Professional organizers know that effective decluttering isn’t just about tossing broken items; it’s about responsibly rehoming usable goods. Donating unwanted items keeps them out of landfills while benefiting those in need. Here are six categories that organizers consistently donate after a declutter session – and why you should too.
Holiday Decorations: Streamline Seasonal Storage
Holiday decorations accumulate quickly. Professional organizers like Juliana Meidl recommend donating excess holiday items immediately after the season ends. This makes future decorating simpler by focusing on only the favorites. Don’t forget gift wrap; it’s often in good condition and can be used by someone else.
Extra Food: Reduce Pantry Clutter
Pantry overflow is common, especially after holidays or gatherings. Unopened, non-expired food items are perfect for donation. Cathy Orr, a KonMari Method consultant, suggests donating to local food banks, where the items can directly help those facing food insecurity.
Unused Dishware and Tableware: Simplify Your Kitchen
Take stock of your kitchen after busy seasons like the holidays. Donate dishes, placemats, and dish towels that went unused. Keeping only the essentials frees up valuable cabinet space and makes everyday cooking more efficient.
Duplicate Kitchen Items: Maximize Space
Kitchens often accumulate duplicates or gadgets that never get used. That extra cutting board from a gift? The mandoline you never learned to use? Donate them! Thrift stores are popular destinations for kitchenware, ensuring someone else will give these items a purpose.
Old Toys and Books: Refresh Play Spaces
Kids outgrow toys and books quickly. Declutter bookshelves and toy bins regularly, donating items that are still in good condition but no longer played with. This encourages mindful consumption and prevents clutter from overwhelming play areas.
Clothes That No Longer Fit: Free Up Closet Space
Clothes that haven’t been worn in years or no longer fit are just taking up space. Professional organizers advise asking yourself if you’d re-buy the item today. If the answer is no, donate it. Someone else will appreciate it more than it sitting unused in your closet.
Ultimately, donating unwanted items is a win-win: you declutter your home, and someone else gains something useful. It’s a practical, responsible way to manage possessions and minimize waste.
