CDs you’ve kept from your childhood. Clothes you’ve outgrown. Books collecting dust. Over the years, it’s easy for your belongings to accumulate and take up precious space – but if you’re moving house or need to create more room, they can quickly start to get in the way.
Whether you want to declutter clothes, cushions or CDs, there’s plenty of charities in need. If you’re not ready to part with your possessions just yet, you could consider a storage unit. Available across the UK, our local storage units can be rented on both a short and long-term basis.
What will charity shops take?
Clothing
Shirts you never wear, jackets that don’t fit anymore, and hoodies you’ve moved on from are all perfect items to donate to charities and a great way to clear out your wardrobe. Make sure any clothing you pass on has been cleaned and is in good condition. While gently used clothing can be sold on, anything threadbare or unwearable will often not be accepted by most charities. If you have any stained or damaged pieces of clothing you want to get rid of, you can pass them on to a textile bank instead, where they can be recycled or repurposed.
Don’t forget about lightly used shoes, too: anything you’ve only worn once or twice can be passed on for someone else to enjoy.
Specialist items like wedding dresses and designer clothes are also valued: one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces are often the most sought-after.
Accessories and jewellery
From rings and necklaces to bangles and earrings, all kinds of unwanted jewellery are welcome donations at charity shops. Specialist charity shops can accept jewellery no matter what condition it’s in. Often, older or mismatched jewellery can be melted down and used to create new pieces.
Books
If you have much-loved classics you no longer read, or you’re making room for new favourites, donating your books is a great way to give them a new home. Recycling old books is an excellent way to help the environment, while also saving you precious space at home.
CDs, DVDs and records
Whether you have a pile of vintage DVDs you haven’t touched in years or old CDs that are just taking up space, donating them to charity is a fantastic way to keep your home tidy. CDs and DVDs have become increasingly popular with music lovers and film buffs keen on growing their collections and finding rare classics.
Records are also growing in popularity. From old classics to new releases, any records you don’t want to hold on to are a great option for passing on to a new home.
Homeware and soft furnishings
From cushions and duvets to desks and chairs, charity shops accept a wide variety of homeware items. If you’ve recently revamped your home, and you want to pass on your furniture rather than store it for another time, donating any bits and pieces in good condition will help you clear space, and complete your renovations.
Many charity shops will also move your furniture for you, saving you the hassle of hiring a moving van.
Children’s toys
Children quickly outgrow toys. Instead of letting them pile up, donate them to charity. Not only do you get to make a child’s day but also supports a more sustainable environment by recycling instead of throwing them away.
It’s not just toys and games that children’s charities are in need of: any unopened nappies, muslins or baby clothes are also in short supply.
Pet supplies
Whether your dog’s decided he doesn’t like a certain brand of pet food, or you’ve got an abundance of unused pet toys lying around, rescue homes can make good use of unused pet supplies. Many local rescue centres will also accept old towels and bed linen to use in animal beds.
What can’t I donate?
Each charity will have their own regulations on the items they can’t accept. Here are the most common refused items:
– Sharp kitchen knives
– Scissors
– Kitchenware that uses gas or oil
– Refrigerators
– Safety equipment like helmets, life jackets, and harnesses
– Prams
– Car seats
– Pushchairs
– Cots
– Toys without a CE label
– Used pillows and duvets
– Cushions
– Prescription glasses
– Microwaves
– Wheelchairs
To make sure you’re not turned away in-person, check your specific charity’s requirements first and foremost.
Whether you’re redecorating, moving out or embarking on the trip of a lifetime, decluttering and donating has multiple benefits. Find out more about the charities we support or read more of our expert’s tips for tidying and decluttering your room.