3 Steps to Prepare Your Items for Donation

You have some items you no longer need. And you know you're going to donate them to ReStore or another secondhand store. Now what?

For some donations, all you need to do is toss the items into a box or bag and drop them off. Other donations take just a bit more effort. Either way, it's always a good idea to take a few simple steps to make sure your donation to ReStore is in good condition before dropping it off or scheduling a pick up.

1. Clean Your Items

Although it may sound like common sense, some items are donated in poor condition. Some organizations may even turn away donations if people skip this step. A quick wash or wipe-down is usually all that's needed—and is always appreciated by ReStore staff.

2. Assemble All the Pieces

For items that have smaller pieces (think toy sets, hardware for furniture, battery charger for power tools, etc.), be sure to assemble and attach all parts to your donation. Labeling pieces in separate plastic storage bags can be helpful, as well as including any instructions or manuals that go with your item(s). If you have a larger item to donate, consider labeling the dimensions or weight on a piece of masking tape in a visible place. 

Assembling and including all the pieces of your donation are helpful for donation teams, eliminating extra steps for staff and volunteers who process and sort donations. This also ensures ReStore can ask for the best price when reselling your item, increasing our impact with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

3. Consider How to Transport the Donation

Does the receiving organization have any requirements on how items are bundled (cardboard box, plastic bag, other)? If you don't know, it's best to look up donation guidelines on the organization's website. 

For larger items, consider if minor disassembly would make transporting easier. Can you wrap or tie pieces together? Will you need blankets, straps, or other materials to reduce risk of damage? Taking these extra considerations into account will help make sure your donation is successful and that your item doesn't get turned away at the donation door due to transport damage.

Reminders for Preparing Items for ReStore Donation Pickup:

In addition to the steps above, here are some important reminders and tips for anyone donating to ReStore.

• If you choose free pick-up, place items outside the home (garage, driveway, etc). (Our staff cannot enter a residence to pick up items or assist with moving. If you choose Priority Pick-Up, drivers can retrieve items.)

• Clearly label items as "ReStore Donation" to visually verify the donation for our truck drivers.

Ready to Donate?

Now that you know how to prepare your items for donation, it's time to donate! You can drop off items at ReStore locations in New Brighton or south Minneapolis. Or, schedule a pickup and drivers will come to you.