How to Donate Used Luggage

Your Used Luggage Can Be Put to Good Use By Several Nonprofit Agencies.

Is your basement or attic filled with old pieces of used luggage? Clear the clutter and help a good cause by donating your used luggage. There are charities and organizations that can put used luggage to good use. Clean it up and clear it out, and people will benefit from your generosity. You can even take a tax deduction for your donation.

Instructions

How to Donate Used Luggage

1. Assess the condition of the used luggage you plan to donate. If it is in gently used or repairable condition, donate it. If it is beyond repair or unable to be cleaned and deodorized, throw it out.

2. Double check your used luggage for personal items and remove them. Remove any luggage tags that are printed with personal information. Use an all-purpose cleaning product such as Pine-Sol or Mr. Clean, along with a damp sponge, and thoroughly wipe down the used luggage inside and out. If there are tough stains, try a product such as Goo Gone with an old toothbrush.

3. Remove musty or stale odors from used luggage before you donate it. Open a new box of baking soda. Stand the box inside the luggage and zip it closed. Leave the luggage closed for about 24 hours. The baking soda should eliminate the odor.

4. Drop off your used luggage at a nonprofit organization such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army. They will sell the items and use the proceeds to benefit less privileged people in your own community.

5. Call local women's shelters or your state's Department of Child Services. They will likely welcome your donation of used luggage. When women flee to shelters and when children are placed in foster care, they typically arrive with a few meager belongings in a garbage bag. A piece of luggage helps afford a bit of dignity in the midst of undignified situations. Ask for a receipt. You can deduct most donations from your income tax.

References

• The Salvation Army
• Goodwill