Instead of just throwing things out, I’m doing my best to recycle or give things away before my upcoming move. It takes more time, but it helps me feel better knowing the things I’m getting rid of aren’t going straight to a landfill – and helps me be more aware of my waste, hopefully curbing my spending habits in the future, too.

This list is what works for me as a Somerville, MA resident, but a lot of the same options are available wherever you live!

BOOKS

• I donated the books that no longer served me at BayStateBookCompany.com – you can find a donation bin or even schedule a pickup
• More Than Words is an amazing local organization that employs young people 16 – 24 who have had some extreme challenges growing up. They work in the store and get help learning some life skills. You can donate your books (and gently used clothing) at one of their drop off sites or bins
• Then there is of course the library. The Somerville library doesn’t accepts donations, but the Boston Public Library will take them to sell in their Book Sale every other month. Just drop them off at the Library’s Circulation Desk

NICE CLOTHES/HAND BAGS

• For the good stuff – like name brand purses and nicer clothes – I usually go to a consignment shop like Covet in Beacon Hill, but I’ve also heard good things about Raspberry Beret. Both are currently by appointment only. You bring in your stuff, they decide if they can sell it, and you usually get a decent cut of what they sell it for after they do!
• While you can certainly mail all of the clothing you want to donate to a place like ThredUp, I’ve heard they are being pickier about what they take so I would limit to what you think they might actually pay you out for. They will keep and sell what they can and donate the rest, but there’s something about mailing it across the country just to get donated that seems a little wasteful to me if I can help it.

CLOTHES NOT WORTH SELLING/SHEETS/TOWELS/RANDOM HOUSEHOLD GOODS

• I donated a bunch of old sheets and clothes through the SimpleRecycling.com – they take clothing and home goods. Note: they are for profit! So while it’s great things are not ending up in the landfill, there might be other local resources that are in more need, depending on the clothes
• My other favorite spot for giving away random household goods: The Everything is Free, Somerville, MA Facebook group. This one is specific to my city, but they pop up throughout the US on Facebook. After you request access and get accepted into the group, you can post pictures of what you’re offering, or what you’re in need of (ISO = in search of). I typically leave the item(s) on my front porch for someone to pick up after messaging them my address privately.

MAKEUP/ TOILETRIES

• If unopened, Cambridge Women’s Center is always looking for travel sized options (open Monday – Friday 10AM – 8PM and Saturday 10AM – 3PM). Women’s Lunch Place is looking for travel-size and otherwise, but hours are more limited. Contactless drop off is open Monday-Saturday from 8:00am-1:00pm.
• if opened (and not like, weird to give away) I’ve seen people give stuff away on the Everything is Free, Somerville, MA Facebook group. I gave away some bath products I wasn’t going to use up.

OLD CORDS/TECHNOLOGY

• Best Buy will basically take anything. I donated a whole bag of random cords, a printer that no longer worked and a monitor that also no longer worked within the last six months. Usually just drop at their service desk.

PAINT

• Don’t throw paint away! Either try to give it away in a Everything’s Free group, or use Somerville’s Hazardous Waste Pickup options (schedule ahead, they pick up once a month!)

PLASTIC BAGS

• Bring these back to the grocery store. Most stores have a simple drop off bin as you walk in the door. You can recycle plastic bags you got from them, but also bread bags and ziploc bags, too!

COINS

• Instead of lugging your loose change to your next place, turn that into a gift card! Coinstar is in most Walmarts and Stop and Shops – find a kiosk near you here.

SOMETHING I MISSED?

• You know I’m going to tell you the Everything’s Free, Facebook Group in your town is the easiest solution
• If that doesn’t work, search DonationTown.org to help you find a place to donate most things I didn’t list
• If that fails, check Somerville’s Waste Wizard to figure out how you can best dispose of what you’re getting rid of