As the seasons shift and spring breathes new life into the city, it's the perfect time to refresh your home — and your mindset — by decluttering. Whether you're preparing for a move, organizing your space, or simply embracing the spirit of renewal, spring decluttering offers a chance to clear out the old and make room for the new.
As you sort through closets, kitchens, and living spaces, consider giving your gently used items a second life. Boston and its surrounding suburbs are home to a number of wonderful organizations that welcome donations of clothing, household goods, and furniture — helping others while helping you achieve a lighter, brighter home.
Here’s a curated list of where you can donate this spring:
Clothing donations
1. Dress for Success Boston
Empowering women to achieve economic independence, Dress for Success accepts donations of professional attire to help women prepare for job interviews and careers.
- Location: Downtown Boston • boston.dressforsuccess.org
2. Second Chances
This Somerville-based nonprofit provides free clothing to homeless and low-income people in the Greater Boston area. They accept everyday and professional clothing, shoes, and accessories.
- Location: Somerville • secondchances.org
3. Big Brother Big Sister Foundation
Schedule a convenient curbside pickup or drop off clothing at one of their donation bins across Boston and the suburbs. Proceeds help support mentoring programs for local youth.
- Locations throughout Greater Boston • bbbsfoundation.org
Kitchen items and small household goods
1. Habitat for Humanity ReStore
ReStores accept gently used kitchenware, small appliances, and furniture, reselling them to fund affordable housing projects in the community.
- Location: West Roxbury and Ashland • habitatbostonrestore.org
2. Household Goods, Inc.
This nonprofit in Acton provides families in need with donated household items, from kitchenware to bedding and small furniture. They have specific guidelines for items they accept, so be sure to check before donating.
- Location: Acton • householdgoods.org
3. Boomerangs
Operated by the AIDS Action Committee, Boomerangs accepts kitchen goods, home décor, and clothing. Sales at their four locations directly fund critical services for those living with HIV/AIDS.
- Locations: Jamaica Plain, Cambridge, West Roxbury, and Boston South End • shopboomerangs.org
Furniture donations
1. New Life Furniture Bank of MA
Specializing in furniture donations, New Life serves individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. They pick up furniture in many MetroWest and Greater Boston communities.
- Location: Walpole • newlifefb.org
2. The Furniture Trust
Focused on sustainability and supporting local nonprofits, The Furniture Trust accepts high-quality furniture donations and redistributes them to organizations in need.
- Location: Greater Boston Area • thefurnituretrust.org
3. Cradles to Crayons (Furniture for Children)
While primarily known for children’s clothing and supplies, Cradles to Crayons also accepts small furniture pieces like toddler beds and booster seats to benefit kids and families in need.
- Location: Newton • cradlestocrayons.org/boston
Tips for a successful spring declutter
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Start small: Focus on one room or category at a time to avoid overwhelm.
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Set realistic goals: Whether it's filling one donation bag a day or tackling one closet each weekend, pace yourself.
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Be thoughtful: Only donate items that are clean, functional, and in good condition — a good rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t give it to a friend, don’t donate it.
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Check guidelines: Each organization has specific needs and restrictions, so review donation guidelines in advance.
A fresh start for your home — and your community
Decluttering this spring isn’t just about creating a more peaceful, organized home — it’s an opportunity to give back and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether you’re preparing your home for sale, sprucing up for the season, or simply ready to lighten your load, donating your unneeded items is a beautiful way to usher in fresh beginnings.
If you’re considering a move this spring or would love advice on preparing your home for the market, I’m always here to help! Get in touch via email [email protected] or on social media.
