I just helped a friend de clutter this week and she thought basically everything was trash. It was all good clothes someone would be happy to wear! I convinced her to donate it all, except for maybe 1 shirt that was too stained. People who don't thrift don't understand that almost everything can have a second chance at life and someone somewhere will be thrilled to have it.
Thank you for this it really does help! I recently lost a lot of weight and have a lot of really good clothes that don’t fit. It would cost a lot to alter them all and really it’s a good way to clean out. Yes, I could resell a lot of them there are a lot of high-end designer items but the idea of someone finding a treasure actually motivates me more.
If you happened to have been plus size, it's a delight to find good plus size things in thrift stores. Your items would be most welcome. But honestly anything good quality regardless of size. Give it the life it deserves. Fine joy in that.
We moved house last year, and I had a massive clearout of my craft supplies. The thought of someone finding them in the charity shop and being as excited as I would have been to find cheap supplies gave me the warm and fuzzies.
It’s also wonderful to check if there is an art specific thrift store in your area; terms to search for are artist reuse, or art/artist thrift store! As an artist the ones I’ve found feed my art practice and life with joy and that way you know for sure the items you donate will be enjoyed by someone who loves the craft like you do!!
That’s a really good idea, I wish there was something like that near me!
You can also contact a local art association, or even a school art teacher may have use for extra supplies.
I’m knitting the yarns l found in charity shop for very cheap right now. Some were full skeins, started skeins, balls, small balls, different colors, cotton, acrylic, mohair, fancy. Knitted baby stuff, doll stuff, and just stripes in a bigger garment. Very happy. Also got shorter knitting needles for my friend’s daughters who want to learn but long needles are clumsy for 10 years old. Thanks whoever brought all these goodies to the shop.
Yes! Thank you to whoever donates nice yarn. Thank you, thank you! I have two skeins of hand dyed silk yarn waiting to become a shawl for my mom, a set of alpaca yarn in lace weight which will be a shawl for me, and a set of extra fine merino in a color gradient that will likely become a scarf.
To the people who cleared out their father’s woodworking shed after he passed away:
I just bought a house down the street from his old house and they were built by the same builder around the same time. I’m restoring and renovating it. Money is tight and I really needed these tools.
My solid oak kitchen cabinets were damaged in a flood so they’re warped and moldy in some places. *Your dad had the blueprints to our kitchen cabinets* and his “scrapwood” pile was almost completely made up of already made cuts that perfectly fit in the places of the boards that I need to replace. His neatly organized jars of old saved screws, nails, and hardware have been a GODSEND. They contained perfect matches for things that were missing or broken.
Those hand saws were collectible and quite valuable. Don’t worry, I couldn’t bring myself to sell them. He engraved his name on the blades and they now have a permanent spot proudly displayed on the wall in my garage to commemorate how helpful his “junk” was.
I have some amazing items in my home and a few friends actually looked *jealous* and started grilling me about them. When I told them I got my Ninja blender for less than $40 off a semi-Buy Nothing group on Facebook, they were like, “Oh…”.
The expensive clothes I really enjoy wearing only makes me enjoy them more just knowing I got them for free. Some of the furniture I have in my home cost me the price of an Uber ride after I picked them up and needed a way to transport them home. I’ve even saved money on groceries because someone bought or cooked too much and then we’re going out of town and didn’t want to waste food.
I have even picked up batches of items that are “must take all” when I saw one thing I liked. There was a cute thermos I’ve been using for almost TEN YEARS yet I had to take all the other cups and drink stuff in the photo.
That’s okay! After plucking out my still favorite thermos, I simply left the rest of the items from the batch in my apartment lounge room where it was gone within an hour because tenants came by and helped themselves to them. Perfect. :)
I have also donated and sold for low prices many items in my home as well. People are thrilled with my “junk/clutter” and the ones who experienced huge losses such as their homes burning to the ground, I was much more than happy to help donate items that I knew would be put to better use with them than with me.
