Donate your unwanted clothes and feel refreshed! A free and easy way to declutter

More and more people are thinking about how to help society by not throwing away their unwanted clothes. However, many people don't know how to donate them, and so they end up just sitting in the back of their closet.

Here, we will introduce ways to donate your unwanted clothes to help protect the environment, support children, and even support disaster relief. Learn about this new option that allows your unwanted clothes to become someone's hope, and tidy up your mind and closet.

Why people choose to donate their unwanted clothes

The option of donating unwanted clothes instead of throwing them away is becoming more widespread. The reasons for this are the desire to help someone, consideration for the environment, and the feeling that one can contribute to society with one's own hands, rather than disposing of them as garbage.

Here we take a closer look at the satisfaction you can get from donating your unwanted clothes and how your donations are put to good use.

Because there is a sense of satisfaction in contributing to society without throwing things away

If unwanted clothes are disposed of as garbage, they become just waste. However, if they are reused through donation, they can help those in need. In particular, clothing donated through NPOs and NGOs is a valuable resource that supports the lives of disaster victims and children in poor areas.

In addition, the realization that your actions are helping to make someone's life even a little better is more emotionally enriching than you can imagine. The great appeal of donating is that you can experience both the feeling of relief you get from decluttering and the feeling of contributing to society.

Because it promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable living

The fashion industry is one of the world's biggest environmentally damaging industries, with "fast fashion" being the biggest problem, with billions of items of clothing being incinerated or landfilled every year.

That is why the "reuse" and "recycling" of clothing has been gaining attention. Donated used clothing is reused both domestically and overseas, or recycled into materials that are turned into new products.

Through donations, people develop a sense of participation in creating a sustainable society.

Because there are real "destinations" for us, such as helping children, refugees, and disaster-stricken areas

Knowing where the donated clothing will be delivered to is an important factor in motivating donors. Seeing who the donations will help increases trust and satisfaction in donating.

For example, specific delivery addresses include:

・"Vaccination from old clothes"
They have a system in place that uses donated used clothing to deliver vaccines to children in developing countries.

・"Japan Relief Clothing Center" and "Japan Heart"
Donated clothing is delivered directly to aid recipients such as refugee camps, disaster-stricken areas, and orphanages.

In this way, the clearer it is to whom and in what form the support will reach, the greater the trust and satisfaction in the donation will be, and the more likely it will lead to continued efforts.

[Checklist included] Which donation destination is right for you? How to choose according to your purpose

Many people who want to donate clothes may be unsure of where to send them. In fact, the content and method of support vary greatly depending on the donation destination. By choosing an organization that matches your values and lifestyle, you can make your support more convincing.

Here we introduce recommended donation destinations based on your purpose and interests.

If you are raising children, we recommend "child support"

If you want to get rid of children's clothes that have outgrown them, the best thing to do is donate them to an organization that specializes in supporting children. During the infant and toddler years, when children grow quickly, there is a lot of excess clothing, and they may be sleeping without being worn very often.

Organizations such as the "Children's Clothing Future Fund" deliver these children's clothes to needy families and child welfare facilities across the country. If the clothes are in good condition, they can have a second life as someone's new "favorite item."

Knowing that the clothes your child wore can be useful to other children will give you a warm feeling that you can't get from simply throwing them away.

If you are environmentally conscious, choose the "recycling" model

For those who want to live a sustainable lifestyle or produce as little waste as possible, we recommend using organizations and services that emphasize recycling and reuse.

For example, examples include clothing collection by apparel brands and corporate initiatives to separate and recycle clothing based on material.

Through these activities, clothing is not simply incinerated, but is reprocessed into fibers, rags (industrial cloth), and other materials, creating a cycle of resources.

Below are some examples of typical recycling and reuse initiatives.

In particular, with OLD FLIP Co., Ltd., you can feel that you are participating in environmental protection while easily letting go of your clothes by using the collection box near your home or office. The fact that it can be naturally incorporated into your daily life is also what makes it easy to continue.

