How to donate old clothes so they actually get used
Updated November 5, 2026
Most donated clothes are never worn again, because they arrive unsorted, unwashed or in the wrong size. A little preparation decides whether your clothes end up on someone or in a landfill.
What is worth giving
Washed, with no stains, tears or broken zips. Children’s clothes are the most useful of all, because children outgrow them long before they wear out. School uniforms, sweaters and jackets are always asked for — post winter wear in October and November, before it is needed.
Used innerwear and socks are not accepted by most people, and clothes that are torn are better given as cleaning cloth or to a textile recycler.
Sort and bundle by size
Sort by who will wear them: boys, girls, women or men, and by age or size. A bundle of “girls’ clothes, age 6–8, ten pieces” finds a home in days. A bag of mixed sizes rarely does, because nobody can use all of it.
Fold each bundle and tie it or put it in one bag, so it can be collected in one go.
Post each bundle as one listing
Photograph the bundle laid out so the pieces can be seen. In the title, say who it is for and the size; in the description, how many pieces and what kind.
On Sath Sahakar Seva, people browsing see only your area. Families who need the clothes send a request, you choose one, and only then are your phone number and address shared with that one person so they can come and collect.
Hand it over
Agree a time and keep the bundle ready by the door. Nothing is paid by anyone. If you have more clothes later, post a new bundle rather than adding to an old one — each family can then ask for exactly what fits.