Help your donations make it to the sales floor faster.
Thrift stores and resale shops are one of the best places to donate clothing, toys, and other household items that are taking up space in your home. However, it’s not as easy as simply dropping everything off—there’s usually a little prep involved because many thrift stores can’t accept items that are dirty, damaged, or otherwise not ready for the sales floor.
“Things that are in great condition, current, safe, and ready for resale usually lead to a much better outcome,” says Michelle Talley, co-owner of Kid to Kid stores in Tonawanda and West Seneca, New York. “Not only does it increase the likelihood that more of your items will be purchased, but it also makes the process faster and less overwhelming for everyone.”
To help make your next donation a success, we spoke with The Salvation Army and thrift store owners about the items they most often wish were cleaned first—and the simple steps you can take before dropping them off.
Meet Our Expert
- Janet Curran, owner of Do Good Co., which operates two resale shops in the Kansas City area of Missouri
- Michelle Talley, co-owner of Kid to Kid stores in Tonawanda and West Seneca, New York
- The Salvation Army
Related: A Guide to Donating Almost Anything Lying Around Your House…