Where to Donate Your Unwanted Stuff?

One of the most common New Years’ Resolutions that I hear is “to be more organized.” Now that January is behind us, how's it going? As a professional organizer, I often see clients ready to part with stuff but unsure of where to go. If you’ve got the urge to purge, there are a number of wonderful resources in the Arlington area for your unwanted items.

 1.)     If your kids are outgrowing their clothes by the minute or if you need room for all of the new holiday toys, consider donating clothing, toys, and gear in good condition to The Little Fox resale shop. Your tax-deductible donation benefits the Fox Library programming. Donations are accepted during shop hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, or by appointment, and be sure to check out the donation guidelines before bringing in your items.

2.)     Got old files to purge?  Consider shredding anything with personal information to protect yourself from identity theft. I always recommend having a personal shredder at home for everyday use, but a one-time purge of old files often calls for a commercial shredding service. Bring your box of shredding in to the and save yourself the hassle of doing it yourself.  

3.)     Get credit for your used books at .  Full disclosure – my husband owns the store – but it’s a great local resource for giving your paperbacks a second life. Bring your books in and earn store credit towards the purchase of other used books. If you’re looking for a nonprofit alternative, the gratefully accepts donations for their book sale, and you can bring in one bag/box per visit to the reference desk.

4.)     If you overbought food staples for the holidays (or if a new diet is part of your new year plan), now is a great time to clean out your cabinets and put food items you don’t need to good use.  Donations to the can be made on Fridays from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Church of Our Savior, 21 Marathon St., Arlington.

5.)     Unwanted cars, trucks and boats can be donated to the or to The Children’s Room. Towing is free and you’ll get a great tax deduction.

6.)     Try your hand at consignment by bringing in your stylish and seasonal clothing and accessories to in Arlington Center.  You’ll need an appointment, so check out their consignment guidelines and contact them in advance.

If “getting organized” is part of your plan for 2012, remember that being organized is an ongoing process. Avoid getting overwhelmed by just tackling one space at a time and staying focused.  What are your favorite local resources for donating unwanted items?