Knowing the dos and don’ts is essential if you plan to donate to a thrift shop. This will ensure that your donation is helpful and appreciated rather than discarded. Here are some guidelines to help you maximize your donation and benefit those in need.

This is just a general guide meant to help you when making donations to thrift stores. You can best call the thrift store to check precisely what they do and do not accept. In most instances, it is also posted on the thrift store website. The smaller thrift stores have limited hours, so when dropping off, always check first.

I hope you find these tips helpful.

Please do not leave donations in front/back/side of a thrift store out in the inclement weather; it automatically makes the donations unusable, and in large donations like furniture, it can cost a smaller thrift store a fortune to have these items removed. I have heard several stories of mattresses being left and broken furniture, only to have the thrift shop dip into their funds to have items like this removed. Please remember that small not-for-profit thrift stores donate their money back to their communities.

Large donations should be coordinated to ensure a smooth acceptance process, so it is best to call the thrift shop beforehand.

When donating clothing and shoes, please ensure they are clean and usable. No tears, smells, or stains.  If it is costume jewelry, it should be ready to wear and not rusty or broken. The same goes for small household appliances; ensure it has all parts and is in working condition. Make sure all bric-a-brac is not chipped or cracked. The critical rule is, would you give the item to someone you care about?

Additionally, wrap any glass, crystal, or breakable in a newspaper so that the person handling it does not get hurt should the item get damaged in transit.

Cosmetics, toiletries, and perfume are generally a no and definitely not if the product has been used.

The best advice I can give you is to call the thrift shop first; it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Check out my Facebook page for local New York/Connecticut sales and some great articles/news on thrifting and sustainability.

Until next time, Happy Thrifting!