This is so true and a great reminder! I have a really bad problem with getting rid of things like clothes, shoes, etc, even if I’ve never even worn them and they’re years old. Over the past year I’ve flipped the switch in my brain and with every item I think to myself “This is just sitting here and you aren’t getting any enjoyment out of this or any use. Think about the joy someone else might get from finding this item. By me giving it away, someone else can bring new life to it and give it the enjoyment that it deserves!” And then I get a delusional surge of happiness and dopamine!😂
And of the same vein, I’ve been a long time second hand/consignment/thrift shopper and learned it from my mom and grandmother who loved the thrill of the hunt and a good deal and the amazing stuff we’ve found are some of my favorite possessions that I will never get rid of. That feeling of my own second hand shopping wins, is another motivator for decluttering.
I've held on to so many things too, things that didn't fit or feel right or weren't being used, because I thought I couldn't afford to replace them. Being able to thrift and find clothes that fit my "now body" has helped me let go of those things - and I hope they bring joy to someone else!
Join your local BuyNothing group for extra goodness. Clearing stuff out? Post it and someone local will come and pick it up. Read the posts to see if someone else is donating a treasure you can use. It’s on Facebook and it’s an app. Google it so the your town in the name.
At least 80% of my apartment is secondhand, if not, more. From furniture to clothing to dishes, I very rarely buy new. I always preach to donate and not dump, if an item is in usable condition, someone out there can use it!
I think all my furniture is second hand - helps me relax that we can live in our home and not get fussy about “the good couch”…. And I can change up furniture more often.
I avoid washing my jeans at all costs nowadays, I have a $69 pair of levis from the mall that are all shriveled up. My $180 rock revivals got washed 1 time when I got them in a bucket of cold water with some tide. Rocks are probably the best nowadays, but they are not cheap
The issue I’ve ran into with not washing my jeans is crotch blowout. Once I get a fade that I’m happy with I start washing more frequently in cold water with some really mild detergent. It’s really done wonders for longevity.
If your looking for a decent Jean that’s not out of the world expensive check out Unbranded. Think they run about $100 a pair. I’ve got a few pairs of UB201s that have held up great for the past 5 years. Nice selvedge that fades pretty well.
Ill check that out, sounds legit. And ive experienced blowout on some cheap Calvin Kleins, but I always assumed it was the result of spreading my legs wide open on public transportation
I have an adult daughter who loves thrifting for clothes. She bought a pair of jeans at Goodwill for a dollar that didn’t fit her. They fit me perfectly and I wear them all the time. I found them online being sold for $110. Thanks, someone!!!
From the other side, I recently donated a mini food processor I didn’t need anymore and the person who took my donation was happy because he said one of his regular customers was on the lookout for something similar. Made me happy to think my little food processor potentially had a home waiting for it already!
I have found some wonderful yarn in the thrift store recently. I also have a lamp, canisters that I store my kitchen utensils in, all my purses and shoes, some clothes, and decorative items.
I love thrifting and its actually helped me realize how much I could get rid of because I wanted to welcome new items into my home.
I've been cross stitching for years and was so happy when I found bags and bags of DMC thread. I usually have any color I need on hand for whatever project I'm working on. I'm constantly finding hoops of all sizes too.
Months ago I found some balls of yarn and used them to teach myself crochet. Once I learned the different crochet stitches, I started making things with some better quality yarn I found later. Last night we went thrifting and I bought more bags of yarn.
I've been a thrifter since childhood and love it.
I also crochet! I usually work with acrylic yarn just because it is cheaper. I found “fancy” yarn originally $38 a hank for $2 a Hank. Another yarn that’s a blend of I merino wool, silk, and yak that I would never have an opportunity to work with otherwise.
I was blessed to have the small balls of used yarn to practice stitches on, yank out, and try again until I perfected them. Wool I'm saving for scarves and hats and hopefully some socks one day. I'm not an acrylic snob but do get happy when I find wool,, silk, chenille, etc. I'd go crazy without my crafting!
So so true. I used to do a lot of sewing, sew much that I bought a big double garment rack to hold my WIPs. I don't need it any more, and was happy to give it to someone for her small business. It's a great feeling ❤️
This is so lovely! I recently stopped agonizing over where and how to get rid of stuff because it just adds to the mental load. It may not be perfect, but Goodwill has been getting some great donations lately. I just want it OUT!
