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...

1. Is it usable right now?

2. Would someone be happy to receive this? 

3. 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☐ Outdated electronics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)