Resources
Saver’s
Like Goodwill but better. They proceeds benefit PARCA. They take almost everything (clothing, accessories, homewares and goods, some furniture, books, etc.) but you have to bring it to them. They also have the best donation hours (9am-8pm daily, including many holidays): 875 Main Street, Redwood City, 94061
Remoov
This unique company will help you do a big clean out, taking items to consign, items to donate and items that need to be recycled/disposed of. You contact them with the items (photos, measurements, info) and they will put a quote together. Super efficient and usually cheaper than 1800GotJunk and you have the opportunity to make money back on the consignments. Mention NAPO-SFBA for 15% off your pickup.
RWC Catholic Worker House
Takes food/pantry items, kitchen items, office supplies, kids toys/books/games, bedding (especially sleeping bags, blankets and pillows), toiletries (gently used, travel and full size), certain housewares, and clothing (men, women, children). They also take toiletry donations (new; full size bottles). It’s best to call in t arrange a time to drop; do not leave on the porch. Ask for Susan, Aida or Larry. 545 Cassia Street, Redwood City, 94061 (right around the corner from Saver’s).
LifeMoves
Takes kitchen items, bedding, kids toys/books, some housewares (lamps, vases, decor) and clothing (men, women, children). They also take toiletry donations (new; full size bottles). You have to bring donations to them: MWF 1pm-4pm, 110 Locust Street, Redwood City, 94061; ask for Franco or Rebecca.
Second Harvest
Food bank which will take some perishable (nothing that needs to be frozen or refrigerated, so mostly fruits/veggies) and non-perishable foods, and they are ok if the food is expired but only within the last year: 1051 Bing Street, San Carlos, 94070
Ecumenical Hunger Program
Located in East Palo Alto they take clothing/toys, furniture/decor and food donations. The are one of the few places that will come and pick up your items, but you need to contact them and send a list in advance with photos and measurements and get approval: 2411 Pulgas Ave, E. Palo Alto, CA 94303
The Shop
On Santa Cruz Ave in Menlo Park. It benefits The Junior League. Robbie (owner) runs a nice shop and she is one of the last stores that itemizes and sends a receipt to you with a value for items she sells. What she can’t sell she takes to The Goodwill down the street but doesn’t give you a receipt for it. Take donations to the backdoor Tues-Sat during business hours: 785 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, 94025
St. Francis Center
Another great option in RWC for donations — often recommended by neighbors on Nextdoor. Monday – Friday | 10:30am – 1:30pm | Pantry hours: 10:30am – 1:30pm
(650) 365-7829
The Family Tree
This charity is located in San Carlos and is, again, recommended by neighbors on Nextdoor. Open Tues/Thurs 10am-4pm and Saturdays 11am-2pm
1589 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
650-769-9977
familytree@peninsulafamilyservice.org
Bay Area Furniture Bank
A new discovery thanks to a colleague. I haven’t used this one yet but love the idea and will be referring that to clients.
Pets in Need
I take gently used pet toys, beds, leashes/collars and unopened/unexpired food here. They are very grateful for donations: 871 5th Ave, Redwood City, 94063
Woodside High School/Theater Group
I take office supplies and some odd donations (like a rotary phone or an old naval uniform or really old books that could be used for sets or props for the theater group to the high school. You might go to a school closer to you or find a local theater group and ask if they want X, Y or Z for props. Take to the main administrative building (in the circle): 199 Churchill Ave, Woodside, 94062
Selby Lane Elementary School
I take arts/crafts and school supplies here and they are always appreciative. I’ve also taken musical instruments. I usually drop them in the main office and the principal (Warren) reviews them; they can provide a receipt if you ask for it: 170 Selby Lane, Atherton, 94027
SCRAP
I got here several times a month, especially recently. They take fabrics, paints, used canvases, corks, buttons, anything that can be used by artists for creating arts. They are located in San Francisco (off Caesar Chavez/101 exit) and take donations 10am-4pm Tuesday through Saturday: 801 Toland St, San Francisco, 94124
Kindle Classroom Project
This wonderful charity provides used kindles and tablets to high school students in the San Francisco Bay area. Please send any unused/unwanted but workable kindles and their cords to these teachers, who refurbish the tech items and hand out to students in need.
Libraries
Local libraries will take books for their Friends of the Library fundraisers. That’s typically where I take most books. I also take books to Saver’s (especially cookbooks and coffee table books) and kids books go to the schools or to Ronald McDonald House (only new though).
Woodside Village Hub
The church hosts an annual rummage sale, and I’ve taken many rounds of client donations to them for this sale. Please contact them in advance to see if they are able to take what you have to offer.
