Moving can be costly, particularly when you’re crossing state lines. Packing up everything you own is a major investment of your time and labor, but it can also significantly increase the moving costs if you decide to go with an NYC moving service. That’s why doing a little spring cleaning can be a sensible choice before making your move out of Brooklyn.
If you’re looking to clear house, there are loads of thrift stores willing to accept donations, and many of them can even provide you with tax write-offs for your castaways. Here are five of the best options in the Brooklyn area.
1. Goodwill Store
258 Livingston St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 923-9037
Perhaps one of the most impressive thrift stores in New York, the Goodwill Store off Livingston is an expansive super center for secondhand goods. Despite their rows and rows of clothing, furniture, electronics, and just about anything else you can imagine, it’s well-maintained and organized. This is the flagship store for Goodwill New York, and they’ve managed to help them serve 45,000 people in underserved communities.
Goodwill serves as a labor market for people struggling to make ends meet as well. Pick-up options are available for donations of more than 50 bags of belongings, and Goodwill maintains convenient donation boxes throughout the city.
2. Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center
6822 3rd Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11220
(718) 637-2955
There are multiple Salvation Army locations throughout Brooklyn, but the one-off 3rd Avenue is one of the most convenient. Fortunately, you won’t have to cart your goods over to their physical location to donate. You can schedule a free pickup directly from their website. They accept clothing, furniture, electronics, and home goods.
The Salvation Army’s charitable outreach is sweeping, covering everything from combating the threat of sex trafficking to helping promote music and art programs in local schools.
3. Out of the Closet
475 Atlantic Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 637-2955
Out of the Closet may not have the popular acknowledgment that other charitable stores do, but they’re devoted to a good cause. A whopping 96% of all its proceeds go to providing free HIV testing and need-based treatment both within the United States and abroad.
While their focus is on clothing, they’re willing to accept practically any home goods in decent condition. You can schedule a free pick-up at your home if you have two or more pieces of furniture to donate.
4. Bowery Mission
227 Bowery
New York, NY 10002
(212) 674-3456
The Bowery Mission has been serving the underprivileged and forgotten of New York since 1879. Their programs are expansive, helping to find shelter, food, and clothing for the homeless and working poor. They accept clothing, food, hygiene goods, and linens.
While they don’t take in furniture or larger home goods, they’re a great choice if you want your donation to have an immediate impact on the Brooklyn community. All donations need to be brought to the Mission in person.
5. Housing Works
424 7th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(929) 314-2150
This modestly sized South Slope thrift store is engaged actively in the Brooklyn community. They’re willing to take all variety of home goods, clothing, furniture, and books, and they even offer online shopping to promote their cause. Free pick-ups are available for furniture, but smaller items should be delivered to their store in person.
In addition to providing housing assistance, job training, and legal services, Housing Works maintains an expansive range of healthcare services to communities in need.
