5 places to drop your stuff that didn't spark joy (other than the thrift shop)

I recently watched the Marie Kondo Netflix special, and I had some thoughts. It's great that people are embracing living with less, tidying up, etc after watching the Marie Kondo videos. It's clear that overconsumption is a problem in a lot of developed countries. It causes us to waste money, and it doesn't seem to make us any happier. Plus, the poor freaking planet.

HOWEVER. Just dropping off anything and everything that didn't spark joy for you at your local thrift shop is not necessarily the best way to deal with your stuff. I love thrift shops and thrifting, but they are not a perfect solution. In fact, expecting thrift shops to deal with the side effects of fast consumerism and fast fashion is kind of like asking a toddler to drink from a fire hose. Thrift shops end up only selling about 25%of the stuff that's donated to them, after all.

So, Marie Kondo the crap out of your place if that's what will help you jumpstart and embrace a more minimal lifestyle. Do it. I support you. But also make buying less to begin with part of your lifestyle, and consider these alternative places to drop off your stuff:

1. A women's, men's or family shelter.

2. A consignment shop - you might as well make some money from your nicer items.

3. The laundry room of your apartment building - put your stuff in a box marked "free." I do this often in whichever apartment building I live in at given time and many others do, too.

4. Give it to a friend or family member who would truly treasure it

5. Take stained, ripped textiles and shoes to any of these places.

Or maybe you have an even better idea of where to drop off your stuff? Share below in the comments!