Do commodity as you declutter . We ’re sharing our expert tips for donating your unwanted items to Goodwill .

Outgrown babe toy , clothes you no longer wear , a stack of dusty books — if thisclutter is induce you stress , it ’s time to get rid of it . or else of jactitate undesirable items into the trash , follow our tips on how to donate to Goodwill . With locations across the country , a A-one simple drop - off system , and a cause you could feel expert about supporting , it ’s no surprisal Goodwill go past our list of manner to donate . Alison Cate , former Director of Marketing and Development forGoodwill of Central Iowa , deal everything you need to get laid about how to donate to Goodwill — and how those donations can make an impact in local communities .

BHG / Meg MacDonald

items neatly arranged in piles for donation to Goodwill

Credit:BHG / Meg MacDonald

What is Goodwill?

Chances are you’veshopped at Goodwilland found a few treasures ( hello , ugly Christmas sweater ) . While the formation is best known for keep dress and castoff items out of landfills , there ’s so much more to the nonprofit . They also supply pedagogy , employment , and education for elder , veterans , and people with disabilities and allow child care , transportation , and speech training to mortal enter in programming . Goodwill operates 3,300 fix across the country and even has an on-line auction internet site where you may scorerare collectiblesand couturier commodity .

What Can I Donate?

When masses think of Goodwill , they most often think of vesture , says Cate . But the formation will take textile in any precondition . " Goodwill even acceptsitems that are stainedor pull , as they ’re able to reprocess the textiles and keep items out of local landfills . "

Goodwill ’s need stretch far beyond the cupboard — include workingandnonworking computers and equipment . " They ’re able to renovate and resell computer in good cast at several stores , or if things are n’t in workings condition , the parts are recycled through a partnership with Dell , " allege Cate .

If you ’ve ever wandered into a Goodwill shop and find yourself picking up a new home add-on , you are n’t alone . " Home goods are a heavy selling point in the stores , " says Cate . " Itemssuch as dishesand glasswork , lamp , and decor , and article of furniture in good condition , as the interest inDIY and makeover projectsreally draws interest from the customers . "

Some locations will even consent used fomite donations . It ’s dependable to check with yourlocal Goodwillto see what donation help are available in your area .

How to Donate to Goodwill?

Detailed instruction about how to donate to Goodwill are usable ontheir website , but it ’s as easy as drop off your undesirable items at your local store or programing a pickup . If you itemize deductive reasoning on your taxis , necessitate Goodwill for a receipt to keep track of what clothing and home items you donate throughout the twelvemonth .

Is There Anything I Can’t Donate?

A mutual misconception is that Goodwill can accept anything . " That ’s unfortunately not the case , due to applicable laws and restrictions , or processing costs , " says Cate . Goodwill , and many similar administration , can not accept :

Instead of taking detail to the landfill , get creative ! There are numerous direction to upcycle unwanted piece of furniture , dress , and plaything . Getting creative can reduce stress and ameliorate your quality of life .

5 Helpful Tips for How to Donate to Goodwill

Before you lade up your car with all the items you no longer need , keep these smart wind in mind for how to donate to Goodwill to aid keep the cognitive process stress - spare .

Organization Tips for Before You Donate

It ’s worth your clock time to get organized and go through closets , drawers , and storage expanse in your place before donating anything . In the kitchen , check to see if you have duplicates of items you do n’t use , includingpots and pansand preparation utensils . You may be surprised by how manywooden spoonsyou have . Check your linen closet and can storage forextra towelsand personal maintenance putz ( like a hairsbreadth dryer or straightener ) . Inyour closet , be bold in decide what you no longer wear — prospect are , if it ’s been a year since you ’ve put something on , you wo n’t ever wear it again .

slay extra items you do n’t demand any longer will resign up outer space for things you need in the future .