What You Should Do with Clothing Donations During the Pandemic

If you’ve never had the time to organize your closet due to your busy daily schedules, the self-quarantine order is your way out. Thanks to the novel coronavirus, you have all the time in the world to set your closet in order.

The Perfect Time to Organize is Now, says Mellen

 According to Andrew Mellen, a professional organizer, “Now is the perfect time since folks are already at home and have time. Two of the biggest excuses for not organizing your wardrobe have just been removed.”

Mellen created an online program known as “De-Stress Your Mess Challenge” which ran from April 13-18 to provide support, guidance, and possibly some structure to the big task ahead.

“During these uncertain times, organizing and cleaning your home can provide a sense of control and order over your environment,” says Samantha Blumenthal, a spokesperson for “thredUP,” an online clothing consignment shop. The fresh impulse to declutter or put things in order in your closet goes beyond checking off items on a to-do list, she added.

The Hurdle that Donors Need to Clear

But irrespective of the reasons behind decluttering your closet, a hurdle must be cleared. And that has to do with donating accessories, clothing along with any other thing that you can part with without any stress or pressure.

But this is not possible at the moment, no thanks to the COVID-19 social distancing measures that have been put in place. There are mandatory stay-at-home orders as well as closures of nonessential businesses in many states across the nation.

It is, therefore, highly likely that the thrift store you love to patronize is closed for donating and shopping.

Senior director of public relations at Goodwill Industries International Lauren Lawson-Zilai said: “Currently, 98 percent of Goodwill has closed.” But 16 locations will still be able to accept donations as of April 8.

The Salvation Army Family Stores

If you want to donate to The Salvation Army Family Stores, you may have to conduct a little research. However, it is still possible to drop off your clothing on a location-by-location basis. This also includes stand-alone donation drop boxes.

Community Thrift Stores Impacted by the Pandemic

Many of the smaller community thrift stores are also groaning under the impact of COVID-19. But even if your donation center is not closed, you should be as cautious as you can with the clothing. The possibility that the clothing is contaminated with COVID-19 is high.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that they have evidence which seems to suggest that the virus can survive for hours on a wide variety of materials and surfaces, and this includes clothing as well.

Do not let this temporary situation slow you down or create an opportunity for procrastination, Mellen says. “You will feel so much better when you open your closet only to see the things you love, neatly arranged for you to find and wear. And every time you look at one of the bags of donations, you will feel that much prouder of your achievements.”