If you’re planning to sell your home in Toronto or the GTA, one of the best things you can do before putting it on the market is to declutter it! Over the years, it is so easy to accumulate extra stuff. Furniture, clothing, kitchenware, books, decorations and all sorts of things. While these items might still be perfectly good, they can make your home feel smaller, crowded and less appealing to potential buyers. The good news? You don’t have to throw everything away!
Toronto has several charities and non-profit organizations where you can donate gently used items, giving them a second life while helping people in your community. Some organizations also offer pickup services, which can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with larger furniture or preparing for a move.
As a real estate agent, I always recommend starting the decluttering process early. Not only will it make preparing your home for sale easier, but you’ll also have less to pack when moving day arrives.
Here are some places to consider when deciding where to donate your unwanted furniture and household items in Toronto.
1. Furniture Bank — Donate Furniture to Help Local Families
If you’re clearing out larger items such as sofas, dining tables, dressers, beds and chairs, Furniture Bank is an excellent place to start. The Furniture Bank helps individuals and families who are transitioning out of homelessness, leaving shelters or rebuilding their lives.
Items to consider donating: (Keep in mind that furniture must meet the organization’s condition and safety requirements, and it does not accept large appliances, built-in cabinetry, clothing or linens.)
- Sofas, armchairs and coffee tables
- Dining tables and chairs
- Dressers, nightstands and bookshelves
- Bed frames and eligible mattresses
- Kitchenware, artwork, rugs and other household essentials
Furniture Bank offers furniture pickup services for eligible donations, although pickup fees may apply. Free drop-off options are also available.
2. Habitat for Humanity ReStore — Furniture, Home Décor and More
Are you getting rid of furniture, light fixtures, home accessories or leftover renovation materials? Habitat for Humanity GTA ReStore may be a great option.
ReStores accept a variety of new and gently used household items and sell them to the public. Proceeds help support Habitat for Humanity’s work building safe, affordable homes for families.
This is particularly useful if you’re preparing your home for sale and have items left over from renovations or home improvements.
Items that may be accepted include:
- Tables, chairs, dressers and other furniture
- Home décor and accessories
- Lighting fixtures
- Certain appliances
- Tools and renovation materials
- Kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures and flooring
Not everything can be accepted, and items must meet the organization’s requirements. For example, Habitat ReStore GTA does not accept used clothing, mattresses, box springs or damaged furniture.
Donation drop-offs are available at participating locations. Free curbside pickup is offered for eligible donations under specific conditions, while in-home pickup may involve a fee.
3. Goodwill — Clothing, Small Furniture and Household Goods
If your decluttering project involves overflowing closets, unwanted kitchen items or small pieces of furniture, Goodwill is another organization worth considering.
Goodwill accepts a range of clean, gently used items that can be resold, helping support its employment and skills-development programs.
Items you may be able to donate include:
- Clothing, shoes and accessories
- Kitchenware and household goods
- Bed and bath linens
- Small appliances
- Books, games and toys
- Small furniture that meets its size and weight requirements
All donations must be clean and in resale condition. Goodwill generally does not accept large furniture, mattresses, box springs or damaged items.
Check the donation guidelines before loading up your car, especially if you’re planning to donate several large items.
4. The Salvation Army — Clothing, Shoes and Household Items
The Salvation Army operates thrift stores and donation centres where you can drop off many everyday items. It’s a great option when you’re sorting through closets, linen cupboards, kitchen drawers and storage areas before a move.
Commonly accepted items include:
- Gently used clothing and shoes
- Purses and accessories
- Bedding and linens
- Kitchenware and smaller household items
- Books, toys and selected small appliances
Accepted items vary by location. The Salvation Army’s donation centres generally do not accept furniture, large appliances or construction materials.
5. Diabetes Canada — A Convenient Option for Clothing Donations
Have bags of clothing, shoes and accessories to clear out? Diabetes Canada offers a convenient way to donate many reusable items through its clothing collection program.
Donations are collected through its Clothesline program and sold through its charitable collection partnership, generating funding for diabetes research, education, programs and services.
Items commonly accepted include:
- Clothing for adults and children
- Shoes and accessories
- Purses and bags
- Certain small household goods
- Some small electronics and other eligible items
Diabetes Canada offers scheduled pickup for eligible donations in participating areas. Its collection program is not intended for large furniture, mattresses or major appliances.
Check the current list of accepted items and pickup availability before arranging your donation. You can also drop off your donations either in a donation bin and clothing at one of these locations.
6. Yonge Street Mission’s Double Take Thrift Store — Clothing and More
Yonge Street Mission operates Double Take Thrift Store in downtown Toronto. The store sells donated goods, with proceeds supporting the organization’s community programs.
If you’re clearing out clothing and accessories and are close to the downtown core, it’s another great option to consider. It’s an organization that does a lot for those in Toronto that are in need of assistance.
Items accepted may include clean, wearable clothing, shoes, accessories and selected household goods. Donation guidelines can change, so check the store’s current requirements before bringing anything in.
Final Thoughts
Getting ready to sell your home can feel like a big job, especially when you’ve accumulated years’ worth of belongings. But you don’t have to do everything at once, nor do you have to feel badly about throwing out perfectly usable items!
Whether you’re donating clothing to Diabetes Canada, furniture to Furniture Bank or household items to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, there are plenty of ways to pass along things you no longer need while supporting worthwhile causes. Just remember that donation policies, accepted items, pickup availability and fees can change. Always check directly with the organization before arranging a drop-off or collection.
Thinking about selling your home in Toronto or the GTA? Decluttering is a great first step, and having a plan for staging and preparing your home can make the process that much easier. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out. I’m always happy to offer advice on getting your home ready for the market.