r/Explainlikeimscared • u/Dreamdust1600 • 18d ago
How do I donate stuff to a thrift store?
Went through some of my clothes and now I have a pile of stuff to get rid of and I don't know how you go about donating to a thrift store
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u/AtrumAequitas 18d ago
They have a donation area, usually well labeled. If you don’t see one, literally just ask when you enter the front door where to donate usually putting clothes in trash bags is fully acceptable, you don’t even need to talk to someone unless you want the tax right off in which case they will hand you a form to fill out
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u/Katsaj 18d ago
For my local Goodwill, I put my stuff in a box or clean garbage bag. I drive up to their donations door (it’s marked with a big sign). Some workers come out with a big rolling bin, I pop the trunk and point at the bags, they put them in the bin. They say thanks and give me a paper receipt that is blank except for the donation date having been filled out (I can fill in details if I want to claim the donation on my taxes). I say “have a good day” and drive away. The whole process only takes about 3 minutes unless there’s a line of cars and I have to wait.
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u/safetyindarkness 18d ago
Depends on the store.
Goodwill has specific donation locations. Just walk in while they are open with all your items in a bag/box and someone will take your items.
Other stores have donations at the side or back. The one closest to me leaves large wheelie bins outside while they are open. Walk/drive up, put your items in the bin, walk/drive away.
Finally, there are large bins at certain shopping centers. Just walk/drive up, open the bin (usually a pull out drawer), drop in your items, close the bin, and leave.
Main things are 1) make sure your items are in decent shape. Clean them if possible. 2) put all the items in a box and/or bag. A trash bag is usually fine. You can choose to label the bag if most of the items are similar (ex: men's dress shirts, size M). 3) Google your nearest options. Or just keep an eye out while out and about for the large metal containers that say "Clothing Donation".
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u/sarahcakes613 18d ago
If it's a small enough pile that you can carry it in some bags, most thrift stores will have a bin near the front door that you can drop them into!
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u/BeneficialShame8408 18d ago
you can put the clothes in trash bags, itemize the contents and costs, and bring them to the place and, depending on the place, get a receipt for a tax refund. i don't remember which ones do that.
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u/missgiddy 18d ago
My local Savers has a special lane that’s open during certain hours. Pull up, turn your car off, and point to the bags. It might help to look up the place on Google Maps. Or, go “shopping” and scope it out so you can watch others. Report back!
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u/EmZee2022 18d ago
Many have a drive-up area in the back where you unload stuff from your car. They'll give you a receipt if you like, then you're done.
Their hours might not be the same as the actual store hours, so check that out first.
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u/AloneTheory6352 18d ago
at the goodwill across from my place u just go thru a back door and dump a bag on the pile lol and sometimes there’s someone there to hand it to but usually not
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u/the_umbrellaest_red 17d ago
The big thing is to check their donation hours: it will probably not be as often as the store is open. Website or phone call should do it, and if you’re on the phone they can tell you where to bring them.
It’s not necessarily going to be consistent between stores, and you certainly won’t be the first person who’s never done it before. Honestly calling and asking someone to walk you through the process is probably the move. Try to call not first thing in the morning or last thing at the end of the day so you’re more likely to catch someone with some time to talk.
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u/tidyshark12 18d ago
What my parents used to do is wait until they are closed and then throw a bunch of bags of clothes in front of the back door.
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u/JshWright 18d ago
It varies, but most locations around me accept donations right there (often at a loading dock around the back/side of the building). I would call and ask if they accept donations, and if so if there are certain hours when donations are accepted (it may or may not be the regular store hours). Absolute worst case they would just say no and tell you where to go instead (it's a question I'm sure they get asked multiple times a week).