Downsizing in Jacksonville? Here Are Local Charities to Donate to

Whether you’ve decided to downsize into a smaller home or are considering the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free senior living community like Cypress Village, the first question most people deal with is, “What do I do with all this stuff I don’t want or need?” If you’re looking to downsize into a one-bedroom, you may have a lot of stuff to deal with, so let’s start with some “how to downsize” suggestions. 

How to Downsize

Downsizing can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Here are a few tips to help make it more manageable.  

• Break it down: Break large tasks down into smaller steps that you can tackle a little bit at a time each day until the job is done.  

• Start simple: Eliminate those items that you know you don’t want or need. For example, toss out any expired medicines, pantry items and food from your fridge and freezer. Recycle old magazines, newspapers and obsolete technology like old phones and computers. 

• Start small: Avoid diving into the rooms with the most sentimental stuff like your kitchen or bedrooms at the very beginning. Start in an area that holds little emotional attachment like the laundry room or linen closet.  

• Dump the duplicates: This is especially true in your kitchen where you might have two or three spatulas and ladles, a couple of oversized stock pots and four different sized cookie sheets.  

• Make only “yes” or “no” piles: Take a hard look at every item you pick up. If you use it regularly, keep it. However, if something has been sitting in a closet or on a shelf for a year or more, maybe it’s time to let it go. Don’t fall for creating a “maybe” or “if I have space” pile. You’ll end up with a pile that’s bigger than either of the other two. 

• Creatively reduce collections: It can be hard to thin out a collection you’ve spent a lifetime building. Pick a couple of key items to keep and take high-resolution photos of the rest. You can then have them made into a photo book for your coffee table.  

• Take your time: Don’t try to downsize every room all in one day. Instead, create a timeline based on the size of your home and how much stuff you have. 

Where to Donate Your Unwanted Items in Jacksonville

Donating anything you don’t plan to take with you is a great way to downsize that not only helps support causes you believe in, but it could be tax deductible. (To be sure, check with your tax advisor.) If you already have some places in mind, awesome. If not, here’s a list of a few local options to get you started. 

Habitat for Humanity: One of the largest non-profit affordable housing builders in Duval County, they accept donations of appliances that are less than 10 years old, furniture, building materials, flooring, cabinets, lighting, hardware, plumbing supplies, electronics and cars. You can also schedule a pick up, for a small fee, by filling out their online form.  

Jacksonville Public Library: You can donate your old books and DVDs that are in good condition at any Jacksonville library location. Your donated items will primarily be used to help the Friends of the Library raise money for the library. 

Vietnam Veterans of America: Their goal is to promote and support the full range of issues important to all generations of war veterans, including quality health care. You can schedule a free pickup of your items, including clothing and other household items, through Pickup Please. 

City Rescue Mission: You donation of furniture, jewelry, gently used clothing and household items, nonperishable food and toiletries go directly to support individuals staying at the Mission or those enrolled in their LifeBuilders Recovery Program or may be featured at their Thrift Store. 

Hubbard House: You can help meet the needs of victims of domestic violence and their children by donating non-perishable food items, sheets, pillows, full-size bath towels, blankets, household products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, kitchen items, toiletries, umbrellas and more. 

Downsizing Can Benefit Everyone

Ready for a maintenance-free home that’s the right size for you? Check out our available homes and apartments and then use our Community Assistant chat feature, or contact us here, to see them for yourself.