If you’re hoping to be more organized and strategic this year (and really, who isn’t?), then you’ve probably already checked out Marie Kondo’s Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.
The show, which premiered on January 1, follows people whose lives are a little… cluttered. Kondo, the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and the creator of the KonMari Method, which introduces couples to the Japanese art of organization, helps people take control of their space. After a short home tour, Kondo demonstrates how to organize things in such a lovable, fun way that you almost forget her method will involve cleaning — that is, until it’s time to throw things out.
If a couple of episodes have left you sorting, meticulously folding and organizing your own space, you may be to the point of figuring out what to do with all of your stuff. We’ve rounded up some organizations that will help your things find a happy second life.
1. Goodwill Industries: Not only will Goodwill take things off your hands, but they’ll also use your old treasures to help fund work and training opportunities for people going through tough times in your community. Don’t worry, if Goodwill can’t use it, they’ll recycle it. You can also claim a deduction on your taxes for the estimated cost of your donation — score!
Items Accepted: Clothing and shoes, jewelry and accessories, books, furniture, luggage and handbags, vehicles.
2. The Salvation Army: If you’re in a walking city like New York — or can’t stomach the idea of loading all of your stuff up and driving to a drop-off — fear not! The Salvation Army will pick up your stuff for free. The items will be sold at the Salvation Army’s Family Stores, and proceeds go to adult drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers.
Items Accepted: Clothing and shoes, jewelry and accessories, furniture, household goods (lamps, kitchen utensils, drapes, artwork, etc.), appliances, vehicles.
3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is an organization that helps at-risk kids by matching them with an adult mentor. To find your local chapter, go here.
Items Accepted: Clothing and shoes, furniture, sporting goods, tools, kitchen wares, electronics.
4. American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society accepts donations at their Discovery Shops in California, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington. While they only provide pick-up services for larger items, the donations are tax-deductible and support the American Cancer Society’s mission to support patients, fund research, and spread the word about cancer prevention.
Items accepted: Clothing and shoes, handbags and jewelry, furniture and antiques, vehicles.
5. One Warm Coat: One Warm Coat collects gently worn coats by hosting drives across the country during the fall and winter months. To find a coat drive near you, visit their site.
Items Accepted: Coats of all thicknesses and weights.
If you want to choose a local organization near you, head over to Charity Navigator’s search directory. Happy organizing!
Share your favorite organizations for donations @BritandCo.
(Photo via Getty)
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