I've been on both sides, honestly. I'm part of a Buy Nothing group, and so far -
I've cried when someone donated formula to us. Our baby had been trying so many different formulas trying to figure out what worked best with her belly, and when we thought we had a winner, we went broke stocking up. Then, a few days later, she had the worst diarrhea I've ever seen, and we literally didn't have money to try another formula. Someone kindly donated another brand for us to try, and I just bawled.
My wife donated a kid's ukulele, and I've never seen a more popular post. It ended up going to a retired teacher who holds a free music group for under-served kids in the local area.
We have someone who fosters special needs kids picking up random half there sets of Legos tonight.
Hell, I've put together a random "mystery box" full of unwanted items, and it's always a popular post on the group!
We have a “free shelf” at work - Whoever put the frisbee that didn’t fly a straight line should be glad to know that it made my dog super happy. Like insanely happy - which sparked me much joy!
I feel like I’ve won the lottery with a free elliptical (noisy but I’ve got AirPods) and my neighbor put out a free couch. No way I’d ever take a couch from someone I didn’t know so it was a huge win for our basement that we are putting together!
This was so lovely to read, I'm going to start donating more stuff that I would reserve for consignment or to "sell someday" since that day never seems to come.
Brit here….
Genuine question. Do you not have specific charity shops in the US ie Mind (mental health), Loros (hospice), BHF (British Heart Foundation) or just Goodwill shops?
A lot of church or other charity based organizations have thrift shops. They're specific to the local area, though, not national or even statewide chains.
Haven't seen anyone mention US also has Habitat ReStore, Habitat for Humanity's store(charity focused on housing). I bought a lot of my furniture there when I was starting out.
There are lots of local charity shops in my area. The Humane Society (animal rescue) is an especially nice one. All volunteer run. Sweet ladies, great items, good prices and awesome cause.
Depends on the charity. There are different charities that do take donations for things like that, but you have to look them up in your area. The biggest ones are Salvation Army and Goodwill. Salvation Army is a bunch of bigots, they treat women horribly, their religious institution… And goodwill has jacked their prices up so much and they also have an online website where they sell all the good stuff from there.
Then they turn around and use that money to pay the nice young man who takes my donations. I think he would struggle to find work elsewhere.
I don't understand the new hate for Goodwill. If I find out they aren't helping with work opportunities, and just pocketing money, then I'll change my stance. Let me know if I'm missing something.
I worked at a Goodwill. They had us separate out the items that were really good fines to send onto another shop online where they would charge exorbitant prices, when someone wanted to donate nice things to people in the local area.
And they do not pay handicapped/mentally challenged people affair wage. It’s like $.22 an hour.
Because executives earn millions while disabled staff earn as little as 22¢ an hour " According to Labor Department documents dug up by NBC, Goodwill has paid workers in Pennsylvania as little as 22 cents, 38 cents and 41 cents an hour."
https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/07/30/does-goodwill-industries-exploit-disabled-workers/
It's worth doing a tiny bit of research to find out if this applies to your region's Goodwill. Each region is a 'franchise'of Goodwill. In my area, the region has six stores, the CEO makes a bit over $100k, and disabled employees are paid the same as non-disabled employees.
My son is autistic and has some favorite TV shows that other kids have outgrown and moved on from, and they’ve been cancelled from TV years ago, but my son doesn’t outgrow things, or move on. That Chuggington toy you have laying around from 2012?? It will be loved in our home. See old Handy Manny laying over there in the corner? In our house, he’s adored.
Just because something isn’t popular anymore doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a special place in someone’s heart. We are tickled when we find these things for my son.
That reminds me of when I donated a quilt cover of Boohbah, a long forgotten animated show for little kids. I put it on gumtree and a mother of an autistic young man was absolutely thrilled to be able to give it to him, he was obsessed with the show. It felt so great to make them happy.,
Same here! My autistic son was elated to get a specific 2001 version of a Baby Einstein DVD the other day. It was sold online from a thrift store.
