Spring Cleaning Checklist: Donate or Throw Away
Use this simple guide as you declutter each space in your home.
3-Question Decision Test
Before putting anything in the donate pile, ask:
If it’s not usable → Throw it away.
If it’s usable but not serving you → Donate it.
Then ask yourself...
Is it usable right now?
Would someone be happy to receive this?
Am I keeping it out of guilt?
CLOTHING
DONATE:
☐ Gently worn and clean
☐ No stains, rips, or damage
☐ Shoes in good condition
☐ Coats, handbags, scarves in usable shape
THROW AWAY:
☐ Stained or torn
☐ Missing buttons or broken zippers (and you won’t fix it)
☐ Underwear or socks (unless brand new)
☐ Worn-out shoes with damaged soles
KITCHEN
DONATE:
☐ Small appliances that work
☐ Extra dishes in good shape
☐ Duplicate utensils
☐ Extra serving pieces
THROW AWAY IF:
☐ Chipped plates or cracked mugs
☐ Rusted or peeling pans
☐ Containers missing lids
☐ Broken gadgets
BATHROOM
DONATE:
☐ Unopened toiletries
☐ New hygiene products
☐ Extra towels in good condition
THROW AWAY:
☐ Expired medications (dispose safely)
☐ Old makeup or personal products
☐ Worn-out or stained towels
TOYS & HOME ITEMS
DONATE:
☐ Complete puzzles and games
☐ Gently used toys
☐ Books in good condition
☐ Home decor without damage
☐ Working lamps and small furniture
THROW AWAY:
☐ Broken toys
☐ Missing pieces
☐ Cracked frames
☐ Damaged books
☐ Broken furniture
ELECTRONICS
DONATE:
☐ Fully working devices
☐ All cords included
☐ Reset to factory settings
RECYCLE:
☐ Old phones
☐ Dead batteries
☐ Outdated electronics
GARAGE
DONATE:
☐ Working tools you have duplicates of
☐ Extra yard tools in good condition
☐ Gently used sports equipment
☐ Bikes in safe, working order
☐ Unopened automotive supplies
☐ Shelving or storage bins in usable shape
THROW AWAY:
☐ Rusted or broken tools
☐ Broken lawn equipment
☐ Cracked storage bins
☐ Random mystery hardware you’ll never use
RECYCLE:
☐ Old paint
☐ Motor oil
☐ Car batteries
☐ Scrap metal
☐ Cardboard boxes
OUTDOOR STORAGE / SHED
DONATE:
☐ Working garden tools
☐ Extra pots and planters in good shape
☐ Outdoor decor in usable condition
☐ Patio furniture that’s clean and stable
THROW AWAY:
☐ Cracked hoses
☐ Broken patio furniture
☐ Moldy cushions
☐ Rotted wood
☐ Empty fertilizer or chemical containers
☐ Damaged holiday decor
RECYCLE:
☐ Plastic pots
☐ Metal yard stakes
☐ Broken hose nozzles (metal parts)
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