When you start sorting and packing your things for an upcoming move, you tend to realize just how much stuff you actually own. And, when you take stock, you may realize that you can leave some of that stuff behind — you don’t love it anymore, and it’s less to pack anyway. But what should you do with all the things you don’t want? Austin has plenty of places you can donate to for a second life.
Shelters
A great way to help support the Austin community is to donate to local shelters like the SAFE Warehouse and Caritas of Austin. The SAFE Warehouse focuses on helping victims of abuse — domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault and exploitation — by offering housing, education, and other community services. They accept most donations, but you can find more specifics on the wish list on their site. Caritas of Austin is working to end homelessness in the Greater Austin area, and offers assistance in food, employment, housing, education, and even veterans assistance. They accept donations of most kitchen and household items, but their wish list is also available on the site.
Thrift Stores
Austin is full of thrift stores you can bring your leave-behind items to, and we only have space to recommend a few. Austin Pets Alive! is a local thrift store that raises money for animals. The five locations work towards a goal of eliminating kill shelters, something they’ve seen a lot of success in. Since first opening, Austin shelters have changed from a kill-rate of 87% to a save-rate of 97%. Austin also has three Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations, which will accept almost all donations of good quality. The Hope Family Thrift Store supports and provides for disaster and crisis survivors, as well as selling donated goods in the store, and accepts most donations up to a certain size. You can review their donation page for more details. Treasure City Thrift is a community-engaged shop. They accept just about anything so long as it’s clean, and will either place it in the shop, donate it to one of many of their associated charities, or place it in one of their monthly Free Markets for anyone who needs them.
Donate Pet Items
If you have pet items that you don’t need anymore or just don’t want to deal with transporting — cages, carriers, food, collars, washable toys or bedding — they can usually be donated to various animal services. The Austin Humane Society and Austin Animal Services both accept donations of new or gently used animal supplies.
Broken or Non-Donatable Items
Not everything in your house can be donated or even just thrown away. Chemicals and hazardous waste like paint, cleaning products, and aerosols need to be disposed of properly. Broken appliances are also usually not accepted at donation centers or thrift stores, and it’s understandable that you may not want to get them repaired just to donate them. Fortunately for you, the Austin Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center can handle these problems. Just make an appointment with the Drop-off Center and bring your old pesticides, pool chemicals, or broken washing machine at the chosen time.
Pack it Up and Ship it Out
Naturally, because this is Austin, there are many more niche places you can donate to. Do512 Austin has a list of places to donate, from some of the organizations we’ve already mentioned to projects asking for more unique items like medical equipment, professional clothing, musical gear, and craft supplies.
Once you’ve sorted through your donation pile and taken them to your preferred thrift shop, shelter, or recipient, you’re ready to do the real packing, left with only the stuff you really love and really want to take with you. And if you still don’t want to pack? Little Guys Movers in Austin can pack for you, letting you focus on the work you’ve already done.
Purging and donating is hard work — you’ve got this!