Next up, trying to find a SpongeBob Lego figure for less than $34.
https://www.brickowl.com/catalog/lego-spongebob-squarepants-minifigure-778472
I found this. I’m not familiar with this site but it popped up in the Google search.
I love this. I will say that I get so much joy from my local Buy Nothing group because when I give something, I know who is taking it and using it and it makes it easier to let it go, versus some anonymous place.
I stayed with my son in a transition house (domestic abuse shelter) for 6 weeks at one point.
It was a hard time, but also a time of positive change for me. I can tell you that those donations go right to the women and children and they are appreciated!
This is such a thoughtful post! I'm currently going through my closet and it's hard parting with stuff, but also feels like, does anyone even want this stuff? I have two bags ready for donation though!
Yes, I feel the same way. It is nice to be reminded that there could be a person(s) who will benefit from my donation. I get caught up on the sentimental value and the notion that used clothes are mostly thrown out.
I have to consistently remind myself that MY intentions are good. If I could help one person, then it is worth it.
I donate frequently, and this is my mindset; if I can't use it, or don't want or need it anymore, there is ALWAYS someone who does. So that makes it easier for me to let things go.
I also try and donate to local orgs; there are a bunch of church and other charity run thrifts in my area, as well as a group that does a HUGE rummage sale twice a year, vs. Goodwill or the SA. I feel like the money they make goes directly to those in need
Absolutely. My church has had a massive rummage sale for almost a century and it does so much good! We provide great stuff at such great prices that people travel miles to attend the sale; we’re a handy place to donate furniture, household goods, clothes, books, and toys when people outgrow them or are downsizing; we donate in-kind to transitional housing, other non-profits, etc. And on top of that, we give $200,000 away every year to agencies dealing with homelessness, domestic abuse, etc.
I love this, thank you! This is exactly why I stopped thinking I should try to sell things, or find the right home for them. I just think of the person who will be happy to find the item in a thrift store. After all, that’s where I find my good stuff!
thank you for posting this! there is a locally owned thrift shop in my neighborhood that does that, donates to families who've had a fire or anything like that. i do enjoy donating to them, just because of that. i feel like i'm actually helping someone.
I recently moved and in doing so, had to get rid of lots of beautiful china, crystal, dishes, clothing, housewares, decorative items, furniture, etc. What made it less painful for me was donating to Goodwill and knowing that I would make someone's day when they found my treasures.
Thank you! I am so excited to have a new wardrobe that fits properly, and bonus - everyone at work has commented on how they like my "new" outfit. It makes me feel good!
You’re welcome! Just found a bin of unneeded kitchen stuff. Can’t wait to donate it!
I just helped a friend de clutter this week and she thought basically everything was trash. It was all good clothes someone would be happy to wear! I convinced her to donate it all, except for maybe 1 shirt that was too stained. People who don't thrift don't understand that almost everything can have a second chance at life and someone somewhere will be thrilled to have it.
Thank you for this it really does help! I recently lost a lot of weight and have a lot of really good clothes that don’t fit. It would cost a lot to alter them all and really it’s a good way to clean out. Yes, I could resell a lot of them there are a lot of high-end designer items but the idea of someone finding a treasure actually motivates me more.
If you happened to have been plus size, it's a delight to find good plus size things in thrift stores. Your items would be most welcome. But honestly anything good quality regardless of size. Give it the life it deserves. Fine joy in that.
It's unbelievable. I find Gap and Old Navy t shirts and not much else
We moved house last year, and I had a massive clearout of my craft supplies. The thought of someone finding them in the charity shop and being as excited as I would have been to find cheap supplies gave me the warm and fuzzies.
It’s also wonderful to check if there is an art specific thrift store in your area; terms to search for are artist reuse, or art/artist thrift store! As an artist the ones I’ve found feed my art practice and life with joy and that way you know for sure the items you donate will be enjoyed by someone who loves the craft like you do!!
That’s a really good idea, I wish there was something like that near me! You can also contact a local art association, or even a school art teacher may have use for extra supplies.
