go-to’s!
This system is perfect for larger items (furniture, tools, outdoor equipment).
The day before garbage pick-up is usually the best day to put items to the curb.
Our municipality actually organizes an annual Giveaway Day - like a giant end-of-the-driveway-free-swap :)
13) Target Car Seat Trade-In Event
Expired car seats are one of my biggest pet peeves. What do we do with them?!?!
We don’t have Target in my area however if you do, their bi-annual car seat event sounds like the perfect way to load off the seats you are no longer using.
*I will keep searching for Canadian options for expired car seats!
14) Community Waste Depots
The unsung hero of municipal waste services!
This service obviously varies by region but ask around and there is a good chance your city offers some sort of hazardous/e-waste drop-off.
And if they do, take advantage of it!
Here is a peek at what our depot accepts: https://quinterecycling.org/hazardous-waste/household-hazardous-electronic-waste/
Ideal for: old paint, small appliances, e-waste, batteries, etc.
Especially helpful during spring garage cleaning :)
15) Big Box Stores
Another option for hazardous waste…
Here are a few privately operated recycling programs:
Lion’s Club Eye Glasses Program (our Lion’s Club donation bin is in our Walmart right outside of their eyewear section)
16) Consignment
A great option for clothing - both adult and kids.
In my experience not a HUGE money-maker, BUT it gets items out of your house and into the hands of someone who will adore them :)
17) Gifts
Great idea for sentimental items!
I don’t suggest dropping off the 15 family photo albums from the ‘90s on your brother’s doorstep (even though you might feel like it!). But if you have a giant bin full of sentimental items and not enough room to enjoy them all, consider sharing the love.
A few examples….
I had a collection of Bunnykins dishes from our childhood which were LOVELY - but I had too many. So for my niece’s first birthday I gave my brother and sister-in-law a cup and bowl from the set so they could enjoy them too :)
Sometimes I dig out old family photos from our childhood and mail them with holiday cards to friends and family who I know would love to see them.
When my husband and I first moved in together (and I politely suggested he might not need 100 t-shirts!), I had them made into a quilt. He got to keep his favourite sports shirts from when he was a kid and we now have a cozy blanket for our basement. And more room in our closet :)
The possibilities are endless, get creative!
18) Pawn Shop
Not fancy but a quick and easy way to get rid of jewellery from an ex-boyfriend;) Or almost anything! Typically you don’t get as much money as selling privately but it’s quick and hassle-free.
19) Teracycle
Full disclosure, I’ve never used Terracyle. BUT it sounds amazing and I want to commit to utilizing it. So here is my official public commitment!
Check it out to learn more: https://www.terracycle.com/en-CA/
A couple programs that caught my eye are: The Hasbro Toy Recycling Program and the Staples Writing Utensils Program.
20) Women’s Shelters
Our local shelter provides a number to call to confirm what they are accepting.
Commonly accepted items: kids and women's clothing and outerwear, baby items, toys, etc.
I think it goes without saying but being mindful about what you drop off and how you present it, goes a long way for this one. Mamas helping mamas :)
There are my Top 20, friends!
Do you have any other suggestions?! Reach out and share with me! I love learning new strategies for turning clutter into treasure :)
Thank you as always for following along and catch you next month for my favourite EASY kitchen organization tips.
Happy Decluttering,Mary Ann K. xo