Reducing Clutter in your life is easier when you have the resources.
Finding ways to properly dispose of unwanted items is important. Fortunately, we've got this covered. Here is a detailed list of local resources and our favorite local small businesses.
Hazardous Waste: Old electronics, TV's and computers, etc. Hazardous Chemicals such as paint and weed killer etc.
Township Hazardous Waste Days (varies by township). Most have semi annual drop off days at local facilities. Click below for information.
Montgomery County Hazardous Waste
Chester County Hazardous Waste
Delaware County Hazardous Waste
Eforce Recycling: This company in Gray's Ferry recycles electronics, furniture, construction materials, carpet and even concrete. They offer local collections throughout the year. For upcoming collection dates click here. www.eforcerecycling.com
Old Cell Phones: Target and Best Buy have drop bins for old cell phones, which they either refurbish or recycle for a good cause.
Electronics Recycling: Best Buy will accept many electronics. Click here for a list.
Refrigerator Recycling & Rebate: Did you know that PECO will pick up your old (working) refrigerator for free and pay you $75?! Click here for more information.
Thrift Stores: You can donate clothing, shoes, small household appliances, furniture, knickknacks, toys, books, artwork and jewelry. Every piece of cloth has value- even those old mismatched socks and ripped up jeans. Thrift stores will sell old clothing to companies that buy by the pound and then recycle into items like dishtowels. Most thrift stores are charitable organizations and the sales of what you donate go towards their cause. And of course you get a tax deduction. Some will come to pick up your unwanted furniture. Here are some favorites:
Goodwill, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Philly AIDS Thrift.
Green Drop will pick up bags of unwanted clothes right at your door. Choose your charity: National Federation for the Blind, Purple Heart, St. Vincent dePaul or the American Red Cross.
The Salvation Army will pick up bags and home decor items too.
The Wardrobe is one of our favorite donation spots in Philly. They prepare disadvantaged women to enter the workforce with confidence and style. They have multiple donation centers across the city and a lovely boutique on Spring Garden Street.
Tattered Clothing: Know for sure your old clothes are not acceptable for wearing? Donate them to Planet Aid where they will be recycled into pillow stuffing, wipes and carpet padding.
Consignment Shops: You can sell your items in these local second hand shops. A certain percentage goes to the shop owner for managing the sale. This is a great choice for your better items, like designer handbags or jewelry or even furniture. Consignment shops have specific days each month when you can bring your items for appraisal, which is different from thrift stores where you can just drop off any day.
Greene Street Consignment: Better clothing and Accessories
The Velvet Shoestring: High end furniture and housewares
Estate Sale/ Auction: When you have a home to downsize or sell.
Sell Fine China: Dishfunctional is West Chester is an amazing warehouse to sell or buy china, crystal, silverware, antiques and collectibles. While it’s true that Grandma’s china is not worth what you thought it would be, you will get a fair price at Dishfunctional.
Sell Online at ThredUp: Mail your clothes in best condition to ThredUp and they buy it or consign for you. Click here to learn how to order their Cleanout Kit.
Sell Online on Ebay: If you don't want the hassle of selling your items on your own, you can drop them off at a professional Ebay seller.
Sell it in store at Buffalo Exchange: Bring your trendier clothes to the sale counter on Chestnut Street for instant cash or store credit.
Sell it locally on Facebook: Join a local yard sale group on Facebook or sell on Facebook Marketplace. Simply post your items and arrange for sales at your convenience. Facebook is a nice way to sell since its local, free from any charges or fees. You can feel safer since you get some background information on who the buyers are.
Donate Books- Yes, even textbooks! Better World Books has donation centers and bins in most neighborhoods. They sell them and donate profits to charity or ship them off to less fortunate countries for education.
Paper shredding: If you have mounds of paper that need to be shredded and don't want to waste hours doing it yourself, Staples is a great place to take your shredding. With their secure drop off service they weigh and shred your paper for $1 per pound. Click here for a store near you.
Prescription Medications: For expired or unused prescription medicines, follow
these instructions by the FDA. Note too that throughout the year the DEA arranges for secure Medication Drop Off points in various communities. Click here for the latest information.
Do you think you may be a Clutterer or Hoarder?
Clutterer's Anoymous is a Compassionate 12 Step Group.
Click here to learn more and find a meeting in your area.
Not a severe Clutterer but you buy too much and can't stop? Here is some information and resources from Very Well Mind to help you.
The Spruce List Our recommendations for local tried and true service businesses
EZ Cleanup Super friendly and very reasonably priced. When you have a lot of stuff that you know has to go, these folks will come and pick it up. Better still, they are Eco-Friendly and will also take electronics!
Stahl Electric These electricians are the real deal. Honest, no nonsense, they get the job done and at a competitive price.
The Home Hero Philly’s top handyman services and custom cabinets.
Clutter.com They offer concierge style storage pod service. Clutter.com will come to your home, load up your pod and take it away to storage. When you are ready they will bring it back to you and unload back in your home.
