Rather than ‘spring cleaning,’ it is always the onset of fall that gets me in the mood to clean out, to start anew, to get organized. Likely this urge stems from past years of preparing for the start of the school year. In any case, with September upon us it is time to clear the clutter and sweep the carefree days of summer away. But what to do with an old ski helmet that is no longer used? Or that bulky old computer monitor that is taking up too much space in the attic? Or that bag of hotel toiletries that you probably won’t use? I hate to throw good things away, but I also hate to think of them decaying in the corners of my house. And beyond the Salvation Army, it’s hard to figure out where your good old things might be of use.

So I’ve done the research for you. I’ve scoped out the various stores, charities, consignment shops, and re-use centers in Ithaca that will be the future homes of all your old things. (You weren’t thinking of just throwing it in the trash, were you?) So get cleaning, and rest assured that there is a new future, beyond the garbage, for that old handbag. See below for a long list of where you can sell, donate, trade or recycle all your stuff.

CLOTHES & ACCESSORIES:

Trader Ks – They are very picky, but at least you’ll get cash for your threads. They also do store credit. They buy from 10am-5pm every day but Thursday or Sunday. Located on the Commons. They also have a second location at 15 Catherwood Road (behind the McDonalds).

Mama Goose – Junior grows up quickly, and probably leaves behind a lot of outgrown baby clothes. Mama Goose buys, or gives store credit, for (gently) used children’s clothes, accessories, and toys, as well as handbags and maternity clothes. Or if you are in the market for acquiring, they are also just a great place to shop for baby needs. 430 W. State St.

Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – They accept donations of gently-used women’s clothing, especially professional attire. They also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

Sheldon Hill – A great store in itself to find one-of-a-kind jewelry, this shop also buys, or gives store credit, for a wide variety of jewelry. Located on the Commons.

Salvation Army – If no one will buy your threads (or anything else), the Salvation Army is always grateful to accept them, as donations. Get tax credit. 381 Elmira Rd.

HOUSEWARES:

Mimi’s Attic – This is a good place to sell furniture, kitchen wares, appliances, linens, and home decor…though it is very likely that something on display may catch your eye and you may end up spending more than you make. They will pay cash for small items, or work on consignment for larger items, and of course they also do store credit. The staff is also very nice. 430 W. State St.

Boris Garage – While hard to categorize – they describe themselves as selling ‘crazy man-cave’ stuff – Boris Garage will buy, trade, or accept donations of a wide variety of vintage, new, or thrifty wares. 210 Elmira Rd.

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES:

Found – They work on a consignment basis and are on the lookout for antique and vintage furniture and housewares. 227 Cherry St.

Pastimes Antiques – A fun antique store to stop for, they also buy antique furniture, vintage jewelry, turn-of-the century postcards, antique buttons, beads, photography, political buttons, and paper ephemera. Located in DeWitt Mall.

BUILDING MATERIALS & HARDWARE:

Finger Lakes Reuse Center – Donate house hardware, appliances, building materials, furniture, and electronics that might otherwise end up in the dump. Seriously, they take even old computers and printers…there’s no excuse for trashing your old Dell. Get tax credit. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd.

Significant Elements – Another place to donate building materials and house parts. Get tax credit. They accept donations Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. 212 Center St.

TOILETRIES (unused):

Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – In addition to accepting non-perishable foods, they gladly accept unused toiletries, that I find are otherwise hard to figure out what to do with. Joan Barber runs the Cupboard, as she is very sweet and appreciative. They are open for donations Monday through Friday, 1:30 – 3:00 pm. 150 Albany Street (at the corner of Seneca Street).

Mary Durham Boutique/Women’s Opportunity Center – In addition to accepting donations of gently-used women’s clothing, they also accept personal care items and toiletries, which are given to low-income women to prepare for a job. 315 N. Tioga St.

FOOD:

Ithaca Kitchen Cupboard – Accepts donations of unused toiletries and non-perishable foods. See above.

Loaves & Fishes – They are happy to accept donations of non-perishable foods. St. Johns Episcopal CHurch, 210 N. Cayuga St.

BEDDING & TOWELS:

SPCA – It is hard to sell or donate used bedding and towels but rest assured that a deserving dog or cat will get a soft spot to sleep when you donate these items to the SPCA. (Pillows not accepted). They are also in need of a wide array of pet food and supplies. 1640 Hanshaw Rd.

BOOKS & MUSIC:

Friends of the Library Book Sale – Help make this bi-annual book sale one of the biggest in the nation when you donate your used books here. They are open to accept donations and stamp your itemized list for tax purposes on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:0pm, or you can drop off books (without getting your list stamped) any time by using the dropbox. 509 Esty St.

Autumn Leaves Bookstore – They do not take romance paperbacks, computer help books, or encyclopedias, but they do collect a wide variety of book types, so before you donate to the Friends of the Library Book Sale, try Autumn Leaves first. Stop by the Crow’s Nest Cafe upstairs while you are there for some tasty treats. Located on the Commons.

Angry Mom Records – Try selling your old CDs and records here. They are on the lookout for Rock, Punk, Metal, Blues, Reggae, Soul, World, Jazz, DJ/Dance, Oldies. Located on the Commons, in the basement below Autumn Leaves Bookstore.

Durland Alternatives Library – They accept donations of books, periodicals, audio, video, CDs, and DVDs. They also have an annual booksale to raise funds for the library. Even if you do not have a donation, check them out when you are on the Cornell campus next time. Located in Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University.

SPORTS & OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT:

Instant Replay Sports – They will buy, or do store credit, for your old (gently used) sports equipment. Located in the Triphammer Marketplace at 2255 North Triphammer Rd. There is a second location at The Rink at 1767 East Shore Drive.

Old Goat Gear Exchange – They will buy, exchange for store credit, or do consignment for your outdoor clothing and gear. 320 E. State St.

FABRIC, YARN, SEWING SUPPLIES:

Sew Green – Leftover yarn from that scarf you knitted last year? Extra fabric from drapes that you trimmed down? Donate your extra sewing materials and supplies here and feel good about keeping them out of the landfill. 112 N. Cayuga St.

Check out this ‘Get Your GreenBack Tompkins’ post with a helpful list of all second-hand shops in the Ithaca area.

In the end there is always Craigslist or Freecycle, which is especially good during this time of year when the college students return and are looking to furnish their lives.