Spring cleaning is the beautiful tradition of opening ourselves up to change by clearing out our space, letting go of what is no longer serving us, and it’s often a much-needed reset.
But our stuff doesn’t stop being our responsibility just because we’re done with it. Keeping items in circulation takes a bit more effort, but it’s an effort worth making. And once you know your options, it becomes much easier. Most of what ends up in that “get rid of” pile isn’t inherently trash; it just needs a new home.
This spring, try not just cleaning or purging, but rethinking.
If you’re in the stage where you’ve realized that deciding TO get rid of this stuff was easy, but now you need to decide HOW to get rid of it… we’ve got you.
Below is our hyperlocal guide to how to deal with different things that are no longer serving you. Remember, our goal is always to keep that loop as closed as possible – if it can be reused or repurposed, reuse or repurpose it!
Our Sustainable GNV tab has a list of some sustainable resources right here in Gainesville: local businesses where you can get items mended, shop secondhand, and help out your community. This blog post contains some of the same resources, plus extra links to recycling programs, donation centers, and some online resources that aren’t exactly local, but still definitely useful!
What do I do with unwanted clothes?
Repair, alter, or mend them:
- Check out our list of local alteration/mending businesses here.
Sell to consignment stores:
- Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
- Plato’s Closet
- Sandy’s Savvy Chic Resale Boutique
- Weecycle (for kids’ clothes & toys)
Donate to local thrifts:
- Try to opt for locally-owned thrifts over dropping items at Goodwill or Salvation Army. Those big corporations are never without donations, and many sadly end up going to the landfill.
- Check out our list of secondhand shops in Gainesville here.
Recycle them:
- H&M in the Oaks Mall has a textile recycling program.
- You can order a “take-back bag” from trashie.io, fill it with old clothes and fabric, and they’ll recycle it for you.
What about extra hangers?
- Donate to Outreach Thrift or to another local thrift store (make sure to call ahead to make sure they’re accepting!).
- You may be able to recycle metal hangers with Trademark Metals Recycling.
What do I do with unwanted shoes?
Repair them:
- Gator Shoe Repair and Flick of the Wrist Shoe Repair are good options
- Some cobblers even have trade-in programs or are willing to buy good quality dress shoes
Donate them:
- Soles4Souls will donate or recycle shoes that you drop off at their participating stores (DSW on Archer Road
- Various local thrifts – try small businesses before going to corporations like Goodwill or Salvation ArmyDonate them:
Recycle them:
- If they’re too worn to donate, look into: Nike Grind, TerraCycle, and GotSneakers
What do I do with unwanted furniture?
Repair or reupholster it:
- Check out our list of furniture repair/upholstery businesses here.
Sell or gift it:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craig’s List
- Your local Buy Nothing group.
Donate it:
- Haven Hospice Attic Resale Store – they’ll even pick it up!
- Reuse Planet
Recycle it:
- Drop off at your closest rural collection center.
What do I do with unwanted books?
Sell them or trade them in for new ones:
- Book Gallery West
- Thriftbooks.com accepts shipments of eligible books, and will pay for your shipping!
- 2nd and Charles
Donate them:
- Friends of the Library
- The Little Free Library outside our shop is always open! (during business hours)
Recycle them:
- Paperbacks (not laminated) can be recycled curbside in your orange bin.
- Or drop them off at your closest rural collection center.
What do I do with unwanted office or art supplies?
Reuse them:
- Check online for creative ways to use supplies or scraps you already have!
- Get a bag from Retold and send them your fabric scraps for reworking into rags, insulation, and more!
What do I do with unwanted electronics?
Sell it or trade it in:
- It’s Worth More
- Back Market
- Best Buy offers some trade-ins
Donate it:
- Friends of the Library accepts audio equipment, records, and more!
- Various local thrifts accept countertop appliances, lamps, and similar portable technology in WORKING condition
Recycle it:
Remember to call ahead or check online to make sure a place is currently accepting the items you wish to donate. Life Unplastic is not the expert on other local businesses’ policies, only they can tell you that!
If you don’t know what to do with an item, or you don’t see it listed here, visit the Zero Waste Wizard! That handy tool will tell you exactly where in Gainesville you can donate or recycle your household items!
Thank you for taking the time to dispose of your stuff the right way! Every little step is important to reaching a circular society where items don’t have to go to waste.
Psst… if you’re interested in not having to do this again anytime soon, may we suggest trying out a Low Buy 2026 Challenge? The first ‘r’ is reduce, after all!