Why this is a good thing to do, and where to take your beloved items after you no longer need them.
I firmly believe that how we set up our homes is a marker for how we will show up in our lives. Letting go of the old can help create space for the new.
As the holidays approach and the New Year begins, it's natural to reflect on where we've been and where we're headed. Often, these internal changes inspire external ones—whether that's reimagining how we enjoy our current home, preparing to stage it for sale, or even starting fresh in a new place.
You might be entering a new season of life—perhaps a marriage or loss in the family, a change in economic status, or a move to a larger or smaller home. Or maybe you’re preparing to sell your house and need to get it market-ready. Whatever your situation, decluttering is an essential step toward embracing these transitions.
Here are some questions I have found helpful to ask yourself as you pack and sort. I’ve also put together an updated list of places in Winnipeg where you can donate items. If you know of others to add, I’d love to hear about them—this is by no means an exclusive list.
What do I truly need to thrive in my life right now?
What can I let go of to create space for growth?
Who might benefit from the things I no longer need?
Where can I donate these items locally to make a meaningful impact?
Here are some local places who would gladly accept your gently used items:
Siloam Mission - 205.956.4344 - Clothing and Household items.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters Association - 204.943.5437 - Clothing and Household items.
Things – Royal Winnipeg Ballet – 204.284.7331 - Antiques, Collectibles, Home Furnishings, China, Jewelry, Silver, Artwork, Lamps. Donations taken by appointment.
Villa Rosa Inc – 204.786.5741 - Winter Coats, Feminine Hygiene Products, Fabric, Car Seats, Strollers, Exercise Balls, more.
Nearly New Shop - Children’s Hospital Guild of MB - 204.772.3629 - Clothing, Household items, Toys, Shoes, Boots, Books, Music, Art, Crafts, Decorative Pieces, Tableware, Plants.
Dress For Success Winnipeg – 204.284.9311 – Coats, Boots, Winter Accessories, Suits, Jackets, Pants, Skirts, Blouses, Tops, Shoes, Accessories, Jewelry, Scarves, Purses, Belts. Plus-sized clothing is always in high demand.
Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter – 204.832.7387 - Cat Litter Scoops, Air Freshener, Brooms & Dust Pans, Cat & Dog Toys, Soap, Blankets and Towels, Other Pet Items.
Habitat ReStore – 204.233.5160 - Furniture, Renovation materials, Appliances, Doors, Windows, Flooring, Cabinets.
Mennonite Central Committee – 204.694.3669 - Clothing, shoes, & accessories, Bedding & bath, Books & magazines , Media, Toys & games, Housewares, Home décor, Sports equipment, Antiques & collectibles, Furniture - Limited locations*.
Into the Music – 204.287.8279 - They pay cash for quality used LPs, CDs, Music DVDs, Music books, Cassette tapes and Music Memorabilia.
Winnipeg Humane Society – 204.982.2021 - LONG list of things they need! Check out their website! You can even donate your car!
Centre Flavie-Laurent – 204.231.9513 - Mattresses, Box springs, Bed-frames, Bedding, Dressers, Cribs & Baby Accessories, Kitchen Tables & Chairs, Sofas & living Room Chairs, Dishes & Cutlery, Pots & Pans, Washers, Dryers, Freezers, Stoves, Books.
Arts Junktion – 204.942.5865 - Art supplies, Leather, Beads, Jewelry, Board games, Trophies, Magnets (HUGE list of things to donate on website!)
The Salvation Army – 204.953.1500 - Accessories, Antiques, Clothing, Computers, Electronics, Furniture, Housewares, Media & Books, Seasonal Items, Textiles, Toys.
Teen Challenge – 1-800.632.6095 - Long list of items they will NOT take, so be sure to check the link. You can donate your Car - working or not, a tax receipt is provided.
Goodwill – 204.943.6435 - Books, Clothes, Furniture, Appliances, Linens, Household Items, Sporting Goods, Toys.
Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape – 204.589.2218 - Furniture mainly, they will pick-up!
International Hope Canada – 204.774.1102- Medical Equipment & Supplies.
Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre– Prescription eye glass drop-off.
Winnipeg Conservatory of Music – 204.505.9012 - Music (not always taking stuff, so check with them first), Old learning books, RCM, Faber, etc.
Apple – Trade-in old phones or recycle. Does not have to be apple. Check your local computer store for recycling options for your old desktops/laptops.
Happy sorting!