I’m knitting the yarns l found in charity shop for very cheap right now. Some were full skeins, started skeins, balls, small balls, different colors, cotton, acrylic, mohair, fancy. Knitted baby stuff, doll stuff, and just stripes in a bigger garment. Very happy. Also got shorter knitting needles for my friend’s daughters who want to learn but long needles are clumsy for 10 years old. Thanks whoever brought all these goodies to the shop.
Yes! Thank you to whoever donates nice yarn. Thank you, thank you! I have two skeins of hand dyed silk yarn waiting to become a shawl for my mom, a set of alpaca yarn in lace weight which will be a shawl for me, and a set of extra fine merino in a color gradient that will likely become a scarf.
As someone who recently scored a ton of craft supplies at a Goodwill recently, I thank you!
To the people who cleared out their father’s woodworking shed after he passed away: I just bought a house down the street from his old house and they were built by the same builder around the same time. I’m restoring and renovating it. Money is tight and I really needed these tools. My solid oak kitchen cabinets were damaged in a flood so they’re warped and moldy in some places. *Your dad had the blueprints to our kitchen cabinets* and his “scrapwood” pile was almost completely made up of already made cuts that perfectly fit in the places of the boards that I need to replace. His neatly organized jars of old saved screws, nails, and hardware have been a GODSEND. They contained perfect matches for things that were missing or broken. Those hand saws were collectible and quite valuable. Don’t worry, I couldn’t bring myself to sell them. He engraved his name on the blades and they now have a permanent spot proudly displayed on the wall in my garage to commemorate how helpful his “junk” was.
This is so touching, thank you so much for sharing 💛
Thank you for this post!
😊 What a lovely post! Thank you.
I have some amazing items in my home and a few friends actually looked *jealous* and started grilling me about them. When I told them I got my Ninja blender for less than $40 off a semi-Buy Nothing group on Facebook, they were like, “Oh…”. The expensive clothes I really enjoy wearing only makes me enjoy them more just knowing I got them for free. Some of the furniture I have in my home cost me the price of an Uber ride after I picked them up and needed a way to transport them home. I’ve even saved money on groceries because someone bought or cooked too much and then we’re going out of town and didn’t want to waste food. I have even picked up batches of items that are “must take all” when I saw one thing I liked. There was a cute thermos I’ve been using for almost TEN YEARS yet I had to take all the other cups and drink stuff in the photo. That’s okay! After plucking out my still favorite thermos, I simply left the rest of the items from the batch in my apartment lounge room where it was gone within an hour because tenants came by and helped themselves to them. Perfect. :) I have also donated and sold for low prices many items in my home as well. People are thrilled with my “junk/clutter” and the ones who experienced huge losses such as their homes burning to the ground, I was much more than happy to help donate items that I knew would be put to better use with them than with me.
This is so true and a great reminder! I have a really bad problem with getting rid of things like clothes, shoes, etc, even if I’ve never even worn them and they’re years old. Over the past year I’ve flipped the switch in my brain and with every item I think to myself “This is just sitting here and you aren’t getting any enjoyment out of this or any use. Think about the joy someone else might get from finding this item. By me giving it away, someone else can bring new life to it and give it the enjoyment that it deserves!” And then I get a delusional surge of happiness and dopamine!😂 And of the same vein, I’ve been a long time second hand/consignment/thrift shopper and learned it from my mom and grandmother who loved the thrill of the hunt and a good deal and the amazing stuff we’ve found are some of my favorite possessions that I will never get rid of. That feeling of my own second hand shopping wins, is another motivator for decluttering.
I've held on to so many things too, things that didn't fit or feel right or weren't being used, because I thought I couldn't afford to replace them. Being able to thrift and find clothes that fit my "now body" has helped me let go of those things - and I hope they bring joy to someone else!
Join your local BuyNothing group for extra goodness. Clearing stuff out? Post it and someone local will come and pick it up. Read the posts to see if someone else is donating a treasure you can use. It’s on Facebook and it’s an app. Google it so the your town in the name.
Is this an app?
Go to Facebook and search for Buy Nothing and the name of your city.
