6 Household Items You’ll Wish You Never Donated

You’ve gone through your closets and storage spaces, filled dozens of bags and boxes, and now you’re ready to drop them off at your local charity thrift store. You’re not even going to drive around with them in your trunk for months because you’re just that dedicated to decluttering! However, before you let it all go, it might be wise to pause for a moment. 

While donating is undoubtedly a generous act, you don’t want to regret letting go of items afterward. Some items might hold sentimental value or hidden resale value and should be handled differently. Below are six items you’ll likely regret sending off too quickly, and why you might want to take a different route instead.

1. Family Heirlooms 

It probably goes without saying that you’d never consider donating the meaningful items that were passed down to you, like your parents’ china set when they downsized or a cuckoo clock that reminds you of your grandfather every time it goes off. Then there are the things that, perhaps, were given to you after someone moved or passed away that you never use or aren’t particularly fond of.

Before hauling heirlooms away to the thrift store, first ask yourself if someone else in the family—like a cousin, a niece, or your own child—would love and cherish them. If you’ve exhausted your list and no one is interested in the item, give yourself permission to let it go. If you think it has monetary value, consider consigning it instead. We’ll cover consignment in more detail as we go along.

2. Well-Designed Furniture

That midcentury modern chair or the antique solid-wood dresser you had refurbished is probably a one-of-a-kind piece. Well-made furniture is increasingly scarce, making it difficult to part with. However, if you currently have no use—or even the space—for a particular piece and are considering donating it, take a moment to reconsider it.

Is it something you foresee having use (or space) for again in the future? If so, consider storing it in a climate-controlled unit or letting a friend or family member use it in the meantime. If neither you nor anyone you trust wants it and it’s in excellent condition, you might be able to make a decent amount of money by selling it through a furniture resaler or consignment shop.

3. Rare or Signed Books

If you have a special book (such as a first edition, a limited-run edition, a signed copy, or a collectible set), donating it might mean its value is lost forever. Many thrift stores aren’t equipped to price these items properly, and they could end up in bulk discount bins or be recycled without anyone realizing their actual value. Instead, research the item’s market value, consider selling or listing it online, or contact a used-book consignment store to help find a buyer.

4. Vintage Electronics

Old cameras and vinyl records can have resale or collectible value well beyond their assigned value when donated. Moreover, thrift stores might struggle to test or price these items, and as a result, they can end up damaged in bulk bins or at an e-recycling center.

Even if a retro camera model is no longer functional, someone might collect it as a decorative item. Look for niche resellers online or in your neighborhood, and let them handle the item safely while getting it into the hands of someone searching for that exact item to add to their collection.

5. High-End Fashion

If you have a designer handbag, a limited-edition pair of sneakers, or a fur coat in your closet that you’ll never wear again, it’s tempting to donate it and move on. However, most thrift stores fail to capture the resale value of high-end goods, especially when they’re donated in bulk. A consignment shop, however, can typically handle designer garments, shoes, and accessories, and help you recoup your investment while keeping clutter out of your home. 

6. Sentimental Clothing

You might dream of donning the custom T-shirt you wore for your bachelorette party or your high school soccer uniform one more time, because these items likely signify happy memories. While they have virtually no resale value and you don’t have to hold onto them, donating them to the thrift store can still sting.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to preserve their memory without the clutter. Consider donating clothing to a company like Project Repat, which turns donated clothing into quilts. Alternatively, you can take one final photo of each piece for digital documentation, then use the fabric for a craft project. If you’re not the creative type, consider donating it to a local school program. Items might get better use that way than sitting in a thrift store, waiting for someone to buy a shirt that says “Last Fling Before the Ring” with your name and wedding date printed on it.