Start with a Simple Rule

Before you begin, set one rule: nothing gets thrown away if it still works. Broken? Bin it. Still functional? Find it a new home.

This single constraint changes how you approach a clear-out. Instead of filling bin bags, you’re curating a collection for your community.

Room by Room: What to Look For

Kitchen

Kitchens accumulate more unused items than almost anywhere else in the home.

  • Duplicate appliances — Two toasters? An extra blender? Keep your favourite, give away the rest.
  • Unused gadgets — Bread makers, pasta machines, waffle irons used twice. Someone will love these.
  • Excess crockery and glassware — Eight mugs for a household of two. Four sets of wine glasses. Pare back.
  • Cookware you never reach for — That heavy cast iron pan at the back of the cupboard.

Bedroom

  • Clothes you haven’t worn in a year — If it hasn’t had an outing in twelve months, it probably won’t. Pass it on.
  • Shoes in good condition — Especially sizes children have outgrown.
  • Bedding and linens — Spare sets in good condition are always needed.
  • Books you’ve finished and won’t reread — Novels, guides, textbooks.

Living Room

  • Furniture you’re replacing — Sofas, side tables, bookshelves, lamps. These are among the most requested items on Givore.
  • Decorative items — Frames, vases, rugs, mirrors that no longer fit your style.
  • Electronics — Old speakers, gaming equipment, cables, chargers.
  • DVDs, CDs, board games — Still plenty of takers for these.

Children’s Rooms

Children’s items move fast on Givore. Kids outgrow things quickly and parents are always looking.

  • Clothes and shoes — Sorted by size, clearly described
  • Toys — Complete sets (with all pieces) are most appreciated
  • Books — Picture books, early readers, chapter books by age
  • Equipment — High chairs, bouncers, baby monitors, changing mats

Storage, Garage, Attic

This is where things go to be forgotten. Be honest here.

  • Sports equipment — Bikes, skis, tennis rackets, golf clubs
  • DIY tools — Drills, saws, and kits you’ve used once
  • Garden equipment — Pots, tools, hosepipes
  • Old tech — Computers, tablets, phones in working order

How to Post Items on Givore

Once you’ve sorted your items, the fastest way to find them new homes is Givore.

  1. One photo per item — Natural light, clear background. A minute’s work.
  2. Short honest description — Condition, size (if relevant), any quirks. Be truthful.
  3. Set your location — Your home address or a nearby public spot for privacy.
  4. Post — Your item is visible to people in your neighbourhood immediately.

Most items on Givore are claimed within hours. Furniture and electronics typically go the same day.

Tips for a Smoother Clear-Out

Do it in sessions, not marathons. An hour per room over a weekend beats a brutal all-day session that leads to decision fatigue and nothing actually leaving the house.

Photograph as you sort. Don’t pile items in a corner to deal with later — post them immediately. This keeps momentum and prevents the pile from being quietly absorbed back into the house.

Be specific in descriptions. “Good condition” means little. “Used twice, minor scratch on one leg, otherwise perfect” tells someone exactly what they’re getting.

Arrange flexible pickups. The more flexible you are on pickup time, the faster your items go. If you can leave something in a communal hallway or outside with a note, even better.

The Result

A clear-out done this way leaves you with a lighter home and the satisfaction of knowing that your things are genuinely being used. Not sitting in a charity shop warehouse. Not crushed at a recycling plant. Actually in someone’s home, being used.

That’s the whole point of free giveaways.