What you do with your unwanted stuff can be a radical act against overconsumption culture…but also an incredible way to care for your community!

Okay, but what is“Mindful Rehoming?”

Mindful Rehoming rejects the binary of “donation bin” or “trash bin” when it’s time to rehome our unwanted stuff.
In fact, Mindful Rehoming assumes that the donation bin should be your last resort.
Mindful Rehoming directs your unwanted stuff to people/places/organizations that will ensure it is used and has a positive impact on people.
Mindful Rehoming requires more time, thought, and effort, but it is worthwhile because nothing is disposable.

The future homes for your stuff might be found on your phone!

Your friends/family (and their friends/family) might be interested, so share on social media.
Try rehoming with your neighbors via Nextdoor or your local Buy Nothing Group.
Make a stranger’s day via Craigslist, Freecycle, or Facebook Marketplace.
Find mutual aid groups, local shelters, and specialized organizations via internet search. The subreddit for your city/region is also a good source of info.

Special homes for specific stuff:

Home & Kitchen Goods, Furniture: Refugee resettlement groups.
Professional/Work Clothing: University Career Closets, Dress for Success (dressforsuccess.org), local shelters.
Electronics: School STEM programs, local electronics/tech co-ops.
Tools and landscaping equipment: Local tool library.
Books: Correctional facility education programs (libguides.ala.org/book-donations/bookstoprisons).
Medical supplies/equipment: check with your local senior center or Knights of Columbus.
Sewing machines, craft/art supplies, fabric, yarn: find your local creative reuse center/secondhand craft supply store.
Towels, Linens, Pillows: Animal shelters and animal rescue groups.

And as a reminder: there are plenty of people in your neighborhood Buy Nothing Group who want/need these items!

Or make a few bucks reselling your stuff!

Online platforms: FB Marketplace, Depop, Mercari, eBay, Vinted, Poshmark, Craigslist.
Have a yard sale!
Take your items to a consignment or resale shop like Buffalo Exchange, Plato’s Closet, etc. Ask your friends/neighbors about locally owned shops.
Resell your books to a used book store (and get credit towards new ones).
Give to a reseller to sell online (and give them a big cut of sales).

Get social with it!!

Host a swap! Yes, clothing swaps are the most common form of swap events, but you can also swap craft supplies, fabrics, toys, home goods, beauty products, and more. It’s a great chance to spend time with your community AND mindfully rehome your stuff.
Have a “free store.” Basically: a yard sale where everything is free to anyone who wants it. Or they can make a donation to the mutual aid fundraiser of your choice. Get other friends to join in with their own unwanted stuff.

Most importantly:

Mindful Rehoming takes time! Procrastination leads to a last minute trip to the Goodwill or one of those random donation bins in the Target parking lot.
Take NO for an answer. Don’t pass the burden on to someone else. And call before showing up with a load of stuff.
The goal is to give to PEOPLE, not donation bins and big corporate thrift stores, so look within your community, including free closets, church groups. and mutual aid organizers.
Ask your friends, neighbors, and coworkers for suggestions. And share your own positive Mindful Rehoming experiences with everyone you know!

e easiest way of rehoming stuff for you may not be so easy for the people, animals, and plants living “downstream” from your unwanted stuff.

In a hyper consumerist, “fast everything” society, we are encouraged to buy and dispose without much thought because it’s great for shareholders and CEOs. The same system that wants us to buy as much stuff as possible, as often as possible…also wants us to close our eyes to the impact that overconsumption has on the world around us.

Slowing it down, thinking about the impact, and making better decisions? These are radical acts! Let’s get radical together!

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Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one’s closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.

Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.

Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it’s ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it! Vintage style with progressive values. Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.