After a satisfying round of home organization, you may have a toss and a donate pile. For Give Something Away Day, we’re tackling that donate pile and sharing thoughtful approaches to dealing with it after decluttering. 

Assess What You Have 

Before you start donating, take stock of what you’re giving away. Ensure items are clean, functional, and in good condition. From clothes and books to furniture and kitchenware, your contributions should be things others can truly use. 

Research Destinations 

Are you willing to make multiple trips or is it more important to get the items out of your home quickly? Are there causes that you particularly care about or organizations that focus on your local community? These can be considerations when researching where to take your donations. Certain items, like professional clothing or baby gear, may be particularly valuable to organizations focused on these groups, so keep specialized donation options in mind for maximum impact. 

Ask Your Network 

One person’s trash is another’s treasure, and you don’t know who may want your old stuff. For items that are too bulky to take to a donation center, consider posting to a community giveaway site or asking if family or friends are interested. Tapping your network may also inspire them to look around for things in their homes they no longer need. 

Non-Donatable Items 

Not everything you wish to part with may be suitable for donation. Before tossing them, consider if there are recycling options. Many communities have drop-off points for textiles, electronics, and other recyclable materials that can’t just be put in the recycle bin on the curb but doesn’t have to go in the trash. 

Give Something Away Day reminds us that decluttering is not just about creating space—it’s about repurposing and redistributing to benefit others. By donating your unwanted items thoughtfully, you can contribute to a cleaner home, a greener planet, and a brighter future for those in need.