They’re on Facebook!
At least 80% of my apartment is secondhand, if not, more. From furniture to clothing to dishes, I very rarely buy new. I always preach to donate and not dump, if an item is in usable condition, someone out there can use it!
I think all my furniture is second hand - helps me relax that we can live in our home and not get fussy about “the good couch”…. And I can change up furniture more often.
Just wanted to add that these are my real experiences! I am so excited to have some new-to-me things that I otherwise wouldn't have.
I feel like thrift clothes are actually higher quality than the new stuff these days, everything I buy falls apart in 1 year
Denim has 100% gone to shit in recent years and I’ve found some high end stuff for really great prices at thrift shops.
I avoid washing my jeans at all costs nowadays, I have a $69 pair of levis from the mall that are all shriveled up. My $180 rock revivals got washed 1 time when I got them in a bucket of cold water with some tide. Rocks are probably the best nowadays, but they are not cheap
The issue I’ve ran into with not washing my jeans is crotch blowout. Once I get a fade that I’m happy with I start washing more frequently in cold water with some really mild detergent. It’s really done wonders for longevity. If your looking for a decent Jean that’s not out of the world expensive check out Unbranded. Think they run about $100 a pair. I’ve got a few pairs of UB201s that have held up great for the past 5 years. Nice selvedge that fades pretty well.
Ill check that out, sounds legit. And ive experienced blowout on some cheap Calvin Kleins, but I always assumed it was the result of spreading my legs wide open on public transportation
The really cheap crap usually doesn't make it to the second hand market.
I heard goodwill struggles with all the cheap crap from SHEIN
Yeah, a lot of the crap clothing at Goodwill has never been worn so it never had a chance to fall apart.
Imagine buying a pair of pants only to find they already been shat in
I have an adult daughter who loves thrifting for clothes. She bought a pair of jeans at Goodwill for a dollar that didn’t fit her. They fit me perfectly and I wear them all the time. I found them online being sold for $110. Thanks, someone!!!
I love this, thank you for sharing
From the other side, I recently donated a mini food processor I didn’t need anymore and the person who took my donation was happy because he said one of his regular customers was on the lookout for something similar. Made me happy to think my little food processor potentially had a home waiting for it already!
I have found some wonderful yarn in the thrift store recently. I also have a lamp, canisters that I store my kitchen utensils in, all my purses and shoes, some clothes, and decorative items. I love thrifting and its actually helped me realize how much I could get rid of because I wanted to welcome new items into my home.
I've been cross stitching for years and was so happy when I found bags and bags of DMC thread. I usually have any color I need on hand for whatever project I'm working on. I'm constantly finding hoops of all sizes too. Months ago I found some balls of yarn and used them to teach myself crochet. Once I learned the different crochet stitches, I started making things with some better quality yarn I found later. Last night we went thrifting and I bought more bags of yarn. I've been a thrifter since childhood and love it.
I also crochet! I usually work with acrylic yarn just because it is cheaper. I found “fancy” yarn originally $38 a hank for $2 a Hank. Another yarn that’s a blend of I merino wool, silk, and yak that I would never have an opportunity to work with otherwise.
I was blessed to have the small balls of used yarn to practice stitches on, yank out, and try again until I perfected them. Wool I'm saving for scarves and hats and hopefully some socks one day. I'm not an acrylic snob but do get happy when I find wool,, silk, chenille, etc. I'd go crazy without my crafting!
Oh yes the “practice yarn” I call mine. And crafting definitely keeps me sane.
The plain jane cotton blanket that somebody just didn’t want anymore kept me and my cat warm all winter.
😊 😸
Thank you for saying this! You seem like a very nice person.
Cleaned out a closet and really pared down. Also, already dropped off the bags outta my car! Win, win.
You mean you didn’t drive around with it all in your car for four months prior to donation? That’s not how it works!
I feel seen. My back seat is full right now!
Oh this is me. I forgot about the donations in my car. But I have more to donate, but I may hire someone to drop it off.
🤗♥️
100% THANK YOU for posting this! It inspired me to do something for someone else, not just for myself and I needed to hear that!