If you don't have time, the "just pack and send" service is the best

For those who are busy with work or childcare, the hassle of preparing to donate may seem like a big hurdle. In such cases, a "home delivery donation service" is convenient, as all you have to do is pack and send the item.

With services such as "Old Clothes for Vaccines," after you apply you will receive a special kit and all you have to do is pack up your old clothes and send them off.

With shipping included, the ability to specify the donation destination, and proof of donation, you can contribute to society with minimal hassle. The number of users has been increasing in recent years as it is an easy way to support society even when you are busy.

5 ways to donate your unwanted clothes for free

You may be worried about how much it will cost to donate clothes, but in fact, many donation methods are free and easy to use.

Here are five specific ways to donate your unwanted clothes for free that you can easily implement into your daily life.

Use collection points provided by municipalities and local governments

Many local governments collect used clothing at recycling centers and garbage collection sites. Some areas have designated "clothing collection days," which are announced in the local government's newsletters and official websites.

The appeal of this method is that it makes it easy to dispose of large amounts of clothes at once when moving or changing seasons. However, underwear and torn clothes may not be collected, so it is important to check the collection criteria in advance.

Use clothing collection services from apparel brands

Major apparel brands such as Uniqlo, H&M, and MUJI have set up clothing collection boxes in their stores and are actively engaged in reuse activities. The big appeal of this initiative is that you can easily contribute to society by bringing in your clothes while shopping.

The specific features are as follows:

・UNIQLO's "RE.UNIQLO"
They don't just collect their own products, they collect a wide range of items, so it's easy to bring them in.

・Other brands such as H&M and MUJI
We are promoting efforts to recycle used clothing and reuse it both domestically and overseas.

These brands will use the collected clothing in the following ways:

- Reuse in developing countries
Any clothes that are still usable will be sent overseas to areas in need.

・Use as disaster relief supplies
The clothes will be sent to disaster areas and delivered directly to those who need them.

This is a donation method chosen by many people as an environmentally conscious action that can be practiced alongside regular shopping.

Utilizing home delivery donation services for NPOs and NGOs

Many NPOs and NGOs accept clothing donations via home delivery from all over the country. If you choose an organization that clearly specifies the destination and activities, you can donate with peace of mind, which is a major advantage.

Some representative examples of organizations are as follows:

・Japan Relief Clothing Center
We provide clothing both domestically and internationally to support refugees and disaster areas.

・Efa Japan
It supports children in Asia and is a highly trustworthy organization with clear purposes.

The attractions of these organizations are:

・In most cases, they will provide you with a cash-on-delivery slip for shipping, so you don't have to pay for shipping

・It can be easily done even by people who don't have much time because it can be delivered by courier.

・Each organization has different support targets and content, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests.

In this way, by choosing an organization that matches your feelings, you can make a donation with a sense of satisfaction. It is an easy way to get started even for first-time donors, and it is also a method that can easily lead to continued support.

Use social support services such as "Used Clothes for Vaccines"

"Vaccines for Old Clothes" is a system that delivers vaccines to children in developing countries at the same time as donating clothes. By purchasing a special donation kit (fee required), your donation is completed, including shipping costs, and vaccine support is automatically provided.

The unique feature of this service is that the simple act of donating clothes leads to saving someone's life in the form of medical support. The kit also comes with a donation certificate, making it easy for people to feel that they have given something positive.

Send outsized items to an organization that specializes in children's clothing

There are also organizations that specialize in accepting donations of children's clothing. Representative examples include the "Children's Clothing Future Fund" and local child-rearing support groups. These organizations reuse clothes that were used when children were still growing and deliver them to families in need.

In addition, children's clothes tend to be relatively unused and remain in good condition, so those who receive them tend to be happy to use them. It is a heartwarming way to support others by taking advantage of the hand-me-down culture.

