Decluttering? Here’s Where To Sell or Donate Your Stuff in Central New York

Are you inspired to cut down on all the extra clutter and clothing you have hanging around your home? That's great. Once you've decided what needs to go, what should you do with it?

Marie Kondo, author of 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' and declutterer extraordinaire is inspiring people to finally get rid of all their extra stuff with her new Netflix show 'Tidying Up with Marie Kondo'.

Marie encourages people to only keep the items in their home that "spark joy". In other words, instead of deciding what to get rid of - you just keep the things that make you happy - whether it's that one spatula you always reach for, or the clothes that make you feel confident and happy.

Once you're gone through all your things - using Marie Kondo's methods, or your own - you need to get rid of all that stuff.

The first stop is the Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority, where you can dispose of larger items, as well as responsibly recycle things like paint, electronics, and large plastic items.

It's easy to recycle things that are broken or not longer useful to anyone, but what about the things that still have some life left in them?

Places You Can Sell or Donate Your Unwanted Stuff

Facebook 

• There are several garage sale sites on Facebook, often right in your local community where you can list anything you might want to sell.
• Utica also has the Helping Hands closed group (you just need to request to join) that helps get your item into the hands of people who really need them, locally.

Consignment Shops

Consignment shops are a great way to make some money from the items you either don't need or want. There's probably one in your community - here are a few in Central New York:

• New 2 You Consignment, Ilion
• Plato's Closet, New Hartford
• The Village Basement, New Hartford
• The Queen's Closet, Yorkville
• The Consignment Chick, Clinton
• Ella’s Room Children's Consignment, Rome
• there's also an online consignment store called ThredUp, where you can just send your stuff in, and they take care of selling it for you

Non-Profits That Will Resell Your Donated Items to Support Their Services

This is a double-whammy - not only do you know your items are going to someone who can use them, the money raised can help people in need.

• New To You Thrift Store, Utica - supports the Veteran's Outreach Center and The Parkway Center
• Habitat for Humanity,  they'll even pick up large furniture items - they also have the Restore Center that accepts donations of household items, and furnishings
• The Bird's Nest, Utica - supports Abraham House
• Salvation Army, Utica
• Goodwill, Herkimer - supports Herkimer ARC

Donations Directly To Organizations That Can Use Your Items

• Veteran's Outreach Center, Utica - they can take items for men
• Utica Schools - they'll take like new school supplies, and lightly used winter wear for kids
• The Rescue Mission, Utica - they'll take men's clothing
• The Midtown Utica Community Center
• Madison County Department of Health - take gently used children's clothing
• Empowered Pathways - they'll take women's professional clothing

This list isn't comprehensive, you'll find there are always several options for getting rid of your unwanted things. Sometimes it's as simple as posting the items on your Facebook page; you probably have a friend who could use exactly what you're getting rid of.

Now start decluttering!