Renovation Angel
Recently learned about this organization. They want you to send photos/dimension of the items you want to donate. They then send a specialist to come see everything and arrange for a moving company to come get the items (for free). They’ll give you a donation receipt. It looks like a great charity!
Oakland Museum of Art, White Elephant Sale
A client is using this to donate some art/furniture/decor and they put it in the annual sale. We had to approve the donations with photos in an email to the contact. They would *not* take a piano. Anyway, they also pick up (for free) and provide a receipt.
Give Back Box
This charity provides you with a pre-paid shipping label and asks you to use Amazon boxes you have on hand to fill with your donations and send to them. Please be sure to send only donations – no trash, nothing broken, no recycling. This has become a great option while we shelter in place, as you can arrange to have the box picked up from your door.
There’s also St. Vincent de Paul (although I haven’t used them in several years) and Goodwill or the Salvation Army. These have not been my favorite places so I don’t tend to use them ever but they are options.
Baby Specific Donations:
Blossom Birth Services
Palo Alto location. They take maternity and baby/toddler items (toys, clothes, gear, tec.). Check website for donation hours. They provide a donation receipt and some items they cannot take they’ll recommend go to Ecumenical Hunger Program. You can always call to ask about donations before bringing them over.
Healthy Horizons
Burlingame and Menlo Park locations. They take maternity and baby/toddler items (toys, clothes, gear, tec.). Check website for donation hours. This is not a 501(c)3 or non-profit organization so they will *not* provide a donation receipt, but will try t get the items to a good home and keep them out of the landfill. You can always call to ask about donations before bringing them over.
For clothing/furniture/other consignments:
TheRealReal
I can connect you with people if you want; they will only take certain designers and are picky about clothes but let me know if you want to know more about this option. They have a world-wide reach and decent consignment rates. I’ve had a lot of success with this place with clients. You’ll send items to them by mail – they usually pay for shipping.
ReCloth Collection
Ashley Peek will consign clothing on your behalf and will pay you a commission after her fees/commission. It’s not as high as with TheRealReal but she does better than brick and mortar consignment stores. She’s based in TX, but reimburses for the shipping of items to her. She’s honest, easy to work with, and sends you an accounting and payment out each month. Her email is: reclothcollection@gmail.com
Fillmore & 5th
They will only take clothing for the current season and you don’t get a lot out of them but I’ve had success with clients’ consigning here and have even shopped here myself (cute stuff). They are very easy to deal with and send checks without needing to follow up. Call to check on donation hours (I believe Tues-Sat certain hours when the manager is there): 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 94301
Requipper
Requipper’s mission is to unlock the value of second hand, for consumers and the planet. We’ve recently launched a consignment program focusing specifically on outdoor gear. Earn up to 85% of its value once it sells! Join us in making the outdoors more accessible and sustainable. Contact Sasha Landauer: sasha@requipper.com or 650-268-4182
Home Consignment Center
I think they also have one in San Jose or in Santa Clara County that might be closer to you. They will take furniture but you have to schedule a pickup (and sent them photos in advance of what you want to consign) and you have to pay to deliver the items there. I’ve not actually used them before with clients. We usually go another route. 1123 Industrial Rd A, San Carlos, 94070
For other clothing donations:
Dress for Success
San Jose or San Francisco; they take clothing for women looking for jobs/appropriate attire. My stylist donates to them all the time.
Other options for selling items online:
eBay
But only for items you know you’ll get a good return on; online selling takes a lot of time and patience. There are no longer businesses that offer this as a service. Selling items online is more time consuming than you think – photographing, measuring, typing up the listing, paying for the listing, dealing with email inquiries, going to the post office to deal with shipping the item, and dealing with someone who then wants to return it so you have to re-list (and pay) again. Only do this if you have a high value or in demand item.
Poshmark
I do not personally have an account here but it’s good for clothing/accessories. I have a resource who sells via Poshmark but is based in Texas (see above in the consignment section for ReCloth Collection).
Nextdoor
By far the best tool for me to get strange items (boy scout memorabilia; photo dark room supplies; etc.) to homes and out of the landfill. I have tips for posting so you’ll get more views
Chairish
I’ve had a lot of success with this website. They require a lot of information but they have a worldwide reach and help out with shipping. I love using them.
Sotheby’s Home
Just like Chairish but even higher end.
OTHER —
I have a plethora of other resources for donating and recycling various items (medications, shoes, ink, prescription glasses, etc.). Just reach out and ask for what you need.
I also have connections to appraisers at The Fine Art Group (formerly Pall Mall Art Advisors) who can help you find out the value of items and introduce you to sellers who would be interested in consigning. I used to work in the auction world (Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams) so can connect you with people at those companies if you’re interested in going that route. Please reach out and ask!