How to decide which clothes you can and can't donate

Even if you want to donate clothes, you may wonder, "Is it okay to send this?" Although the standards vary slightly depending on the organization, the basic criteria are the same.

Here we will explain in detail the points to consider when determining which clothes can be donated and which cannot.

The basic rule is whether it is something you can give to someone else.

The simplest criterion for deciding whether or not to donate is whether or not you would be happy to receive it. The minimum requirement is that the item has been washed, is clean, and has no rips or stains. Even if it shows some signs of use, as long as it has good design and functionality, it can still be put to good use at the recipient.

However, worn-out clothes or clothes that are difficult to use as loungewear should be recycled rather than donated. It is important to observe basic etiquette so as not to increase the burden of sorting and disposal at the support recipient.

Avoid underwear, torn or heavily soiled items.

When donating clothing, there are certain points to keep in mind in terms of hygiene and usability. Underwear and clothing in extremely poor condition are particularly not suitable for donation.

Generally, you should avoid donating the following types of clothing:

・Undergarments (undergarments, socks, etc.)
Many organizations do not accept second-hand goods due to hygiene concerns.
*Some groups may be able to accept new, unopened items.

-Items with noticeable stains or tears
It may be deemed unsuitable for use and may not be used by the recipient of the support.

- Clothes with a strong odor
This can hinder storage and sorting, making reuse difficult.

Instead of donating these types of clothes, consider putting them in the recycling bin or recycling them. When donating, it is a good idea to consider whether they are in a condition that someone else would be happy to receive.

The handling of seasonal items, shoes, bags, etc. varies by organization.

Regarding seasonal items such as coats and down jackets, and fashion accessories such as shoes, bags, and hats, the acceptance policy varies depending on the organization receiving the donation, so it is very important to check in advance before donating.

For example, the responses differ as follows:

On the other hand, some organizations may have restrictions on accepting foreigners for the following reasons:

Storage space is limited

・The labor and cost required for sorting and shipping is high

Demand varies greatly depending on the season

Therefore, we recommend that you always check the eligible items on the official website before sending and contact us in advance if you have any questions. This will ensure that your donations are delivered in a way that will ensure their use.

7 recommended donation destinations based on shipping costs, acceptance conditions, and support content

When considering donating, people have different criteria for making choices, such as "whether I have to pay shipping costs," "what kind of people are being supported," and "whether it's easy to do."

Here we introduce seven particularly recommended donation destinations based on the support provided, acceptance conditions, ease of use, and other factors.

[Vaccines from used clothes] Vaccine support and decluttering go hand in hand

"Used Clothes for Vaccines" is a social contribution service that allows you to donate clothes and provide vaccines to children in developing countries at the same time. Although you need to purchase a special kit, it is easy to send with shipping included, and you also receive a donation certificate.

The clothes sent through this service will help create jobs for local staff, making it possible to provide support in many ways. It is perfect for those who want to declutter and donate at the same time.

[Japan Heart] Supporting medical care, education, and disaster relief

Japan Heart is an NPO that provides medical and educational support, as well as disaster relief activities both in Japan and overseas. By donating clothing and daily necessities, you can indirectly support the living infrastructure of the areas where medical support is provided.

You may have to pay for shipping costs, but you can rest assured that the item will be delivered to the site where it is needed. This is suitable for people who are interested in the medical field or who want to provide support that directly affects lives.

[Effa Japan] Donate easily with no shipping costs

Efa Japan is an organization that aims to support children in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. One of its features is that it accepts donations on a cash-on-delivery basis, so you can participate without feeling any burden.

The donated clothes are delivered directly to local children and poor families, or used as part of relief activities funds. The appeal is the ease of making an international contribution at no cost.

[Children's Clothing Future Fund] Specializing in supporting children

The Kodomo Fuuri Fund is an organization that aims to support underprivileged families raising children and child welfare facilities in Japan. In particular, they focus on reusing children's clothes that have outgrown them, and deliver good condition clothes to families in need.

