One of the biggest challenges of spring cleaning, moving, or organizing, is identifying where to bring unwanted items. Luckily, once you decide which items to part ways with, there are many local options to choose from. Here’s a guide to where you can donate and sell unwanted items in Long Island, New York.
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A Few Words from Management
Trash Reminders:
Before you start a major home purge, always make sure you are following proper trash and recycling procedures in your co-op, condo, or HOA. For example, many communities will not permit you to dump a mattress or unwanted furniture on the side of the community dumpster, so plan accordingly. Additionally, do not dump or flush household items down the toilet or drain that can put unwanted stress on your home or building’s plumbing system.
Are You Moving?
If you live in a community association or are moving to one, please let management know in advance. In most cases, you will need to provide moving insurance. Additionally, many co-ops, condos, and HOAs have moving policies regarding when you can move, etc.
Are You Planning an Alteration?
If you live in a co-op, you will need to complete an alteration agreement, which can vary between communities.
Yard Sales in Community Associations?
Cooperatives, condominiums, and homeowner’s associations do not typically permit yard sales.
Where to Donate or Sell Unwanted Household Items
Donation Sites and Centers
Luckily, there are many local organizations that are accepting donations. Some organizations will even pick up donations from your home, and others have a combination of drop-off or pick-up options:
- Habitat Restore– (Various Locations – Ronkonkoma and Queens)
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island Clothing Donations (Various Locations)
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Various Locations)
- Goodwill (Various Locations)
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Salvation Army (Various Locations)
- Savers (Various Locations)
- Dress for Success (Various Locations – Brookhaven and Manhattan)
- Donate NYC – (Various Locations – Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens)
- Donation Town (Various Organizations Listed)
Donating or Selling Specialty Items
There are local donation and selling opportunities for household items that go beyond furniture, clothing, dishes, appliances, etc., For example, many local Facebook groups are dedicated to free listings, selling, and swapping. Look for town-specific groups and pages, as well as island-wide forums. Local businesses and institutions may be accepting donations too.
Musical Instruments
Music shops will buy back certain instruments and gear. Additionally, check to see if your local school district is accepting instrument donations. If you are looking to swap or sell, find a local Facebook Groups dedicated to musical instruments and equipment.
Food Donations
Donate canned goods and non-perishables to a local food bank or organization. Below are a few examples in Long Island and New York City, but there may be additional food banks in your area:
Book Donations
Donate to your community lending library, bookshop, nursing home, or local public library. Some bookshops will buy used books as well.
Sell Clothes, Accessories, and More
Visit or call your local consignment shop to find out if they are looking for specific brands or types of clothing and accessories. Additionally, try selling items in online marketplaces such as Poshmark or Mercari.
Art Supplies
Check if local schools, places of worship, nursing homes, etc. would like to receive gently used or like-new art supplies. Note that several types of paint require proper disposal because some types of paint are considered hazardous materials. Check before dumping or disposing of paint in the trash or down the drain.
Conclusion
Once you can identify where and how to get rid of unwanted items, the process of moving, cleaning, and downsizing is less daunting. Remember to adhere to your communities’ policies regarding trash, yard sales, alterations, and moving.
