I surveyed organisers on the art of donating decluttered items. 32 organisers responded. Big thanks to you all! Here are the results.
Question 1 asked, “When decluttering with clients, which statement is true for you?”
- I always take decluttered items away for donating. – 94% chose this response.
- I sometimes take decluttered items away for donating. – None selected this one.
- I never take decluttered items away for donating. 6% answered this.
Ali Bella from Bella Home Organising added “If they want to donate themselves, it is a win for me as I save time and money.”
As always there is more to the story. The next question I asked was, “If you do take decluttered items away, who decides where they go?”
The general consensus was that the organiser either made the choice or made suggestions. However, if a client had a specific request, it could be accommodated.
Kristina Duke from Decluttering Diva said it very well. “Unless specified by the client, I am trusted by my clients to make the decision.” And isn’t that how it should be? Clients trust us to guide them through the whole process.
I invited the respondents to share specific examples of where they take the decluttered items, and many shared some great resources.
Tracey Warren from Professional Organising Solutions in Adelaide said, “I have been unloading my car with the same Uniting Communities volunteers for many years. They also come to collect larger items such as furniture and white goods.”
Narelle Sheeran from Organise and Enrich, based in Melbourne, said, “Depending on the items, my standards are: sellable items to local Op Shop, fabric items to textile recycling bins, cardboard to free Transfer Station, electronics to Officeworks, dead batteries to Bunnings.”
Marion Thomas from Space Managers said, “I take to the Gathering Tree in Rosebud as this place offers workplace placements and community engagement with the money raised. Also, Habitat as it helps with affordable housing. And lastly, AH Recycling is a great organisation if you have just so much stuff (except electrical items) that just don’t fit in your car.” Good tips, Marion. Thanks.
Rachael Wald from Time to Tidy in Melbourne listed these donation locations – SAVERS takes almost anything. Our Village (St Kilda Mums), GATEHOUSE, KOGO, local op shops, Men’s Shed, community gardening venues, local kindergartens, community relief centres (certain items) and religious venues (e.g. bibles).
Leah Chambers from Less is More in Adelaide continued a religious theme with this unusual and brilliant solution. “I had a client with a cellar full of alcohol that they needed to get rid of. Obviously there is no way to advertise it, so after asking if any of the neighbours wanted any, I called the only place I could think of that would use wine. The local Catholic church! They backed up the Landcruiser and filled the vehicle to the brim. Off they went with their haul – either to fill the communion cups or have a jolly old time at the next parish meeting.”
She also listed “Towels and sheets always go to my local vet. Clothing, household items and bric-a-brac go to one of three local op shops that I know appreciate the items. Electrical waste with plugs always to Bunnings. Kids clothing with tags or brand new toys to Backpacks for Kids in Adelaide.”
Julie Whiting from The Decluttering Co in Melbourne said, “Savers is great for high volume (and they are open til 7pm) and there is one near me in Preston. It’s my go-to, but in between sessions I will go wherever is convenient. I hate returning home with a carload.” I hear you, Julie!
Sarah Deitz from Reclaim Your Space, south of Sydney also aims for convenience. She said, “I look for somewhere on my way home, or I often go to a particular Salvo’s that has good parking and easy drop off area, they also take electronics that not all charity shops will take.”
And finally, Lucy Steen from Serenity Organising in Canberra said, “I love my local Vinnies as it’s local, then my Goodies Junction as they take everything!”
Thanks to one and all for participating in the survey. It’s great to be able to share these resources.
