The new year is prime time for a declutter. New intentions for the year ahead mean we look at old stuff that no longer serves us, or we might be clearing way for new gifts acquired in the festive period. However, for the conscientious declutterer, finding a place to get rid of all our old things can be hard. The charity shop is a great place to start, but they don’t take many of the things we amass like electricals and bedding. They also get inundated with books and DVDs meaning your well-intentioned offerings get turned away.
That is why we are sharing plenty of places to send your stuff when you no longer want it, without resorting to the tip.
Dress agencies
Designer items, unworn clothes and vintage pieces can be taken to dress agencies where they sell your unwanted goods for you, in return for a commission on the sale. We are lucky enough to have places offering this service in the village. There is Stripe a Pose who specialise in designer and occasionwear. Down Chenevare Mews you will find the newer addition, The Wardrobe. They stock popular highstreet brands, designer and will be doing prom dresses for younger people in the village.
eBay, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace
If you have the time to pack and ship items yourself, why not try selling on eBay, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace. Vinted is for clothing, but the other two are great for everything from furniture to tech. It may take a bit of admin but the kickback of a few quid is well worth it, as is swerving landfill and finding your items a loving home.
Charity shops
The charity shop is often first port of call when we have a clearout. Remember that they need to sell on what you donate, so it must be clean and in good nick. Also do the volunteers at our local Mary Stevens Hospice shop a service and check that they accept what you want to drop off. Certain electrical items cannot be resold and they can’t take furniture or upholstery without fire safety labels.
Take any clothes that are too damaged to sell (and underwear) to the rag banks on the car parks by the Royal Exchange and behind Kinver Tandoori.
Local good causes
Local charities often put calls out for seemingly random items. Children’s centres may want things for crafting; pet shelters love old duvets to keep their residents warm; care homes might ask for opened nail varnish or hair tools to create a salon. Pop a post on the local Facebook groups to see if someone with connections has a need.
Before the Tip groups
Waste-hating individuals have started groups on Facebook and other social platforms to connect treasure seekers with other people’s trash. You simply post a picture of what you want to give away and commenters can request collection. Everything is free – for both parties – and it can be a good place to donate niche goods. Even broken things will find a loving home if the right repairer has their eye on the feed. Check out Before the Tip Stourbridge and Surrounding Areas on Facebook for our local group.
Specialist charity collections
Once you have filtered through the stuff other people will happily take, there may still be a pile of odds and ends that you just can’t find a home for. Do a quick search online before resorting to the tip. Did you know there is a charity called Smalls for All that takes worn bras to donate to women in developing countries? Local homeless centres and women’s refuges will take toiletries and lightly used makeup (apart from mascara and lipgloss). For other used items like old pens and toothbrushes, check out Terracycle.
The tip… but head to the recycling points
Once you have exhausted these avenues, check out the recycling points at the local tip. Staff are really helpful and will steer you to the right section. They take paint, electricals and all sorts.