One of the biggest hurdles my clients face is not knowing what to do with all their stuff after they’ve done the hard work of decluttering.
Some of us even have tried to downsize in the past, but the objects we want to get rid of are still sitting in our garage or living room, waiting to be donated or sold. We want our items to go to a good home, but sometimes we get stuck with where to put them, and then we stop short.
Luckily, I help my clients find new homes for their belongings, including dropping off donations. Schedule a time to declutter with me and I can help take the burden of your stuff off your hands.
I also give my clients a complete list of my favorite places in Central Pennsylvania where you can donate your old clothes, paintings, tools, appliances, and more. This saves you time from having to research and contact places on your own. It’s organized by category and will give you links to the sites with contact information and other important info!
Click here to get the guide sent to your email address and unsubscribe at any time.
After you’ve downloaded the free resource guide, read along for some tips on how and where to find a new home for your used items.
*This is not sponsored; these are just some suggestions for you to try based on a bit of my own research and experience!
The Next Steps: What to do after Decluttering
You might be exhausted after a day of decluttering.
Rather than spending more energy later on by having a pile of to-be-donated items sitting in the corner, take the time to fully let go of your items by donating them as soon as you can.
Many donation locations or consignment stores are located somewhat close together. Make a short route on your map to get it all done in one trip. Perhaps you can plan to stop somewhere fun or mindful to celebrate as your last stop.
Thank your items and thank yourself for passing them on to their next good home!
Photo Credit: Shannon King
Where & How to Sell Your Used Items
You probably have some items that are of value financially but not emotionally. It’s okay to let go of something that no longer serves you, even if there is nothing technically wrong with it. This might be a perfect opportunity to sell!
It’s important to know that some items are better to sell on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay, while others you would do better to sell to a professional or at an auction.
For example, it might be easier to take all of your clothing to one local consignment store instead of posting each item individually online.
My favorite consignment stores in central PA are:
Adult clothing: Next to New on Lincoln Highway
Women’s clothing: Ooh La La Consignment on Columbia Avenue
Adult or Teen clothing: Shop Eight 16 Consignment on Columbia Avenue
Teen clothing: Plato’s Closet on Manheim Pike
Kid’s, Baby, or Maternity clothing: Little Bo-tique on Lincoln Highway or Miracles Consignment Shop at Western Corners Shopping Center
For more valuable items, try:
Veleska Jewelry on Columbia Avenue for jewelry and precious metals or repairs
Security Rare Coins on Lititz Pike for coins
Kleinfelter’s Auction in Myerstown for valuable home items
You can also consign furniture! Visit Fashion Cents in Ephrata or Next to New Fine Furniture in Lancaster to sell yours.
Sometimes consignment stores have requirements for what kind of goods they will accept. Get my client resource guide here to find links to the pages listing all the information you need to know, including contact information and important policies.
Photo Credit: Shelah Riley
Where to Donate Your Used Items in Central PA
Popular places like Community Aid and Goodwill are great places to donate common items like household goods and clothing.
But what about the more specific items that you are not sure thrift stores will take? This is often where people get stuck, and then the stuff starts to accumulate.
Rather than spending more time and energy researching what to do, here are some places you can start with!
Tools, furniture, and appliances: Lancaster Habitat Restore off Manheim Pike
Technology: Free Geek in Ephrata
Eyeglasses: Lions Club recycling center at Eye Physicians of Lancaster
Books: Book ReSort in Lancaster
Craft Supplies: Lancaster Creative Reuse on Oregon Pike
You may also have items that you simply want to dispose of, such as documents you want to shred (try UPS) or hazardous materials (try LCSWMA).
If you are still unsure, my client resource guide is a good place to start your search. Click here to get it sent to your email address.
Next steps
Schedule a time to downsize with me. I can help you find the next home for your things, especially if you have sentimental items you are finding particularly hard to let go of.
Click here to ask me about a space you’d like to declutter. I look forward to hearing from you!
