Did you know that January is Get Organized Month? With a fresh start in mind for the new year, it’s a good time to embrace the idea of “out with the old” and purge our homes of all that clutter. We all know that sorting through the garage, closets and drawers, etc. is no small task. So when you’re ready to dispose of all that stuff, we’re thankful that there are plenty of easy ways to unload it all. Here’s a round-up of some places to donate your items:

Where to Donate Your Unwanted Items:

–> NAPO Austin’s 11th Annual Clear Your Clutter Day
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The National Association of Organizing Professionals invites you to drop off some of your unwanted items at their annual event. You can drop off a whole carload of items for free! Click here for the full list of what’s allowed and not allowed at the drop off station. For more info, you can visit the NAPO-Austin website.

–> Goodwill of Central Texas accepts donations at over 40 stores and donation centers open seven days a week. Your donation provides merchandise in stores and online, funds job programs that support and enhance our community, and keeps Central Texas green. Plus, all of your donations are tax-deductible from goods, computers, or a vehicle, etc. You can either drop off your donations in stores, at bins or schedule a pick up of your items. Click here for all of the details.

–> Savers has three Austin-area locations where you can drop off clothes, housewares, and more. These thrift stores supports local nonprofit organizations such as Easter Seals of Central Texas helps local children and families. Savers is happy to take the stuff you don’t need, and transform all your reusable goods into support for the community. Click here for info about their location centers.

–> The Salvation Army accepts clothing, furniture, household items, and even appliances.  Proceeds from the sale of these items go to their Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Click here to view the list of their local drop off locations. To schedule a pick up, you can call 1-800-SA-TRUCK.

–> The Settlement Home for Children provides shelter to displaced and traumatized children, as well as adoption services.  They accept a wide variety of items, including clothing, housewares, furniture, and toiletry items for residents. Click here for more details and to schedule a pick up of your items.

–> SAFE includes Austin Children’s Shelter and Safeplace, serving area children, young adults, and families in need. On their wishlists, you’ll find items ranging from bikes and toys to basic needs such as baby items, clothing and hygiene products. Click here for directions to the SAFE warehouse where you can drop off your donations.

–> Dress for Success will collect women’s suits, blouses, dress pants, dresses, shoes, and handbags to provide professional attire to disadvantaged women seeking new work opportunities. Check their detailed wishlist.

–> Any Baby Can will happily take your has a wish list of new and used baby items, craft supplies for preschoolers, office supplies, and toys.  Click here to see their detailed wish list.

–> Austin Resource Recovery has partnered with an independent company – Simple Recycling – to collect unwanted clothing and housewares on regular recycling days. You can simply put your items in your green Simple Recycling bags (that were mailed to all customers)  and put them next to your blue recycling cart on your recycling collection day. When Simple Recycling picks up a bag, they will leave a new one in its place. You can request additional bags online or call Simple Recycling at 866-835-5068. Take note that Austin Resource Recovery encourages you to continue donating to charitable causes first and to use this new curbside service for items that would otherwise be thrown away. Austinites who don’t receive curbside services, such as those who live in apartments, can participate by dropping off clothing and housewares at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-Off Center.

Where else do you like to donate your unwanted items? If you know of charities in need, please share in the comments below.