In the midst of a big purge? Whether you’re moving to a new home or simply trying to declutter the one you live in, we’ve got you. You don’t have to be a diagnosed hoarder to collect “stuff”. Whether it’s a set of lamps that don’t match your decor anymore, lidless Tupperware, random textiles you brought back from your trip to Asia ten years ago or clothes you’ve been hanging onto in case you ever fit back into them, moving is the perfect time to get rid of it once and for all. Here are our favourite places to help you part ways with the stuff you don’t want to pack:
Where to Donate Unwanted Items in Toronto
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores collect unwanted household items, electronics, clothing and more. They use the sale proceeds to fund their various programs. If they can’t sell what you donate, they’ll arrange for it to be recycled. Find Salvation Army locations here.
Canadian Diabetes Association
The CDA will pick up unwanted clothing, blankets, toys, books, computers, cellphones and household items or you can drop them off at one of their drop-off locations. Call 1-800-505-5525 or visit www.diabetes.ca
Furniture Bank
Gently used furniture can be donated to the Furniture Bank, where furniture is re-housed to people transitioning out of homelessness. They give in-kind tax receipts for donations over $100, and pick-up can be arranged online.
Reboot Canada
Reboot Canada accepts unwanted computers and printers. They provide computer equipment, training and support to charities, non-profits and people with limited access to technology. Arrange to drop off your electronics by contact Reboot Canada here.
Value Village
Value Village stores can be found throughout the city. They take clothing, household items, collectables, textiles, books and more. While they are for-profit, they do donate a portion of their income.
Habitat for Humanity Restores
You can donate construction supplies, furnishings, home decor, cabinetry, and appliances to one of the various Restores in Toronto. Money raised through re-selling goes directly to fund new home projects. Click here to find a Habitat for Humanity Restore.
Dress for Success
Dress for Success helps unemployed or underemployed women achieve economic independence. They accept gently used professional clothing. Find out more here.
Red Door Shelter
The Red Door family shelter accepts donations of grocery and personal care items (non-perishable food, baby formula and wipes, diapers, personal care and hygiene products) and household products (cleaning products, pots and pans, glassware, dishes, bedding and towels. Contact the Red Door Shelter to arrange a drop-off time.
Garbage, Shmarbage
1-800 Got Junk
If you have a lot of stuff, get in touch with 1-800-GOT-JUNK. They take all the stuff the City of Toronto doesn’t want to take, from mattresses and furniture to old appliances, construction debris and more. They provide same-day service and a 2-hour pick-up window (Rogers could learn a thing or two from them). Costs vary depending on what you have, but they’re an honest bunch (at least in our experience).
The Good ‘ol Curb
OK, I’m sure we’re not really supposed to do this, but try putting some random item on your front lawn with a free sign and watch how fast it disappears. It’s like people are just randomly driving up and down Toronto streets looking for free stuff. If it doesn’t work, you’ll have to drag it back in, and all your neighbours will know the random things you own, but hey, it can be quick and almost painless (and you’ll be surprised at what people will take).
Condo Garbage Room
If you live in a condo, the communal garbage room is the condo equivalent of the curb. If your building has a Facebook group, post what you’ve left and see how fast it gets snatched up.
Selling Your Unwanted Items
Garage Sales
If you don’t want to host and advertise your own garage sale, consider joining friends or convince your neighbours to do a street sale. You won’t likely make a ton of money, but it can be a fun way to meet your neighbours and get rid of all that stuff.
Craigslist and Kijiji
I love selling things I don’t want anymore on Craigslist and Kijiji. Be prepared to be inundated with people wanting to haggle, and never give out your phone number in the ad (trust me, you’ll regret it).
Really want to get rid of something FAST? Post the item in the “Free” section. If you’ve already left it on your front lawn, start the post with “CURB ALERT”, then start your stopwatch.
One of the fastest ways to part with a couch or dining table you don’t want is to simply post it on Facebook. Post on your own profile and sell to friends, or post on Marketplace (prepare to be inundated).
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