The donation process is simple; just apply in advance and send the clothes to a designated location. A major feature of this program is that you can donate with the tangible feeling that you are "supporting a child's future."

[Japan Relief Clothing Center] Support for refugees and disaster areas overseas

The Japan Relief Clothing Center is a support organization that delivers clothing to people in harsh environments, such as refugee camps and disaster areas around the world. With the help of volunteers, donated clothing is carefully sorted and transported to where it is needed.

Although shipping costs will be borne by the customer, the system is highly reliable and ensures that the items are delivered to the affected areas. This is a good option for those interested in international aid activities.

[World Gift] A wide range of items can be donated at once

World Gift is an organization that accepts donations of a wide variety of items, including not only clothing, but also miscellaneous goods, toys, stationery, shoes, etc. They have a system in place that distributes donations to appropriate recipients based on the contents of the package, and the convenience of being able to dispose of multiple items at once is appealing.

It is especially ideal for households that have a lot of unused items that are too precious to throw away. Donations are sent by courier, and collection requests can also be made.

[OLD FLIP Co., Ltd.] Installation of used clothing collection box

OLD FLIP Co., Ltd. aims to create a "society with zero clothing waste" by installing clothing collection boxes in offices and stores, providing a system that allows anyone to easily recycle old clothes.

They also accept shoes, bags, accessories and other fashion items all at once, and are able to handle a wide range of items that other groups would refuse. The company covers the shipping costs, and is increasingly being introduced as a corporate SDGs activity.

Eliminate common concerns and questions about donating unwanted clothes

Even if you want to donate unwanted clothes, many people may be hesitant to take action because they are overwhelmed with concerns such as, "Will it really arrive safely?" and "Is there any cost?"

Here we will pick up some of the questions that many people have when starting to donate and explain them in an easy-to-understand way so that you can do so with peace of mind.

Is the donation recipient really trustworthy? Is there any risk of fraud?

The most important thing to consider is whether the organization you are donating to is trustworthy. It is true that there are organizations out there whose track record and operations are unclear.

Therefore, when choosing a donation recipient, it is important to thoroughly check the organization's past performance, user feedback, and whether or not reports are available.

For example, organizations such as Used Clothes Vaccines, Japan Relief Clothing Center, and Efa Japan report on their activities and support records on their official websites, and are highly transparent in their information disclosure. It is also a good idea to check their reputation on social media and review sites.

How much money and effort does it take?

When it comes to donations, you may be concerned about the hassle and costs involved, such as "How much will shipping cost?" and "How will packaging be handled?"

Recently, an increasing number of organizations are offering shipping kits and cash-on-delivery delivery, making it possible to donate with almost no hassle.

Even if there is a cost, there are some services, such as "Vaccines for Old Clothes," where the amount is used as a donation to provide concrete support.

You can also make donations completely free of charge by using apparel brand collection boxes or local government collection centers.

Will I receive a letter of appreciation or a receipt?

Feedback after making a donation is also a concern. Thank-you letters and receipts can help to alleviate any worries about whether your donation arrived safely. Many organizations issue certificates to those who request them, or send reports by email or postcard.

For example, with "Vaccines for Old Clothes," after completing your donation, you will receive a certificate showing the number of vaccinations provided. This allows you to see that your donation is actually helping society, which will motivate you to make your next donation.

Introducing noteworthy new services and initiatives for 2025

Donating unwanted clothes is no longer just a way to "tidy up," but is evolving into a new form of social contribution that utilizes technology and local collaboration. In 2025, more familiar and attractive initiatives such as NFTs and point collaborations are beginning to appear.

Here are three innovative initiatives to watch this year.

NFT-linked clothing donation project emerges

Clothing donation projects using NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are a hot topic for 2025. This is a system in which information about donated clothes is recorded on the blockchain, allowing transparent tracking of who received them and how they were delivered.

