Decluttering in smalltown Yellowknife
- Alyssa Mosher
- Apr 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 8
So you've decided to do a spring clean; you're deep cleaning those pesky baseboards you've avoided all year, you're digging your refundable recycling out from under the melting snow, and you're successfully parting with the excess stuff around your home. The next step? Finding a home for the things that no longer serve you and your family. Which stops you dead in your tracks.
One of the biggest hurdles during a spring purge, a big move -- or maybe just a fun Friday night (hehe) -- is not knowing where to take the things you've decided to declutter. This is just one of the tasks I not only try to take on for clients (see "Responsible Rehoming" at end), but I aim to educate Yellowknifers about. Because it's a tricky in a small town.
The truth is, there are fewer places to donate items in Yellowknife -- namely, only two thrift stores. And they can often be full up on not only clothing donations, but trinkets, kitchen supplies, books and holiday decorations.
So here are my top tips for donating your "clutter."
Don't only donate to our thrift stores
The first thing to consider is exactly what you're donating and who it would best serve. Don't forget that when you donate to Vinnie's or the Salvation Army Thrift Store, the items need to be in sellable condition, they need to be something someone would want to spend money on. That means not every trinket should go to the thrift store -- even if it's in good condition -- nor should worn out linens, clothing or shoes. These two stores provide a wonderful service to the territory -- Vinnie's sends clothes to communities outside Yellowknife, the Sally Ann provides vouchers for the under housed -- but we don't want to overwhelm that! So here's my list of other organizations that are good options for your donations.
Want a quick downloadable version of this guide?
Where else to donate in Yellowknife
1. Yellowknife Housing First
This program is run by the Yellowknife Women's Society, helping chronically under housed adults maintain housing in the market. Contact them first before putting items aside for them; they will know what pieces they need for different units. They typically also pick up!
Donations they've accepted:
Beds, dressers, kitchen tables, couches
Gently used linens
Functional and clean large or small appliances
Other kitchen items
Get in touch: 867-447-4661
2. Yellowknife Women's Centre
This is the women's shelter in town that has single-room, second-stage and emergency occupancy. Please note that like many non-profit organizations, they cannot take donations on a whim; their storage space is very limited. So please: even if you see donations in front of their building, they may not have been approved (I've seen boxes of clothing left out in the rain). So please be sure to watch their Instagram or Facebook pages for donations they need, or reach out individually. What they could accept:
Specific clothing items
Period products
Beauty products
Hygiene items
Gently used bedding
Get in touch: admin@ykws.ca
3. YWCA NWT
The YWCA in the territory also runs several different programs for women and children, so it is definitely worth following their Facebook page, where they'll announce if one of their programs is looking for specific donations. Items they've accepted in the past:
Outdoor clothing
Period products
Beauty products
Books
Get in touch: they are quite responsive on Facebook. You can also email giving@ywcanwt.ca
4. Food Rescue Yellowknife
This is an awesome organization that helps divert food waste and feed people in need. If you're moving and don't want to bring pantry items with you -- or you don't want to just throw them away (!!) -- donate them to Food Rescue. They even accept open items, or expired unopened non-perishables. Make sure to reach out before dropping anything off, to ensure they can accept it.
Get in touch: info@foodrescueyellowknife.ca
5. NWT SPCA
Don't forget about our local animal shelter when looking to get rid of used bedding or towels. Once again, this is something you want to double check they have the capacity to accept (i.e. enough storage).
Flat sheets
Towels
Cleaning/laundry supplies
Get in touch: hello@nwtspca.com
6. Yellowknife Public Library
I find books are one of the hardest items to donate; thrift stores are packed full, and sometimes don't even accept them because of that. The city's public library DOES accept book donations, but has specific rules.
No damage (think: dog-earred pages, broken spines, etc.)
Non-fiction has to be less than five years old
No more than 15 books per donation drop-off
Get in touch: simply drop-off at their downtown location in Centre Square Mall
Other places to donate gently used books: Little Free Libraries at homes around town and the Co-op in Yellowknife (turn right opposite the plant section).
Have a book with context, a "lesson" or a subject that didn't age well? Recycle it!
7. Salvagers Unite Facebook group
And don't forget about this great donation option! If you're looking to give away anything for free, post it to this page! You can simply leave it in front of your house, and someone will likely swing by to grab it. In the summer, I've put out tarps full of things and they've been really popular. Almost like a free garage sale!
Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HJBPeSgKi/
8. YK Community Swap
This is my shameless plug to promote a community event A-list Organizing & Design helps host. The YK Community Swap is a MASSIVE free event that helps keep clothing in circulation in our community. Make sure to join our Facebook group or follow us on Instagram for details about upcoming swaps. We host two flagship events in partnership with Ecology North in October and April, and aim to host mini swaps throughout the year. Note that we only accept donations immediately before the event. We typically accept:
Clothing for all genders and ages
Accessories
Shoes
Books
Puzzles
Questions? swap@a-listorganizing.com
9. Yellowknife Bottle Recycling Depot
The bottle depot also recycles more than 500 electronic items! It's such a great program, especially for Yellowknife. Does your spring purge include those old phones you've hung onto for decades? Or cords that are no longer relevant? The bottle depot accepts those. Even that old vacuum that just bit the dust! The full list is here.
Get in touch: The new owners set up a Facebook page, where they'll post about pop-up depots at different events or locations around town.
10. Diabetes Canada
Drop-and-go bins are set up at the Co-op, uptown Independent Grocer and the Fieldhouse. They accept textiles only in sealed bags. All items are shipped and sold to Value Villages down south, with proceeds going directly to Diabetes Canada research fund.
Final words about donating items in Yellowknife
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, there are items that are simply worn out or no longer usable. That’s completely normal. In those cases, the Yellowknife Solid Waste Facility is the best option. That includes chemical cleaners, paints or oils not worth passing on. Just be sure to ask the attendant where each type of material goes. It's really important to dispose of hazourdous materials appropriately!
I hope this is all helpful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Happy Spring!
Keep this cheat sheet while you're decluttering!
If all this decluttering talk overwhelms you -- but you still want to get it done -- I can help! Whether to help make your spring-cleaning dreams come true or before a big move, or for a fun Saturday afternoon (truly!). The first step is booking a free phone consultation (see below).
And if the decluttering doesn't feel overwhelming, but the donating does, I have a standalone service for that too, called Responsible Rehoming.
Comments