It may come as a surprise, but donating to charity can be somewhat intimidating. Some people don’t know where to bring their clothing and household donations, or they don’t think that there are people in their communities who need them. On top of that, others consider it easier to simply throw items away rather than take the time to put them toward helping families in need. Each year, more than 12 and 13 million tons of clothing and textiles are thrown out each year, and although more than 90% of textile waste is recovered and recycled, most of it has already headed to the landfill first.

However, giving charitable donations to local organizations isn’t as scary as it might sound, and it’s easier to do than you might think. There are all kinds of ways to give donations of clothing and household goods, and there are options to suit any lifestyle. Here are three different solutions for giving your clothing and household donations to charity:

• Drop Off Your Donations: Today there are all kinds of charities that operate during the day to allow donors to bring their donations right to their door. From shelters to secondhand stores, there are all kinds of causes that you can give to right in your backyard. Make sure to call first to find out whether or not these charity organizations will take your donations.
• Use Donation Drop Boxes: If you want a quick and easy way to donate any time of the day, you can select a donation drop box in your city. These boxes will have the charity’s logo on them and are usually situated in parking lots or city streets. This option is convenient; however, if you need a receipt for tax deduction purposes, you’ll be better off bringing your donation to someone in person.
• Call for Donation Pick Up Services: Whether you are unable to donate in person or too busy to head to your local charity, you can have your donations picked up right at your door. This is a great option for large amounts of clothing, furniture, electronics, and other big donations. Just schedule an appointment with a charity, let them know what you’re giving, and they can haul it away for you.

Have more questions about where to bring your household donations or how to call for clothing donation pick ups? Leave a comment below.