Online shopping makes it all too easy to accumulate random bits and bobs, while the end-of-season purge is often just as thoughtless — especially if you're content to dump everything into the nearest bin.
No matter where you are in the world, there are better ways to part with your unwanted items, including those random bits you splurged on for that one extravagant-themed dinner that are now gathering dust in the bilge. With a little effort, you can avoid the convenience trap and make a real difference, ensuring that the things you no longer need find a second life where they’re truly appreciated.
If you’re already into donating and have a routine of tossing your rejects into black trash bags and dropping them off at the nearest charity shop, that’s a good start. But many pre-loved stores are overwhelmed with heaps of well-intentioned donations.
There are plenty of alternative options. Finding the best place to drop donations can be as simple as Googling for local options, ie, “[your location], donation, [whatever you want to get rid of].” Don’t overlook marina or shipyard staff either; they know local contacts who can help you find good homes
for your items and might even offer pickup services.
Food
The new chef has declared that five crates’ worth of unexpired food on board don’t meet his exacting standards. After demanding 30 bags of frozen edamame pods, your charter guests ate approximately none. Now what? Google is your best friend here. Chances are, if the first place you call can’t accept your donation, they will know who will. Shelters, churches, food banks and soup kitchens are always in need.
Toiletries
Wash away your worries about what to do with your excess soap, shampoo and other bathroom products. There is a shelter not far from you that would love to clean you out of your supply.
Uniforms and clothing
Stop. Don’t take those clothes to a thrift store. Donating anything with a boat name on it is a sticky situation for both privacy and security. Liquid Yacht Wear in Fort Lauderdale comes to the rescue with its uniform recycling program. They take your unwanted uniforms and send them off to their next best life. Branded gear heads to a shredder to be reincarnated as filling for punching bags, furniture and more. Unbranded kit is distributed to various charities around Broward County.
Sheets and towels
While yacht sheets and towels can be soft and luxurious, thrift stores don’t always want them. You know who wants your super-plush towels and your one-billion-thread-count sheets? Animal shelters. The benefit of making this drop-off yourself is that you might get a chance to cuddle some dogs or cats.
Household items
Everything from kettles to incomplete sets of glasses to the remains of last season’s theme nights can make a big difference in the life of someone starting out again. Go to domesticshelters.org to find a nearby domestic violence shelter.
Toys, games and art supplies
Think of the children, especially if your program takes you to more remote
locations. You won’t have to work hard to find homes for crayons that aren’t perfectly new and coloring books that kept the boss’s grandkids occupied for less than one page. Put out feelers with any locals you interact with. They will know of schools or communities that will be delighted to put this fun in new little hands.
Flowers
Natural flowers are a luxury that don’t last forever, no matter how many ice cubes you pop into the vase. Drying them often results in a crusty, brown mess. If you have faux flowers on board, consider donating them to local care institutions. STILLA Flowers give their bio-preserved flowers a second life by refurbishing and donating pre-loved arrangements to retirement homes, hospitals and orphanages.