1.       Hall closets: empty hangers, suitcases and backpacks may go to thrift stores. Unused linen and towels to animal shelters.

2.       Kitchen: donate duplicate appliances, gadgets, pots, pans, coffee mugs and glasses to women's shelters or thrift stores.

3.       Bathroom: women's shelters need unused soaps and shampoo (travel size from hotel stays, etc). 

4.       Living room: Pack up those videos, DVDs, or CDs that no longer suit your listening or viewing tastes. Your multi-media boxes may be donated to thrift stores or GreenDisc

5.       Bedroom: in a word, clothes. Go through your closet and dresser drawers. Donate what you haven't worn for a year or more, or what no longer fits, or you never really liked. Thrift stores will take your unwanted clothing. On the donation list below you will find places that want women's business attire for poor women entering the job market. 

6.       Kids' rooms: Toys! Ask your children for input about toys and books they have outgrown, never played with, or otherwise will never use and donate to local shelters, churches, or thrift stores.

7.       Dining room: napkins and tablecloths; wine glasses, decanters, water pitchers, salt and pepper shakers, platters and serving bowls. Unless these items are seasonal, choose your best and donate the rest to your local thrift store.

8.       Backyard: planters and pots, gardening hand tools, lawn ornaments gathering cobwebs near overgrown plants to Goodwill or similar place.

9.       Garage: sports equipment, sneakers, dust-collecting household tsotchkes that you will never use again but which never quite made it to the Goodwill. Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, checkers and Backgammon remain popular thrift store items (just be sure you have all the pieces). These things can be donated to a thrift store.

10.   Book shelves: clear your bookcase of novels, "how to" books, or any book that you are certain you will never read again. Public libraries appreciate your donations.