You’ve purged! Now what?

The motivation to purge has struck and you have identified items that you’re ready to part with.  What to do with these items (big and small) that no longer have a place in your home? Here are a few of our best tips to ensure you get rid of these items quickly and, where possible, into the hands of others who may be able to put these goods to use (or safely dispose of them).

• Keep track of your neighborhood's bi-annual free pick ups for free haulaway of bulky items (i.e. furniture, old bikes, etc.)

• Facebook Marketplace/Craigslist/Nextdoor/No Spend groups: We have seen a growing trend of local groups who are focused on a no spend lifestyle. You will find enthusiastic parties who will be happy to take your goods and will come pick them up from you which is an added bonus

• Local womens’ shelters: Baby supplies, hygiene supplies, bras/underwear, feminine products, kids’ games and toys, pet supplies, used cell phones, laptops, desktops

• Habitat for Humanity: Furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials

• Dress for Success: New or nearly new suits, women’s business apparel, women’s shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories, new, unopened, unexpired cosmetics

• Local thrift stores with heavy product turn over (Goodwill, Salvation Army).  Be aware, especially in the state of CA for example, that furniture is often not accepted

• One Warm Coat accepts clean, gently worn coats with no holes, tears, or stains

• Hospital book programs will take those used books that are often so difficult to part with!

• Animal shelters: Bedsheets, blankets, towels, washcloths, grooming supplies, pet food and pet treats, pet toys 

• Baby2Baby is currently accepting donations of new diapers, wipes, formula, new hygiene items, such as soap and shampoo

• Finally, if you have actual junk that doesn't fit into any of the above categories, it’s often worth it to spend the money on a 800-Junk or the like.  The benefit of getting unwanted junk out that’s taking up space in your home far outweighs the cost in our opinion! 

Realistic hacks for purging