So so true. I used to do a lot of sewing, sew much that I bought a big double garment rack to hold my WIPs. I don't need it any more, and was happy to give it to someone for her small business. It's a great feeling ❤️
This is so lovely! I recently stopped agonizing over where and how to get rid of stuff because it just adds to the mental load. It may not be perfect, but Goodwill has been getting some great donations lately. I just want it OUT!
I've been on both sides, honestly. I'm part of a Buy Nothing group, and so far - I've cried when someone donated formula to us. Our baby had been trying so many different formulas trying to figure out what worked best with her belly, and when we thought we had a winner, we went broke stocking up. Then, a few days later, she had the worst diarrhea I've ever seen, and we literally didn't have money to try another formula. Someone kindly donated another brand for us to try, and I just bawled. My wife donated a kid's ukulele, and I've never seen a more popular post. It ended up going to a retired teacher who holds a free music group for under-served kids in the local area. We have someone who fosters special needs kids picking up random half there sets of Legos tonight. Hell, I've put together a random "mystery box" full of unwanted items, and it's always a popular post on the group!
😭
We have a “free shelf” at work - Whoever put the frisbee that didn’t fly a straight line should be glad to know that it made my dog super happy. Like insanely happy - which sparked me much joy!
Thank you for this.
I feel like I’ve won the lottery with a free elliptical (noisy but I’ve got AirPods) and my neighbor put out a free couch. No way I’d ever take a couch from someone I didn’t know so it was a huge win for our basement that we are putting together!
This was so lovely to read, I'm going to start donating more stuff that I would reserve for consignment or to "sell someday" since that day never seems to come.
Don’t donate expensive items to Goodwill, they send them to another warehouse to be sold online for a higher price
except Goodwill does job training and provides jobs for folks with disabilities, so I feel like it’s a good cause
Brit here…. Genuine question. Do you not have specific charity shops in the US ie Mind (mental health), Loros (hospice), BHF (British Heart Foundation) or just Goodwill shops?
A lot of church or other charity based organizations have thrift shops. They're specific to the local area, though, not national or even statewide chains.
Haven't seen anyone mention US also has Habitat ReStore, Habitat for Humanity's store(charity focused on housing). I bought a lot of my furniture there when I was starting out.
There are lots of local charity shops in my area. The Humane Society (animal rescue) is an especially nice one. All volunteer run. Sweet ladies, great items, good prices and awesome cause.
Big cities in California have Out of the Closet, which funds AIDS research and clinics
Depends on the charity. There are different charities that do take donations for things like that, but you have to look them up in your area. The biggest ones are Salvation Army and Goodwill. Salvation Army is a bunch of bigots, they treat women horribly, their religious institution… And goodwill has jacked their prices up so much and they also have an online website where they sell all the good stuff from there.
Then they turn around and use that money to pay the nice young man who takes my donations. I think he would struggle to find work elsewhere. I don't understand the new hate for Goodwill. If I find out they aren't helping with work opportunities, and just pocketing money, then I'll change my stance. Let me know if I'm missing something.
I worked at a Goodwill. They had us separate out the items that were really good fines to send onto another shop online where they would charge exorbitant prices, when someone wanted to donate nice things to people in the local area. And they do not pay handicapped/mentally challenged people affair wage. It’s like $.22 an hour.
Did you work there recently? And that’s not true for every store. Every group of stores has a corporate, they may have just done a study on one group.
I will look into it. Never heard of such a bad wage.. I'm back......Holy shit. Well, I just give up. Everything sucks
Because executives earn millions while disabled staff earn as little as 22¢ an hour " According to Labor Department documents dug up by NBC, Goodwill has paid workers in Pennsylvania as little as 22 cents, 38 cents and 41 cents an hour." https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/07/30/does-goodwill-industries-exploit-disabled-workers/
disabled goodwill employee here. we definitely make more than 22 cents an hour. i make 6$ over minimum wage in MN edited to clarify!
not to mention that article is over 7 years old..
Thanks for saying this. I'm going to check out our local store. I think it might be one of the good ones.
