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Last updated on February 16th, 2026 at 05:20 pm
Do you have unwanted items taking over your closets and garage? Before you haul everything to Goodwill, here are some smarter ways to give them a second life.
So I’m standing in my bedroom last week staring at this pile of stuff—you know the pile, the one that’s been there forever—and I’m thinking, okay, I really need to deal with this. Normally I’d just box it all up and run it over to Goodwill, which is fine. But there are other options.
It turns out there are actually a lot of places that’ll take your unwanted items, and some of them will even pay you for it.
I’m not trying to make you feel bad about donating to thrift stores—they do good work, especially the ones connected to local charities. But if you’ve got the time and energy to be a little more strategic about it, you might end up with some extra cash or help out a cause that has more of a personal meaning to you. Here’s what I found.
If You Want to Make Some Money
Consignment Shops for Clothes
Consignment and resale shops are great, but they’re not going to take everything. They only want unwanted items from your closet that are in good shape and in style. So wash everything, make sure there are no missing buttons or stains, and check first because many of these stores work by appointment.
And, the stuff they don’t want? That’s when you move on to plan B.
Chain Resale Stores
Places like Plato’s Closet or Uptown Cheapskate will pay you cash on the spot for your clothes, which sounds great until you hear what they’re actually offering. It’s usually disappointing.
They’re picky too, mostly looking for trendy stuff that younger people wear. So don’t get your hopes up too high, but it is an option if you want immediate cash instead of waiting for consignment.
Once Upon a Child does this for kids’ toys, clothing, and baby equipment. Play It Again Sports buys sports equipment. Just know going in that you’re likely not going to make much money.
Buy Nothing Groups and Freecycle
Okay so these don’t make you money, but they’re worth mentioning because they’re so easy. Buy Nothing Groups are on Facebook—just search for your local area. You post what you’re giving away, someone claims it, and they pick it up from your porch. No driving anywhere, no appointments.
Freecycle works the same way but it’s its own website. People post their unwanted items and other people come get them. You can give away everything from old furniture to half-used craft supplies this way. And it’s satisfying to see something go to someone who actually wants it instead of just dropping it at Goodwill.
Cookbooks taking up space now that you find all your recipes online? Used bookstores buy them, or drop them in a Little Free Library.
Used Bookstores
If you’ve got books on your shelf that you’re never going to read again (and let’s be real, you’re probably not), see if your local bookstore buys used books. Some give you cash, some give you store credit. Either way you can browse around while they look through what you brought.
There are also Little Free Libraries—those cute little box things in neighborhoods where you can just drop off a book or take one. You won’t make any money, of course, but it’s nice to pass along something you enjoyed to your neighbors.
Furniture Consignment
This is the same as clothing consignment but for furniture and home decor. People sell all kinds of furniture, artwork, and decorative items, but remember that you have to wait for your item to sell before you’ll see any money.
If your goal isn’t to make money, Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a terrific option. They take furniture and building supplies and use the money to build houses for families.
If You Want to Help Specific Causes
Animal Shelters and Rescues
These are some of the best places to donate because you know exactly where your items are going. Animal rescues and shelters need blankets, old towels, sheets—even the worn ones you wouldn’t use anymore. They also appreciate pet carriers.
Even if they can’t use it directly, they’ll give it to people fostering animals or families who just adopted a pet and need supplies. I go through my linen closet every so often and pull out anything that’s getting worn out to donate to the shelter.
Emergency Shelters
Follow local shelters on social media because they’ll often post when they need specific items, like blankets or coats.
Domestic violence shelters and veteran services are often looking for basics like soap, shampoo, deodorant, and feminine products, as well as clothes and shoes for people of all ages. These are folks who may be starting over from scratch, so the stuff we take for granted makes a huge difference.
Dress for Success and Job-Readiness Programs
If you’ve got professional clothes you’re not wearing—blazers, dress pants, button-ups, that kind of thing—Dress for Success helps women who are trying to get back into the workforce. The organization accepts interview outfits and work-appropriate clothing.
There are similar programs for men too, and a lot of them also take gently-used professional shoes and accessories. It’s one of those donations where you know exactly how it’s being used—someone’s wearing your old blazer to a job interview that could change their life.
Nursing Homes
We might think about nursing home residents during the holidays but forget about them the rest of the year. Before you throw away travel toiletries, old magazines, or other unwanted items, call and see if they want them.
They also need:
- Books and magazines
- Games, puzzles, DVDs
- Art supplies for activities
- Slippers and non-slip socks
- Cozy stuff like shawls and cardigans
Contact them first though because every place has different needs.
Churches and Faith-Based Programs
A lot of churches run donation programs and food pantries that also distribute clothes and household items. Others run specific outreach programs for families in need.
It’s worth checking with your local churches or asking on neighborhood Facebook groups or the NextDoor app to find a place to donate.
Kids’ Programs
If your kids have outgrown their old toys and books, community centers and after-school programs can usually use them. Foster care services too—they help families who suddenly have children placed with them and need everything immediately.
Art supplies, games, clothes, and educational toys are usually welcome too.
Soles4Souls
If you’ve got shoes you’re not wearing, Soles4Souls is an organization that distributes shoes worldwide to people in need. They take all kinds: athletic shoes, dress shoes, kids’ shoes, whatever you have. You can drop them at collection sites or mail them in.
How to Get Started
I like to keep three bins going: one for unwanted items I want to sell or consign, one for the animal shelter, and one for regular donations. When one gets full, I know where it needs to go. Way easier than putting everything in a big box and forgetting about it only to have to sort through it all later.
Keep in mind that it’s smart to call ahead before you head out with your boxes to donate. Nothing’s more annoying than loading up your car and then finding out your items aren’t needed right now or the office isn’t open.
Remember that if all you have time for is dropping your things off at the closest Goodwill, that’s totally fine. This is just about having options when you need to make some extra cash or want to be more intentional about the causes you’re supporting.
What do you do with your unneeded items? Any good spots we forget to mention? Let us know in the comments.
Also read:
The Easiest Ways to Sell Household Items for Cash
Earn Extra Cash with These Easy Side Jobs: 11 Ideas to Try Now
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