Most closets hide the same ten things: jeans that don’t fit, clothes with the tags still on, heavy winter coats, shoes you never wear, spare bags, accessories, old work clothes, one-time occasion outfits, outgrown kids’ clothes and shoes, and the books, toys and school supplies stashed on the top shelf. If they’re clean and in good condition, they’re ready to donate.
In this article
Professional organizer Peter Walsh has a well-known rule of thumb: we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. You don’t need a study to believe it – just open your closet. (For the record, UK research from WRAP found that around 30% of the clothes in the average wardrobe hadn’t been worn for at least a year, most often because they no longer fit.)
Here are the ten things most likely hiding behind your favorites, and how to tell if they’re ready to go.
1. The someday jeans
They’ll fit again someday. Maybe. In the meantime, they’re taking up prime shelf space and quietly judging you. Ask yourself one question: am I keeping this for the person I used to be? If the answer is yes, it’s time to pass them on.
2. Anything with the tags still on
The online order you meant to return. The “great deal” that was never quite your style. New-with-tags clothing is one of the easiest things to donate – no washing required. Let it go before the season (or the trend) moves on.
3. The parka from that one Tahoe trip
Bay Area winters are mild, so heavy coats and snow jackets can spend years waiting for the one trip that needs them. Warm jackets and coats are among the things the organizations we support ask for most often, which makes this one of the most useful things you can give. Check the zippers, empty the pockets, done.
4. Shoes you never wear
The heels that pinch. The hiking boots from your outdoorsy phase. The sneakers you bought half a size too small and never exchanged. Shoes are welcome as long as they’re clean, wearable and in pairs – tie the laces together or add a rubber band so each pair stays matched. More on donating shoes.
5. The bag of bags
Every closet has one: a tote stuffed with more totes, the backpack from college, the handbag you loved a few years ago. Handbags and school bags in reusable condition can go straight into your donation pile. Empty every pocket first – you might find a forgotten twenty.
6. The watch your phone replaced
Accessories are small, so they hide well. Dig out the watch your phone replaced – wristwatches are welcome if they’re in working, reusable condition. Jewelry and belts aren’t part of our pickups right now.
7. Clothes from a dress code you no longer have
New job, hybrid schedule, or a move from a suit-and-tie office to a hoodie-friendly one? Blazers, suits and dress shoes from a past work life can sit untouched for years. If they’re clean and in good shape, they’re ready for their next meeting.
8. The once-worn occasion outfit
The wedding-guest dress. The holiday sweater. The sequins from a New Year’s Eve you barely remember. Occasion wear rarely gets a second outing in the same group photo, so give it one somewhere new.
9. Kids’ clothes and shoes they’ve outgrown
Children grow at an impressive pace – most babies triple their birth weight by their first birthday – so kids’ closets turn over fast. Kids’ shoes in every size are one of the things the organizations we support request most. Wash everything, keep pairs together and pass them on while they’re still in season.
10. The top-shelf stash: books, toys and school supplies
The top shelf is where good intentions go to hide. Finished novels, board games with every piece, spare notebooks and pens all count. Books are welcome in every genre (textbooks if they’re under 10 years old), toys should be complete and working, and school supplies are often requested. See our guides to donating books and old toys.
What to leave out of the bag
Donating works best when everything in the bag is ready to use. Please skip stained, torn or heavily worn clothes, single shoes, underwear and anything broken or missing parts. Here’s the full list of what not to donate, plus where those things can go instead.
How to get it all out the door
Once your pile is ready, pack it in any sturdy bags or boxes you already have. Then choose what fits:
- Light Pickup – one bag, up to 20 lbs, $24.99 onwards.
- Flexi Pickup – more bags or boxes, $42.99 onwards, depending on the vehicle you choose.
- Drop it off yourself – free. We’ll email you a list of organizations we support near you.
Your fee depends on the distance from your address to the organization your items are matched with, and you always see it before you pay. After delivery, we’ll let you know which organization received your things.
Frequently asked questions
What can I donate from my closet?
Clothes, shoes, handbags, school bags and wristwatches, plus any books, toys and school supplies you’ve tucked away – as long as they’re clean, complete and in reusable condition. See the full what we take list.
Do I need to wash clothes before donating?
Yes, please. Wash and fully dry everything before you pack it. Ironing is optional.
Can I donate clothes with the tags still on?
Absolutely. New-with-tags items are some of the easiest things to donate.
Can I mix clothes, shoes and books in one pickup?
Yes. Clothes, shoes, books and toys in one booking is the norm, not the exception.
