Prior to March 2020, New Yorkers were famous for leaving gently-used items on the sidewalk. Kids’ toys, furniture, and even plants could be found on any given block, and carrying something to the curb was far easier than transporting it to a thrift or consignment shop. But since the pandemic struck, curbside thrifting is no longer accepted practice. Many New York charities closed for a while, but have opened up as safety protocols have been put in place. So where can you donate your used goods before moving day? Here is our list of charities that will accept your household items in NYC.
Out of the Closet Brooklyn
https://www.outofthecloset.org/
Out of the Closet is a non-profit organization with locations across the country, including one in Brooklyn. The organization collects and re-sells clothing, furniture, and household goods to raise funds to support those struggling with HIV/AIDS. According to their mission, “Ninety-six cents of every dollar collected at our stores directly fund AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV/AIDS programs and their new housing services, as well as on-site pharmacies and free HIV testing.”
OOTC offers a pick-up service for larger donations like furniture, a service scheduled easily through their website. For smaller donations, you can bring your items to their Brooklyn storefront on Atlantic Ave and Nevins.
The Big Reuse
The Big Reuse is also open again, with a mission to keep things out of the landfill by finding them a new home. You can donate most furniture (aside from beds, rugs, and upholstered furniture at this moment), household items, appliances, books, and even architectural features like molding and vanities. Visit their website for their full list of criteria, and to fill out the pickup form. Pickup service is available upon application only, so take some photos of whatever you’d like to donate. You’ll need to submit them with the application form. Wherever you’re moving to NYC, they’ll be able to help you offload a few things!
Habitat For Humanity ReStore
Habitat for Humanity works all over the country, and in 70 countries around the world, to provide affordable housing opportunities for those in need. Families build their own homes alongside a team of volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage to create a sustainable future. Habitat’s ReStore facilities resell your donations, raising funds to support their housing efforts around the globe.
There are ReStore facilities all around the state of New York, including one in Woodside Queens and close by in Asbury Park, NJ. Visit their website for a list of what they are currently accepting, and then send photos of your donations to the listed email. You can drop smaller items off at the store, or arrange for a pickup. The number of patrons allowed in store is limited, so be sure you coordinate your drop-off time.
Little Essentials
https://www.littleessentials.org/donate-items
If your little ones have outgrown their clothes, toys, car seat, or other items, Little Essentials will find them a new home. To date, Little Essentials has provided necessary supplies and items to over 42,000 children in New York. They have a pretty specific list of what they will and won’t accept for donations, and an appointment is required for drop-off. Pickup is not available for this organization.
reFashion NYC
https://www.housingworks.org/donate/re-fashionnyc
Would you like to get your whole building involved? A partnership between HousingWorks and the Department of Sanitation NY makes it incredibly easy to clean out your closets. Fill out the application, and DSNY will drop off an appropriately-sized donation box at your building. Tax receipts are available on the bin for up to $250, and you can even donate torn clothing!
HousingWorks is dedicated to providing lifesaving services to homeless, low-income, and marginalized men, women, and youth. Donations to reFashion help support this mission, as well as keep thousands of pounds of textiles out of landfills.
Whether you’re moving to NYC or leaving the city, moving is a great opportunity to declutter and donate. Supporting the charities that keep NYC strong is a great way to feel good about your move! FlatRate Moving can also help you donate through our Upcycle program. We’ll provide you with two free Upcycle boxes, and then deliver them to the Salvation Army for you. An easy way to cut down on waste and help out!