Donating gently used items is a part of life. Some people do it often, while others like to wait until they move! Whatever way you choose to sort through your items, know that taking the time to donate makes a difference in someone’s life.

While it may be tempting to hold onto items or just toss them into the trash, it’s best to take a moment and decide if the items can be donated. With hundreds of charities to choose from, you can rest easy knowing your items will find a home.

The whole donation process can be intimidating and daunting, but don’t worry. We’ve come up with a handy guide to donating your gently used items:

  • How to Begin the Donation Process
  • Donate Gently Used Items: Best Choices
  • What are the Best Charities to Donate Household Items and Clothes

After following our guide, you’ll walk away feeling confident with how to handle your donations!

 

How to Begin the Donation Process

Starting the donation process is sometimes the hardest part. Taking the time to decide what to keep versus what to donate can be mentally taxing and tiring. It’s not easy when you come across a new or barely used item, let alone something that holds sentimental value. But trust us, the feeling you get when you donate these items to those who are in need is incredibly rewarding!

A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn, used, or even seen the item in the past 6 months, it’s time to part ways. This applies even to those things we hold for sentimental reasons (obviously if it holds a lot of meaning, keep it).

Take your time when donating gently used items. Go through one box or one room at a time. To help keep the donation process organized, consider creating “keep”, “donate”, and “maybe” piles. Doing so will help you visualize what it is that you are planning on donating. If you get overwhelmed, take a break and resume the process the next day. There is no rush when it comes to this!

 

Donate Gently Used Items: Best Choices

When you decide to donate gently used items, make sure to choose the best items and sort them appropriately. This will make your life and the lives of those who accept donations easier!

First, make sure that the items are indeed gently used. When you began the sorting process, you probably already went through and decided what was acceptable to donate. Items with holes, stains, excessive wear and tear should be thrown away or recycled.

But with some options, it can be difficult to figure out what are the best items to donate. We’ve compiled a list of the most needed items to help you out:

  • Clothing (shirts, pants, jackets, shoes)
  • Blankets
  • Bicycles
  • Furniture
  • School supplies (pens, notebooks, erasers, backpacks)
  • Reusable bags
  • Luggage
  • Electronics
  • Board games
  • Kitchen supplies

With all of these donation categories, it should be noted that not everything should go to just one charity. There are some charities that specialize in certain items such as books, furniture, bikes, and clothing.

 

What are the Best Charities to Donate Household Items and Clothes

Local churches, homeless shelters, and Goodwill are all awesome places to start when it comes to dropping off your gently used items. But if you’re looking for charities that specialize in specific donations, we have a list for you!

Electronics

Office or School Supplies

Books

Sports Equipment

Clothing

This short list scratches the surface of all the charities where you can donate your gently used items. There are many more options out there for you to choose from. Take a moment to learn about the charity and their cause before you donate. The more you know, the better you’ll feel when you donate your items to someone in need.

 

Contact Priority Moving for Packing Help

The perfect time to donate gently used items is when you are packing to move! Priority Moving is one of Portland’s top rated moving companies. We want your moving experience to be as effortless as possible

.
Contact us today to learn more about our rates and services. If you have a donation pile ready to go, we would be happy to pack it for you – all you need to do is take it to your charity of choice!