Meet the Mom – Anika McKelvey
March 1, 2026Spring Clean-out Guide
Spring cleaning is the beautiful tradition of opening ourselves up to change by clearing out our space, letting go of what is no longer serving us, and it’s often a much-needed reset.
But our stuff doesn’t stop being our responsibility just because we’re done with it. Keeping items in circulation takes a bit more effort, but it’s an effort worth making. And once you know your options, it becomes much easier. Most of what ends up in that “get rid of” pile isn’t inherently trash; it just needs a new home.
This spring, try not just cleaning or purging, but rethinking.
If you’re in the stage where you’ve realized that deciding TO get rid of this stuff was easy, but now you need to decide HOW to get rid of it… we’ve got you.
Below is our hyperlocal guide to how to deal with different things that are no longer serving you. Remember, our goal is always to keep that loop as closed as possible – if it can be reused or repurposed, reuse or repurpose it!
Local businesses where you can get items mended, shop secondhand, and help out your community like a cobbler or seamstress, or vaccume rapir are vital. This blog post contains some of the same resources, plus extra links to recycling programs, donation centers, and some online resources that aren’t exactly local, but still definitely useful!
What do I do with unwanted clothes?
Repair, alter, or mend them:
- Check out our list of local alteration/mending businesses.
- Millie’s Alterations (901 S Military Trl): Known for fast service, great communication, and quality work on various garments.
- Michel’s Alterations LLC: Offers personalized fittings for men and women, with options for home or office visits in Palm Beach County.
- OZO2 Eco Dry Cleaners: Provides premium alterations, clothing repairs, and free pick-up/delivery.
- Marcos Custom Tailor (@marcostailorfl): A long-standing local spot for men’s suit alterations and custom work.
- Ricardo Custom Clothing: Specializes in custom tailoring and high-end men’s apparel.
- La Mer Dry Cleaners (Juno Beach): Specializes in clothing alterations, including wedding dresses.
- Elegant Lady Dressmaker (Lake Worth Beach): Known for bespoke wedding gown alterations and vintage restoration.
Sell to consignment stores:
- Kid to Kid
- Wear Luv
- City Girl Consigment in West Palm
- The RealReal on Worth Avenue
Donate to local thrifts:
- Try to opt for locally-owned thrifts over dropping items at Goodwill or Salvation Army. Those big corporations are never without donations, and many sadly end up going to the landfill.
Recycle them:
- H&M – all locations accept clothing, textiles, even sheets and towels to be up-cycled. You also will get a 15% off coupon with each bag donated. Bins are usually located near the check out.
- You can order a “take-back bag” from trashie.io, fill it with old clothes and fabric, and they’ll recycle it for you.
What about extra hangers?
- Donate to to a local thrift store (make sure to call ahead to make sure they’re accepting!).
- You may be able to recycle metal hangers with Palm Beach Metal Recycling. Palm Beach Metal is the area’s leading buyer and recycler of both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal, paying top prices. No quantity is too small or too large.
What do I do with unwanted shoes?
Repair them:
- Gator Shoe Repair and Flick of the Wrist Shoe Repair are good options
- Some cobblers even have trade-in programs or are willing to buy good quality dress shoes
Donate them:
- Soles4Souls will donate or recycle shoes that you drop off at their participating stores (DSW, Famous Footwear and other locations)
- Local thrift stores
Recycle them:
- If they’re too worn to donate, look into: Nike Grind, TerraCycle, and GotSneakers
What do I do with unwanted furniture?
Repair or reupholster it:
- Look for local furniture repair/upholstery businesses
- North’s brought an antique wood table back to life for us that I thought was beyond reapir
- Wilhelms in West Palm does a fabulous job with rattan (561) 833-4668
- For metal furniture that needs refinishing Absolute works miracles. New color, new fabric, voila – new patio set!
- Cane Master of Jupiter
Sell or gift it:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craig’s List
- Your local Buy Nothing group.
- Consign and Design in West Palm
- True Treasures is a great furniture consignment store
Donate it:
- Faith Farms– they’ll even pick it up!
- Nearly New Thrift
Recycle it:
- Curbsite pickup – The City of West Palm Beach provides bulk collection service to residents who live in single family homes. Up to three items will be picked up on your bulk items pickup day. If you have more than three items, please call Customer Service (561) 822-2075, for additional information.
What do I do with unwanted books?
Donate them:
- The North Palm Beach Public Library accepts puzzles, books, DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs in good condition.
- Thriftbooks.com accepts shipments of eligible books, and will pay for your shipping!
- Palm Beach Countuy Library system accepts book donations.
- Look for a little library in your area and stock it up.
Recycle them:
- Paperbacks (not laminated) can be recycled curbside in your paper recycling bin.
What do I do with unwanted office or art supplies?
Donate them:
- Resource Depot would live to have them
- Ask your local school and libraries.
Reuse them:
- Check online for creative ways to use supplies or scraps you already have!
- Get a bag from Retold and send them your fabric scraps for reworking into rags, insulation, and more!
What do I do with unwanted electronics?
Sell it or trade it in:
- It’s Worth More
- Back Market
- Best Buy offers some trade-ins
Donate it:
- Various local thrifts accept countertop appliances, lamps, and similar portable technology in WORKING condition
Remember to call ahead or check online to make sure a place is currently accepting the items you wish to donate.
