Your spring cleaning donations could fund a new home for a neighbor

With spring approaching, many house-bound families are now eager to clean house and donate items that others may enjoy more. Some organizations come to your home to pick it up at a cost, but others are willing to haul it off for free.

At Habitat for Humanity of Wake County’s ReStore in Raleigh, Kimberly Stanley came looking for a good deal on a small trundle bed.

"Normally, you would spend at least $200 at places like Wayfair and places like that, so for $30 I was willing to take a chance," said Stanley.

As customers buy beds, lamps, furniture and appliances, more donated items are rolled in to replace them. "A lot more people are trying to get rid of items, and this is a perfect place to bring them," said Chrissie Sailstad, director of the ReStore.

She says many people bring donations to drop off at the ten ReStores in Wake, Durham, Orange and Johnston counties. The organization will send a truck to pick up large items, at no cost, with a few restrictions. Sailstad says they require that donors first sign up on their website.

The bigger mission is to help people who have been priced out of the Triangle housing market. "You’re trying to help people be able to afford home ownership that may not typically qualify for a regular mortgage," said Sailstad.

It’s the money people pay for these donated items that allows Habitat for Humanity to build more affordable homes, though the pandemic has slowed progress. "We have not been able to allow as many volunteers on to our work sites. It’s mostly staff. We do have volunteer opportunities at our ReStores," said Sailstad.

If you are spring cleaning and have other items to get rid of, you can call your local solid waste office and schedule a large-item pick up, often for free.

The Raleigh Rescue Mission accepts toys, books and personal items, and you can always donate clothes to Goodwill or Salvation Army locations across the region.