Are you moving?
One of the most common problems I see clients run into is grossly underestimating how many things they have! There’s usually several last-minute runs to the dump, or an emergency call to the trash guys. It happens to the best of us, you are not alone! Take this as an opportunity to declutter and only take with you things that you want to enjoy in your next home. Here’s a helpful list of tips on how to declutter and also where to bring those items!
There are many local organizations that will take your unwanted items and give them new life. Below are just a few of the many organizations that can benefit from your donations.
Clothes, Accessories & Fashion Items – Have clothes that don’t fit, aren’t your style anymore, or are just too worn? Donate clothes that are still in good condition and recycle those that aren’t.
Donate:
Operation Blessing – Portsmouth, NH
Planet Aid – Look for the yellow bins around your community
YCSA – York, ME
Fair Tide Thrift Store – Kittery, ME
Savers – Newington, NH
Community Clothing Closet – Hollis, ME
Maine Needs – Portland, ME (please read their “needs” list for relevant items!)
Local Schools – Check with your local schools, as they often provide things like coats, hats, gloves and shoes to kids in need
Recycle:
Remember, use this option when textiles aren’t salvageable. That goes for things like torn jeans, stained clothing, tired sheets & towels. Textiles can be recycled and shouldn’t go into the landfill. Help divert the waste!
Brands, like H&M and Patagonia, offer recycling in-store
Ecosmith Recycling Bins – Little Harbour School, Portsmouth, NH. There’s also an option to drop off at their flagship store in New Boston, NH
Goodwill – Somersworth & Portsmouth, NH; Biddeford, ME
Sell:
Warehouse – Portsmouth, NH
Esta Resale – Portsmouth, NH
Lost Coast – Kittery, ME (they specialize in vintage and unusual finds!)
Market Square Jewelers – Dover & Portsmouth, NH; Portland, ME; Newburyport, MA.
Books – Have a plethora of books? Make the switch from buying to borrowing, and support your local Library! While you downsize, check with these local spots to see if they’re accepting donations:
Donate:
Your local library
Local daycare centers & schools
Goodwill, Savers and other thrift stores
Sell:
Local bookstores – Some towns have book resellers who will buy books back like Book and Bar in Portsmouth, NH
Books-A-Million will purchase select titles! – South Portland, ME or Concord, NH
Recycle:
Ask your local transfer station if they accept books to recycle. Sometimes they have a free swap shack!
Ask your local library if they accept books to recycle or know an organization that does
Furniture – Give your furniture new life by donating to these organizations. Call to be sure they’re accepting donations. Many can pick up, but furniture must be in good condition.
Donate:
YCSA – York, ME
My Friend’s Place – Dover, NH
Habitat for Humanity Restore – Newington, NH
The Salvation Army – Portsmouth & Rochester NH; Portland, ME
Furniture Friends – Greater Portland, Area
Knick Knacks – We love to hold on to memories, but it’s okay to let go. As Marie Kondo says, the intent of the gift was to share a message, to tell you someone loves or appreciates you. If that message has been received and the item no longer “sparks joy”, it’s ok to give it away! Think about sharing your beloved trinkets with others in need.
Donate:
YCSA – York, ME
Fair Tide Thrift Store – Kittery, ME
Goodwill and Savers
Sell:
Have collectibles, vintage, or higher-end items? Some local shops we like for resale are Nest, Portsmouth, NH and Lost Coast, Kittery, ME
Broken Items – Some items are beyond saving. Before tossing your items in the landfill, check out any local recycling programs. There are usually options for recycling appliances, electronics and more.
Electronics have precious metals that can be recovered and recycled. Consider bringing them to Best Buy (Newington, NH & South Portland, ME). This is a great place to bring those dead Christmas lights too!
If you can’t make the dump runs, try reaching out to a local organization that will take care of the trash pick up for you.
Pine State Hauling and Junk Removal
Have recommendations for this Blog? Tell us where you like to donate, sell, or recycle your items and we’ll add it to the list!