Several studies have found that acleaner, more organized homecan reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Its also absolutely necessary for most people looking todownsize as they grow older.
So where does it go?
withoutresorting to the landfill?
Thats where our guide comes in.
We list more than 100 items that can be sold, donated or recycled.
(And heres how tokeep it out of your housein the future.)
Scroll below to see an alphabetized list and let us know what we forgot!
Well continue to update.
And if you are swapping or bringing in new items (we understand the temptation!
), inspect them closely before bringing them into your home.
No one wants a bedbug infestation with that free dresser.
TheBuy Nothing Projectoperates locally; join a nearby community to start.
Members give away items they no longer want and can request items they are looking for.
you’re able to email through Craigslist and stay anonymous.
Connected to Facebook,Facebook Marketplaceallows users to sell, buy or give away items.
But be vigilant: scammers aim to take advantage of both buyers and sellers.
Heres how tospot and avoid them.
Another site for giving away and requesting items,Freecycleis used locally, and membership is free.
There are multiplelocal chaptersthat may accept physical item donations.
The national nonprofit organizationGoodwillsells donated items in retail stores and online.
They accept clean, gently used clothing and household items.
Check ahead to see what they accept.
Habitat ReStoresare independently owned national reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organizations.
The Salvation Armyis a Christian not-for-profit organization.
To donate items, find your local donation centers hours and see which items it accepts.
you might also arrange for a truck to pick up your items.
Appliances:If you purchase new appliances, many companies will remove your old ones free of charge.
Goodwill accepts toasters, coffee pots, electric frying pans, irons, mixers, blenders and microwaves.
Backpacks:Nonprofit organizationBags4Kidsaccepts backpacks in usable condition through the mail.
Or find a local drop-off site throughCall2Recycle, which also accepts batteries in the mail.
Bibles:For bibles in good shape, nonprofit religious organizationsBible SendersandLove Packagesaccept donations through the mail.
Another nonprofit,Mission Cry, takes mail donations of bibles and other religious books.
Recycle bibles by removing the cover and binding.
Some local bike shops have in-store donation programs, too.
Blankets:Churches, shelters for people without housing and senior centers may accept new or gently used blankets.
To donate blankets in any condition, contact local animal shelters, or search for aPlanet Aiddonation bin.
Check with your localRonald McDonald House chapterabout donating board games that are new and in original packaging.
Also, see if you live near one of the nearly 50 locations of 2nd & Charles.
The store will buy your old games, books, CDs and more.
Books:Operation Paperbackis a national nonprofit that accepts gently used books to ship to overseas military locations.
The Boston-basedPrison Book Programsends books to incarcerated people.
Finally, there are around 1,800 used-book stores across the U.S.
Many (if not most) will pay you for the books you bring in.
Or, sell online throughBonavdendi,Half Price Books, eBay, andSell It Back.
Also, the Construction & Demolition Recycling Association has asearchable databaseof local organizations that will accept salvage building products.
Most curbside recycling programs accept cardboard, including broken-down boxes.
Cardboard can also be composted.
Carpeting:Local Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept unused, leftover carpeting.
For used carpeting, useEarth911to find a local recycling center that accepts carpet.
If its expired, it shouldnt be passed on to a new owner.
While most curbside recycling programs dont accept car seats, Target stores host acar seat trade-in eventevery year.
(In 2024, it happened over two weeks in late April.)
(There is also a mail-in option atcarseatrecycling.com.)
Cellphones:Before recycling, see to it you remove all of your personal information.
(TheFTC has instructionsfor resetting just about any gadget to its factory controls.)
Most cellphone recycling services, like the for-profitBig Sky Recyclingand the nonprofitCell Phones for Soldiers, are free.
Others, likeSellCellandGazelle, will pay for your old phones.
Some stores, likeBest Buy,Staples,VerizonandAT&T,also offer trade-in/recycling services.
Some city and town recycling programs will take artificial trees check locally.
For live trees, many cities will pick them up as part of the weekly trash or recycling collection.
They may also set up temporary drop-off centers for trees.
Check with your local municipality.
Additionally, some Home Depot stores will collect old Christmas trees to recycle.
Cleaning chemicals:Contact your local householdhazardous waste programabout how to properly dispose of chemicals and other potentiallyhazardous waste.
All four charge a fee to use, however.
Vietnam Veterans of America will pick up clothing donations in most states.
GiveBackBox accepts clothing donations for a number of charities from which it’s possible for you to choose.
Just order a box (prices vary) and pack it with gently used clothes.
Drop off tattered or unusable clothing at anAmerican Textile Recycling Servicebin,PlanetAidbin or aUSAgainbin.
Computers:Donate laptops in working condition toComputers With CausesorGlobetops.
