Conquer Clothing Clutter by Donating

By Sharon Parenteau, MA SRES ASA Realtor and Founder of SMART Realty Solutions

 

Decluttering your home, especially to prepare for downsizing one day, isn’t a “once and done” event, but an on-going process. Throughout the year we should be looking for opportunities to reduce the overall surplus, and live lighter, more carefree lives. Right now, as the weather changes, is a fabulous time to purge your closet. 

Whatever you didn’t wear this summer is a strong candidate for donation. If you’re like most people I know, myself included, we wear the same 20% of our closet 80% of the time. Doesn’t that mean that you could actually get rid of the vast majority of what is in your closet and not miss a single thing?!

My favourite way to cull clothing clutter is to donate it. We’re so lucky to have a plethora of donation options in the GTA. Not just for clothing items, but purses, boots, scarves, and of course outerwear are all in high demand by organizations that serve the less fortunate. 

Here’s a list of organizations happy to accept donations of clean, gently-used clothing in good condition. Some will even come pick up your donation if you are unable to deliver yourself. For more information, visit their website. 

Goodwill Industries

• It’s a non-profit social enterprise that helps people with disabilities or other challenges find jobs and learn new skills. They welcome a wide range of clothing donations for men, women, and children. They accept gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items.

Contact:

Email: info@goodwillindustries.ca

Phone: 519-850-9000

Link: https://www.goodwillindustries.ca/

Common Sort

• It functions as a consignment shop, where all proceeds go towards supporting social enterprises and community organizations. Common Sort accepts gently used clothing items, including designer brands and vintage pieces.

Contact:

Email: info@commonsort.com

Phone: 416-479-3517

Link: https://www.commonsort.com/

New Circles

• Through its clothing bank called GLOWit offers new or gently worn, high-quality apparel to equity-deserving people and families living on a low budget. They also offer free job skills training and settlement support for equity-deserving women. They welcome new and used apparel and accessories for men, women, and children. They also accept gently used shoes and handbags. 

Contact:

Email: donate2glow@newcircles.ca

Phone: 416-422-2591

Link: https://newcircles.ca/glow/

Dress For Success

• They are part of a global network providing job readiness training and settlement support to 15,000+ women in the GTA since 2009, partnering with agencies, corporations, donors, and 300+ volunteers. They welcome lightly used professional apparel, shoes, accessories, and grooming items for both men and women. 

Contact:

Email: info@dressforsuccesstoronto.org

Phone: 416-901-6022

Link: https://toronto.dressforsuccess.org/

Yonge Street Mission

• It is a Christian organization in Toronto that aims to end chronic poverty in one generation through holistic support and community development services. Aside from financial donations and gift cards, they also have a wishlist on their website that details items they prioritize. 

Contact:

Email: info@ysm.ca

Phone: 416-929-9614

Link: https://www.ysm.ca/who-we-are/mission/

Sistering

• They are a multi-service agency that helps women and trans people from all across Toronto who are affected by oppression and poverty. They accept women’s clothing, personal devices like smartphones.  

Contact:

Email: generalinfo@sistering.org

Phone: 416-926-9762

Link: https://sistering.org/staff-list/

Sanctuary Toronto

• Provides essential services to the homeless and marginalized in Toronto, including food, shelter, and other advocacy. They accept Clothing and other essentials like winter coats, hoodies, and track pants.

Contact:

Email: info@sanctuarytoronto.ca

Phone: 416-922-0628

Link: https://www.sanctuarytoronto.org/

The New Mom Project

• Strives to offer newborn necessities to underserved new families in the Greater Toronto Area. They accept New and gently used clothing. They also have a wishlist on their website that details the kinds of donations they welcome.

Contact:

Email: info@horizonsforyouth.org

Phone: 416-781-9898

Link: https://horizonsforyouth.org/aboutus

Scott Mission

• A faith based organization that provides essential services to the homeless based on Christian principles. Aside from clothing, they also accept food, toys, and household items.  

Contact:

Email: info@scottmission.com

Phone: 416-923-8872

Link: https://scottmission.com/

Jessie’s Centre

• A non-profit organization that supports young women in Toronto by providing them with parenting resources, childcare, and other forms of support. They accept clothing, shoes, toys, books, and household items.

Contact:

Email: mail@jessiescentre.org

Phone: 416-365-1888

Link: https://www.jessiescentre.org/

Fred Victor

• A social service organization that works to address homelessness and poverty in Toronto by providing emergency assistance, transitional housing, and long-term housing to those in need. They accept clothing, household goods, toiletries, and non-perishable food items.

Contact:

Email: donations@fredvictor.org

Phone: 416-364-8228

Link: https://www.fredvictor.org/

Suits Me Fine

• A non-profit organization that provides professional clothing to individuals who are reentering the workforce after facing barriers such as poverty, addiction, or homelessness. They accept gently used professional attire.

