With more time spent at home, I’ve gone through multiple rounds of Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method™, and honestly, I get the hype. Decluttering has been surprisingly therapeutic, my apartment looks great, and I’ve rediscovered floor space I forgot existed.
If you’re feeling the itch to do some early spring (or anytime) cleaning, here are easy, NYC-approved ways to sell, donate, or responsibly recycle the items you no longer need -- so your clutter can live its best second life.
Donate (Feel Good While You Clear Out)
Housing Works
Housing Works’ iconic thrift shops rely on donations to fund lifesaving services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. They accept gently used clothing, accessories, jewelry, shoes, housewares, books, and furniture (some locations may require calling ahead for furniture). Items should be clean and in good condition, and they ask that clothing be bagged for easy handling. Bonus: they also offer furniture pickup for high-quality items.
donateNYC (NYC.gov)
If you’re not sure where to donate something, donateNYC is your best friend. Run by the NYC Department of Sanitation, this searchable directory lets you filter by item type (clothing, toys, electronics, furniture, appliances, and more) and location. It also highlights places that offer pickup; huge win for city living.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Furniture & Home Goods)
Have furniture, appliances, or renovation leftovers? Habitat NYC and Westchester ReStore accepts gently used household items and offers pickup for qualifying donations. Proceeds support affordable housing across the city.
Sell (Turn Clutter Into Cash - or At Least Coffee Money)
Facebook Marketplace & Neighborhood Groups
From window screens to baby gear to that lamp you swore you’d rewire someday; Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups are gold. There’s almost always someone looking for exactly what you’re ready to part with. Pro tip: neighborhood-specific groups often move items faster than the broader marketplace.
Buy Nothing (Give, Don’t Sell)
Not technically selling—but too good not to include. Buy Nothing groups (on Facebook or the Buy Nothing app) let you give items away for free to neighbors. It’s fast, community-driven, and incredibly satisfying to see your stuff go straight to someone who needs it.
Consignment Shops & Online Resale
If your items are in great condition, consignment can be worth the extra step.
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Jane’s Exchange (East Village) specializes in children’s and maternity clothing, books, and baby items.
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ThredUp handles the selling for you online and accepts women’s and children’s clothing and accessories. You earn a percentage, skip the back-and-forth, and keep your closet streamlined.
Poshmark, Mercari, & OfferUp
These resale apps make it easy to list clothes, shoes, beauty products, and small home items. Perfect if you’re ready to ship (or meet locally) and want to make a little extra cash while decluttering. Letting go has never felt so productive.
Recycle (When Items Are Past Their Prime)
Textile Recycling in NYC
Textiles make up a significant portion of NYC’s residential waste stream, but the good news is that most clothing and household textiles can be reused or recycled, even if they’re worn, torn, or mismatched. NYC offers multiple drop-off and building-based textile recycling options through city-supported programs and partners. Items like clothing, shoes, towels, bedding, and curtains can all be diverted from landfills.
To find a nearby textile recycling or donation location, use the city’s official tools and partner directories, which are regularly updated.
Final Decluttering Tip
Before tossing anything, ask yourself: Can this be reused, donated, sold, or recycled? In NYC, the answer is almost always yes, and your future self (and the planet) will thank you.
Written by Sabrina Rollings