By making donations more visible, donors will feel more convinced and are expected to be encouraged to donate on an ongoing basis, rather than just one-time donations. Furthermore, receiving an NFT as a memento creates a new experience for donors, as it can be enjoyed as proof of their goodwill or as a part of their collection.

A "local collection x support" model in collaboration between local governments and NPOs

Community-based clothing collection models in collaboration with local governments and NPOs are also garnering attention. For example, collection boxes are set up at city halls, libraries, schools, etc., and the collected clothing is given to local welfare organizations or disaster relief organizations.

This model creates a cycle in which local issues are resolved locally, reducing transportation costs and contributing to regional revitalization. For participants, the convenience of being able to donate at a nearby location was the deciding factor in adopting the model.

A subscription-based service that allows you to earn points by making donations

A new type of subscription service that allows users to earn points every time they donate clothing has been launched as a way to make clothing donations a habit. The kit is delivered on a monthly basis, and when you donate, you receive points from the partner company.

This model encourages young people to continue donating as a part of their daily lives, while at the same time giving them a sense of value by making donations more affordable. Accumulated points can be used for shopping and services, and are garnering attention as a system that naturally incorporates social contributions into everyday life.

Three things you should do before you donate

While donating can be started whenever you feel like it, making proper preparations in advance can make the process smoother and more effective.

Here are three things to keep in mind before donating your unwanted clothes.

Sort, wash, and pack the clothes you want to donate.

Clothing to be donated needs to be clean and carefully prepared so that the recipient can use it comfortably. Proper sorting and packaging will reduce the burden on the recipient and make the donation more smoothly used.

The key points to prepare are as follows:

Wash your clothes in advance to remove any dust or dirt.

・Avoid clothes with holes, faded colors, or strong signs of wear as they are not suitable for donation.

・It is good manners to choose a gift based on whether or not you would be happy to receive it.

It is also important to be creative with sorting and packaging.

・Sort items into categories such as "adult/children's," "by season," "tops/bottoms," etc.

- Cardboard boxes are suitable for packaging and can be securely sealed.

・If possible, include a "note about the contents" inside the message to make the recipient's work easier.

In this way, small considerations are key to turning donations into better support.

Be sure to check the donation recipient's acceptance conditions

Depending on the organization, there may be restrictions on the type and condition of clothing they accept. For example, some organizations only accept winter clothing, while others do not accept shoes or bags.

Be sure to check the official website for the acceptance conditions, shipping methods, and acceptance period, and inquire in advance if you have any questions. If you send something without checking the conditions, your good intentions may end up becoming a burden, so be careful.

Satisfaction increases when you can choose the recipient and content of support yourself

Donations give you a greater sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when you know where you sent them and what they helped.

Choosing an organization that clearly defines the recipients and activities and that aligns with your values will lead to sustained contributions to society.

Even if you are donating the same clothes, the direction of the donation will differ depending on the purpose. Below are examples for each donation purpose.

By choosing a field that you are interested in, you will be able to feel that your donation has helped society. By viewing donation as a meaningful action rather than simply giving up your clothes, you will be more motivated to help and be able to approach the cause with a positive attitude.

summary

Unwanted clothes are not "garbage," but "resources" and "support" that support someone's life. Donating is a very familiar and easy option to take as the first step towards contributing to society.

Here we have introduced a wide range of information, from the benefits of donating, to donation recipients for different purposes, specific methods, points to note, and new initiatives.

The most important thing is to realize that there are indeed things that you no longer use, but that someone else needs.

Donating is an environmentally friendly and socially supportive act that has more value than just decluttering. Not only will your closet be tidy, but you will also feel lighter in your own mind.

For example, services like OLD FLIP Co., Ltd. that have clothing collection boxes allow you to donate a wide range of fashion items such as shoes and bags in bulk, and there are no shipping fees, so you can easily participate. Please make donation your first choice as a way to contribute to society that you can put into practice right now.