All too often, we have stuff lingering around our homes simply because we don’t know what to do with it.
That old CD collection. The DVDs you never watch anymore. A busted printer.
They just take up space, weighing us down like clutter tends to do.
If you’ve been spending your extra time at home decluttering, you might have a pile of stuff that needs to go…but you just don’t know where to take it. Fortunately for us Austinites, there are several resources around town that can help you get rid of that lingering stuff. (And if you don’t live in Austin, check out your city’s website to find resources near you!)
*Note: due to COVID closures, some organizations may not be accepting donations currently, so be sure to check hours and availability on their websites!
General Donations
To donate clothing, home goods, furniture, or small electronics still in good condition, you can schedule a free pickup from Salvation Army. (Yep, they’ll take your pile away for you!)
You can also drop off donations at your nearest Goodwill Store.
Support Austin Pets Alive by donating to their Thrift Store! They accept new or gently used items such as clothing, home decor, pet items, art, and working electronics – check out their website for a full list of accepted items.
Or you can join local forums, like Buy Nothing groups, where you can post your giveaway items for the people in your community!
Art & Craft Supplies
Austin Creative Reuse is a great place to donate craft supplies, gift wrap, magazines, etc.
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Books and media items that are still in good/usable condition can be donated to the Austin Public Library’s Recycled Reads program.
CDs and DVD discs are also recyclable – drop them off at the Austin Recycle and Reuse Center.
The Inside Books Project donates books to prisoners in Texas – check out their website for drop-off locations.
Home Improvement Supplies/Yard & Outdoor Equipment
The Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts camping and outdoor equipment, hardware and tools, building materials, and much more. For large donations, they offer a free, limited pick-up service.
Medications
Expired and unused medications can be taken to disposal kiosks around the city of Austin.
Walgreens offers drop-off sites through their Safe Medication Disposal Program. Find a disposal kiosk near you.
Small Electronics
Electronics, such as printers or kitchen items, that still function can be donated to charities like Salvation Army or Goodwill. Broken electronics can be taken to the Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center.
Additionally, Best Buy has an electronics and appliances recycling program that accepts almost everything, including laptops, computers, cell phones, and cameras. They offer discounts or trade-ins on some products if you bring in items to recycle.
If you want to get rid of an old laptop or computer, it’s a good idea to extract the data and wipe your files before donating or recycling. There are ways to do this on your own, or you might feel more comfortable hiring someone to do it for you.
Batteries, Household Waste, and Large Junk Hauls
Unused household chemicals, paint, and batteries can be taken to the city’s Recycle and Reuse Drop-Off Center. See a full list of what is accepted and not accepted at the drop-off center here.
Duke’s Junk Recycling in Wells Branch accepts mattresses, furniture, household and construction waste and other items. They do charge fees (which you can view on their website), and they offer a pickup service.
Junkluggers in Austin (also fee-based) will haul away common household items like mattresses and appliances, as well as old office items and construction materials (see their full list here).
1-800-Got-Junk is a nationwide junk removal service that offers a free on-site estimate with no hidden fees.
Letting unwanted stuff linger in your home saps your energy and clutters your mind as well as your space. It might take a little time to gather your items and remove them, but the results – peace of mind and a clutter-free home – are so worth it!
P.S. Don’t forget that donation drop-off is included with our professional organizing service, so we can save you a trip (or three).