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Blogging Real Simple: Donate It or Ditch It?

3-2-2008-0902_solution_easyup_couch.jpg

OK. So maybe it's only March 3rd, but we're already thinking spring.

The weather was warm this weekend, things are blooming, and maybe you're thinking about Spring Cleaning?

Cleaning out the cupboards? The closets?

Making a run to the local thrift store to drop some things off? The dump?

Before you start ...

What should you donate, what should you try to sell, and what should you ditch?

Real Simple tackles those tricky questions in their March issue.

We're glad that they generally advise donating ... but also think they give good advice on a few of those questionable items -- old kitchen appliances, toys, etc.

Check it out.

image via Real Simple

Comments (5)

I love Real Simple magazine, they always have great tips. One that I heard was "if you wouldn't pass it along to a good friend, then don't pass it along to a charity". Too many of the items donated to charity aren't good enough to be sold and end up going to the landfill anyway. Glad you posted the Real Simple link (going to check it out now)

posted by Aimee's Petite Maison on 2008-03-03 12:34:39
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Another option for donating is your local homeless shelter. The women's shelter in San Francisco will take pretty much anything, including clean usable underthings and half empty bath supplies.

posted by serac on 2008-03-03 13:28:56
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I recently volunteered at an animal shelter, and they said they really appreciate donations of old sheets and bedding for the animals. If you have sheets or blankets that are too old/worn/stained for donating to Salvation Army or other resale charity, considering dropping them off at a local animal shelter.

posted by kkf on 2008-03-03 16:20:46
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is that a couch cover in the photo, and if so does anyone know where to find it?

posted by jmorey on 2008-03-05 12:18:18
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Why no mention of Freecycle? All these items are featured on my local group.

posted by madampince on 2008-03-14 23:40:51
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