Donating slightly used clothing is a wonderful way to support the community and conserve the environment. You also benefit by de-cluttering your home and closets as seasons change. Here are 10 clothing donation tips to help you get started:
1. Gather Clothes To Donate
Take your time to pick clothes that are donation worthy. Consider donating clothes you don’t wear anymore but are still in good condition. This could include items that no longer match your style or no longer fit well.
You can also include rarely used items like a formal gown or a suit you think you will never wear. Many donation centers will set aside those items for programs that assist people who are in need of clothing for special occasions or job interviews.
Do not donate clothes that are worn out, smelly, dirty, or stained. These items will almost always end up in the trash. If your clothing is too worn out to be donated, you can still reduce your environmental impact by repurposing or recycling it. You can recycle some worn-out clothing into cleaning rags or dog toys.
If you are having trouble finding uses for your old clothes around the house, you can contact nearby charities to ask for assistance with textile recycling. Trade organizations promote textile recycling among independent clothes donation organizations.
2. Contact Donation Centers
Before donating, contact or visit the charitable organization to find out the items they need and accept. Some organizations don’t take used bathing suits or underwear, while others do. Before donating these items, always ask because you could burden them with things they will need to simply throw away.
3. Wash or Dry Clean the Items
Make sure your donations are free of odors, stains, and dirt by washing the clothing. Dry clean or wash and dry everything in advance. Damp clothes can develop mildew and become smelly, making them unfit for donation or recycling.
To protect recipients and customers who could be allergic, do not use scent enhancers or laundry detergent and fabric softener with fragrance.
4. Inspect and Repair the Clothes
Most charities do not have on-site seamstresses, and the clothing recipients might not have the right resources to make repairs. Before donating, check your clothes for missing buttons, broken zippers, tears, or stains, and repair what is possible. The bottom line is to donate clothing in good condition. You can repurpose any clothing that is beyond repair.
5. Check Pockets for Items
Check all pockets of clothes, purses, and bags before dropping them off. You may have left valuables, including keys, receipts, credit cards, and cash. Charities often discover lots of personal stuff in clothing donations. Getting them back to the owner isn’t always possible.
6. Consider Seasons
Most donation centers have a limited amount of storage space. You can help them by donating your clothes based on the seasons. Keep your heavy jacket until fall or winter, rather than including it in your July clothing donation.
7. Categorize and Label the Clothing
Consider categorizing the donation by size and labeling each container if you have gathered a lot of one type of item. You will save the collection centers a lot of time and effort. Remember to tie shoes and socks in pairs.
8. Use a Disposable Container
Be ready to leave the Luxury bag or storage container with your donation clothing at the donation center. Use boxes, trash bags, big plastic containers, or shoulder bags you no longer need. It’s easier if you donate both the container and its contents.
9. Make a List in Advance
Some charity organizations offer a tax deduction for donating items. To claim a tax deduction, you must fill out a receipt at the drop-off. Make a list before you drop off your donation to prevent unpacking at the donation center.
10. Deliver Your Donation
Deliver your donation shortly after you’ve prepared everything—it’s all too easy to forget about it and leave it sitting in a closet or car trunk for months. Some organizations offer pick-up services, while others require you to visit the nearest collection center.
Find a Clothing Donation Center near You
Providing support through clothing donations can change the lives of people living in your community. Use the above tips to gather the right clothing items for donations and deliver them to a clothing donation center near you.
