As the years go by, we all accumulate more things than we really need, leaving us with no choice but to set aside some time and have a good old spring clean. Whether it’s clothes that we can no longer squeeze into, shoes we’ve never been able to walk in, or toys left behind from your children’s early days, there’s no use in holding onto decades of unnecessary clutter.
One of the best ways to tackle your unwanted goods is to separate them into piles of things to keep, things to toss, and things to donate. But once you have filled several bin liners with hardly used items, such as clothes, homewares, and even CDs and DVDs to take down to your local op shop, do you know which charities in Australia accept donations from the public?
Salvos is pretty much an Aussie institution and there isn’t much the charity won’t take off your hands when it comes to donations, which makes it an easy choice if you’re looking for somewhere reputable to take your unwanted items, safe in the knowledge that the cash made from it will go to a worthwhile cause as 100 per cent of profits go back into The Salvation Army programs.
Every Salvos store across Australia accepts clothing donations, including footwear and accessories, as long as they are in good condition and not soiled or damaged. Used homewards, such as glassware, dining sets, storage, and furniture are also welcome, again provided they’re not damaged or unusable.
Toys, books, vinyl records, and small electrical items can also be donated, provided they are in working condition, while some Salvos stores also accept white goods and large pieces of furniture, so if you’re looking to part with any of those, it pays to check with your nearest store before lugging the items down there.
Lifeline is another well-known name in op shopping, and they also encourage donations from the public. From clothing and accessories to household items, furniture, books, and electrical items, there’s not much that wouldn’t be welcomed, with all donations then resold in Lifeline stores across the country.
Businesses can also make donations, as Lifeline accepts used computers, software, printers, cameras and other multimedia equipment, as well as office furniture. However, the goods accepted differ between stores, so call and check ahead before you turn up.
There’s barely a suburb in Australia that doesn’t boast a Vinnies op shop, so it’s no surprise they welcome donations of all kinds from willing members of the public. According to their website, their motto is “if you’d give it to a friend, then it’s ok to give to Vinnies”.
So, if you’re looking to declutter, why not take your unwanted clothing and accessories to your local Vinnies – otherwise known as the St Vincent de Paul Society. They also accept homewares, including manchester, children’s toys, books, CDs, DVDs, and electrical items. While many stores also accept furniture donations.
Your items can be dropped off in-store during their opening hours or placed into the donation bins provided. Some stores also offer pick-up for larger items or in the case of donors who are unable to make it to their nearest store.
While you may not have heard of Dress for Success, they are a worthy cause like any other as the charity takes quality donations of work and office wear and pass it on to female clients across the country, who are in desperate need of clothing to wear to job interviews.
However, due to the purpose of the donated items, there are more stringent guidelines when it comes to making a donation as they request that any items are; freshly dry-cleaned or laundered, not more than three years old, and suitable to be worn to a job interview.
Some of the items they accept include blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, jackets and knits. They also take handbags, work-appropriate shoes (as long as they’re in excellent condition), suits, new never-worn underwear, jewellery, and unopened make-up. However, they do not currently accept men’s clothes.
So, when you’re ready to declutter, these charities are ready to help you make a positive impact by giving your belongings a second chance to bring joy and usefulness to someone else’s life.
This article was originally published on October 4, 2019, and has been updated on August 23, 2023.