Finding a Home for Your Unwanted Stuff

Most people have items they no longer use and aren’t sure what to do with. Whether it’s clothing that no longer fits, dated furniture that needs replacing, or old sports equipment, books, toys, or household items, these belongings can take up valuable space in your home. However, you don’t need to let them go to waste. Here are some tips to help you reduce the mess in a responsible and ethical way.

Cut clothing clutter

You can free up room in your closet by selling any gently used clothes. Consider taking them to a consignment shop or posting them on websites such as ThredUp and Facebook Marketplace for regular items, Poshmark for mid-to-high-end brands, and the RealReal for pricier luxury pieces. (Note that some of these sites charge a fee to sell on their platform.) Ensure that your clothing is clean and in good condition, and always take good photos and provide accurate descriptions, including the brand, size, and condition. If selling feels like too much effort and hassle, you could always donate them to a shelter, nonprofit organization, or community center.

Lighten your bookshelves

Do you have a library of books you no longer need or want? If so, you can sell them online for extra cash to a vendor like World of Books, which purchases hardback and paperback books, children’s books, and even used textbooks. If you would rather donate, many libraries, schools, and day care centers welcome pre-owned books in good condition.

Purge your furniture

Many consignment shops will take furniture and other home goods if they’re in decent condition. This can be a great way to unload your old pieces and make some money at the same time. If your goal is to donate them, you can contact an organization like Habitat for Humanity or GreenDrop, which will usually pick them up to ensure that they go to people in need.

Retire older electronics

If you have usable outdated electronics, you could donate them or sell them for a profit at a yard sale or on sites like Craigslist and eBay. Even if they’re no longer working, you can sell them for parts since many people use spare parts to repair other devices. You can also give them to a tech recycling program, which will dispose of them properly.

Hand off old sporting goods

There are many ways to find a new home for the old sports equipment filling your garage or basement. Whether you choose to sell your wares to a secondhand sporting goods store like Play It Again Sports or SidelineSwap, donate them to your local athletic organization, or gift them to someone who will use them, it can be a win-win for everyone involved.

Recycle items in poor condition

For items that aren’t in good enough condition to resell or donate, contact your town’s recycling department to learn how to dispose of them sustainably or take them to a reputable and ethical recycling center—just inquire first about what items they will not accept. This will help ensure that your unwanted stuff doesn’t end up in a landfill.