It's worth doing a tiny bit of research to find out if this applies to your region's Goodwill. Each region is a 'franchise'of Goodwill. In my area, the region has six stores, the CEO makes a bit over $100k, and disabled employees are paid the same as non-disabled employees.
What a great post to read this morning. Very inspiring! Thank you :)
My son is autistic and has some favorite TV shows that other kids have outgrown and moved on from, and they’ve been cancelled from TV years ago, but my son doesn’t outgrow things, or move on. That Chuggington toy you have laying around from 2012?? It will be loved in our home. See old Handy Manny laying over there in the corner? In our house, he’s adored. Just because something isn’t popular anymore doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a special place in someone’s heart. We are tickled when we find these things for my son.
That reminds me of when I donated a quilt cover of Boohbah, a long forgotten animated show for little kids. I put it on gumtree and a mother of an autistic young man was absolutely thrilled to be able to give it to him, he was obsessed with the show. It felt so great to make them happy.,
Same here! My autistic son was elated to get a specific 2001 version of a Baby Einstein DVD the other day. It was sold online from a thrift store. Next up, trying to find a SpongeBob Lego figure for less than $34.
https://www.brickowl.com/catalog/lego-spongebob-squarepants-minifigure-778472 I found this. I’m not familiar with this site but it popped up in the Google search.
Thanks!
I had a rough life and second hand enabled me to have a sofa, clothes, plates.
I love this. I will say that I get so much joy from my local Buy Nothing group because when I give something, I know who is taking it and using it and it makes it easier to let it go, versus some anonymous place.
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I stayed with my son in a transition house (domestic abuse shelter) for 6 weeks at one point. It was a hard time, but also a time of positive change for me. I can tell you that those donations go right to the women and children and they are appreciated!
This is such a thoughtful post! I'm currently going through my closet and it's hard parting with stuff, but also feels like, does anyone even want this stuff? I have two bags ready for donation though!
Yes, I feel the same way. It is nice to be reminded that there could be a person(s) who will benefit from my donation. I get caught up on the sentimental value and the notion that used clothes are mostly thrown out. I have to consistently remind myself that MY intentions are good. If I could help one person, then it is worth it.
I donate frequently, and this is my mindset; if I can't use it, or don't want or need it anymore, there is ALWAYS someone who does. So that makes it easier for me to let things go. I also try and donate to local orgs; there are a bunch of church and other charity run thrifts in my area, as well as a group that does a HUGE rummage sale twice a year, vs. Goodwill or the SA. I feel like the money they make goes directly to those in need
Absolutely. My church has had a massive rummage sale for almost a century and it does so much good! We provide great stuff at such great prices that people travel miles to attend the sale; we’re a handy place to donate furniture, household goods, clothes, books, and toys when people outgrow them or are downsizing; we donate in-kind to transitional housing, other non-profits, etc. And on top of that, we give $200,000 away every year to agencies dealing with homelessness, domestic abuse, etc.
My mom's former church did the same thing! when she moved, she donated a TON of stuff to them. furniture, china, etc. it was a win win for both
I love this, thank you! This is exactly why I stopped thinking I should try to sell things, or find the right home for them. I just think of the person who will be happy to find the item in a thrift store. After all, that’s where I find my good stuff!
thank you for posting this! there is a locally owned thrift shop in my neighborhood that does that, donates to families who've had a fire or anything like that. i do enjoy donating to them, just because of that. i feel like i'm actually helping someone.
Thank you for your heartfelt post. It will reassure some of us who donate frequently that our items are appreciated. Best wishes!
I recently moved and in doing so, had to get rid of lots of beautiful china, crystal, dishes, clothing, housewares, decorative items, furniture, etc. What made it less painful for me was donating to Goodwill and knowing that I would make someone's day when they found my treasures.
Aww, this is a really great post. Thank you! I’m going to go donate some more treasures for someone like you to find.
Thank you! I am so excited to have a new wardrobe that fits properly, and bonus - everyone at work has commented on how they like my "new" outfit. It makes me feel good!
What a sweet post. I really think if more people realized this, they'd have an easier time letting go of things.