Contact:

Email: suitsmefine@camh.ca

Phone: 416 535-8501

Link: https://camh.ca/

Covenant House

• Canada’s biggest agency for homeless, trafficked, or at-risk adolescents. They are dedicated to ending homelessness and human trafficking among young people. They accept clothing, household items, furniture, and toiletries.

Contact:

Email: infos@centrefranco.org

Phone: 416-922-2672

Link: https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/

Pegasus Toronto

• A non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy services to adults with developmental disabilities, including those living in group homes. They accept clothing, household items, toys, and books. They also welcome monetary donations to help fund their activities and services.

Contact:

Email: info@pegasustoronto.ca

Phone: 416-691-6835

Link: https://www.pegasustoronto.ca/

Oasis Clothing Bank

• A non-profit organization that operates donation bins across the city to collect clothing and other household items, which are then distributed to those recovering from drug addiction. They accept clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Contact:

Email: info@clothingbank.ca

Phone: 416) 751-0553

Link: https://clothingbank.ca/

The Salvation Army

• Is an international Christian religious and charitable movement that is organized and operated on a military pattern. It is Canada’s biggest non-governmental provider of social services. They accept clothing, books, and household appliances.

Contact:

Email: cory.fifield@salvationarmy.ca

Phone: 800-725-2769

Link: https://salvationarmy.ca/

Diabetes Canada Donation Bin

• A national charity that works to improve the lives of people affected by diabetes. They support diabetes research and education through donations of clothing and small household items.

Contact:

Email: donation@diabetes.ca

Phone: 800-505-5525

Link: https://declutter.diabetes.ca/

Kidney Clothes

• A Canadian charity that raises funds and awareness for kidney disease research, patient care, and organ donation. They operate donation bins to collect clothing donations benefiting the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Contact:

Email: info@kidney.ca

Phone: 800-414-3484

Link: https://kidneyclothes.ca/

Haven Toronto

• The agency is the only organization in Canada focused on serving elderly homeless men aged 50 and over. They accept clothing, household items, toys, and books. They also welcome monetary donations to help fund their activities and services.

Contact:

Email: info@haventoronto.ca

Phone: 416-366-5377

Link: https://www.haventoronto.ca/

Ve’ahavta

• Ve’ahavta is a Jewish humanitarian organization dedicated to promoting positive change in the lives of people of all faiths and backgrounds who have been marginalized by poverty and hardship. Ve’ahavta mobilizes volunteers in meaningful, hands-on experiences to fulfill our collective responsibility to care for our neighbour.

Contact:
Email: info@veahavta.org

Phone: 416.964.7698

Link:  https://veahavta.org/drivetosurvive/

Out of the Cold

• Out of the Cold is an interfaith program that strives to respond in a meaningful way to the basic physical needs of shelter, food and warm clothing for the less fortunate members of our society – as well as to respond to the deeply human needs of compassion, dignity and feelings of self-worth.

  Contact:

Email: info@outofthecold.org

Link: https://outofthecold.org/

Fill a Purse for a Sister

• Fill a Purse For a Sister Campaign brings comfort, hope and dignity to women and youth in crisis with the gift of purses filled with personal necessities. Donations of filled purses will be donated to domestic violence shelters, womens shelters, rape crisis centers & social services that support women.

  Contact:

Email: https://fillapurseforasistercampaign.ca/contact/get-in-touch.html

Link: https://fillapurseforasistercampaign.ca/

Looking for more help in decluttering your home?

At SMART Realty Solutions we believe in providing relevant, valuable information on a variety of topics related to downsizing, including the all-important subject of decluttering. Experience has shown that clutter is the enemy that keeps seniors in homes that no longer suit their physical, financial and wellness needs. 

“The Decluttering Battle Plan” outlines our straightforward five-step strategy for conquering clutter. It is designed to inspire action, and provide easy to follow steps to get a handle on surplus stuff.

“The 30-Day Decluttering Challenge” is a self-directed follow up program that will help you get a jump start on your road to a healthier, aasasasAawealthier, ansssssd decluttered future. Simple 30-minute sessions are spaced over the course of a month. Each day you’ll receive AaAa task, expert tips, and motivational quotes to keep you (and maybe a friend, too!) accountable.

 

Let me introduce myself…

I am a resale specialist helping downsizers transition from their oversized homes to comfortable downsizing living options. Downsizing can be a sensitive and challenging transition for many, I take pride in understanding the challenges my clients face and focus on finding living options that can support their individual needs.

From the first contact through to sale, closing, and beyond, S.M.A.R.T    Realty Solutions creates life-long relationships with clients, colleagues, and contractors by operating with passion, intelligence, and integrity.

Sharon Parenteau
MA, SRES, ASA
Realtor

Please Join Us On

Marilyn Wetson's "From a Woman's Perspective"

 Saturday morning at 8 am!

CLICK TO VIEW MORE INFO

Sign Up Here To Get Our Free Downloadable Guide!