Additionally, I recommend reaching out to Charles Tinsley at The Keys Guild for additional resources on appraisals and selling items on the secondary market. Mention NAPO
Moving Companies:
**Please note with all movers, you need to give them 2 to 6-weeks notice, especially during the busy season (May-September) as many are booked up weeks to months in advance.
The below moving companies service the San Francisco Bay Area. For long distance moves or moves in other states, please contact my colleague, Barry Izsak at Packing Moving Unpacking: 800-753-8335 or barry@packingmovingunpacking.com
All Reasons Moving
I am partial to this company because they are the best moving company I have ever worked with, hands down. I love that it’s a woman owned business who takes care of her employees (read: pays them a living wage; doesn’t overwork them; gives them time off and benefits; and trains them in the proper way to pack/move). They are always in uniform, have good hygiene, and are extremely friendly/helpful. I’ve been hired to manage a lot of moving crews, and these guys do not need to be managed at all. They are extremely professional, and a true pleasure to work with.
I will warn you, their estimate will come in as one of the highest because they bid the job for what it will cost. I have noticed a lot of other companies will bid a job to get it, and the move will end up costing 2-3x more when all is said and done. 408-240-0244
Big Family Movers
Noah and his team are great! They’ve helped out several of my clients on moves all over the bay area and we’ve been happy with them. They are based in the East Bay but will service the entire Bay Area. Please mention NAPO-SFBA. 510-839-5239
Up & Adam Movers:
While I have not worked with them personally, a colleague of mine has recommended them based on a client experience. 408-469-5998
Ahmed’s Moving Express:
Again, while I have not personally worked with this company, I’ve heard good things from colleagues who have. They are based in Novato, but did do a move down to the Carmel Valley Area. 415-492-2122
Irish Express:
A client of mine hired these movers (and has used them for several of her moves). While I was not there on the moving day, I did drop by for something and observed a very friendly and efficient moving crew. The client even said they came in under their original estimate. 415-282-4889
Joy Moving:
Again, no direct experience with this moving company, but a client hired them for a local pack-up/long distance move and said they did a great job. 408-887-8895
Junk Haulers:
Meyers Family Hauling
I cannot recommend Chris Meyers enough! A small business owner who is friendly, helpful, reliable, and makes my clients happy – he’s someone on my shortlist for help when it comes to hauling and labor type jobs. And I love supporting other small business owners who live to make sure their clients are happy/satisfied. Please note Chris is based on the Peninsula in the SF Bay Area and is limited between SF and SJ.
Remoov
This unique company will help you do a big clean out, taking items to consign, items to donate and items that need to be recycled/disposed of. They are eco friendly and their last stop is the dump but consider them your all-in-one resource. Mention NAPO-SFBA for 15% off your pickup.
Junk Luggers San Jose
There is also a branch in Alameda County that works with NAPO-SFBA if you are in that area. Otherwise I recommend reaching out to Sal and mention NAPO-SFBA: 408-673-1940 or SJbusiness@junkluggers.com
All Clean California
Our eco-friendly option for junk hauling in the Bay Area:
Alexa (415) 940-8406
Bryan (415)416-0036
Info@allcleancalifornia.com
Bay Hauling
Another NAPO-SFBA business partner and hauling option farther north of San Francisco. Reach out to Brenda Camacho: 707-712-4430 (O) or 707-387-8676 (M)
1800-Got-Junk
When you need just a junk hauler, these guys can be great! I’ve had them help with several rat infested spaces, or post construction. Friendly crew, and easy booking. Mention NAPO10 for 10% off your pickup. Not all local departments know this so tell them this is a national promo code and they should give it to you. 1800GotJunk is a NAPO National Business Partner.
Recycling Options:
Recology – San Mateo
333 Shoreway Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070
M-F: 830am-4pm
Recycling Center = FREE (immediate left after turning right off Shoreway into the facility; if you drive straight you’ll end up at the area to pay for dumping); there is no buy back option at this time.
Items you can drop: cardboard, paper, e-waste, light bulbs, paint, motor oil, sharps, medications, batteries, cooking oil, glass, aluminum, and other items.
Items you cannot drop: trash (drive around back to pay for dump fee), plastic bags/film, household hazardous waste
Household Hazardous Waste Program – San Mateo County
Making an appointment for HHWP in San Mateo County
only open Thurs-Sat, 8am-1pm
Recycling – City of San Jose
Click here for Landfills and Transfer Stations in the City of San Jose
Ranch Town, San Jose
775 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95126
M-Sat: 8am-530pm
Story Road Recycling, San Jose
1303 Story Rd, San Jose, CA 95122
M-F and Sun: 9am-5pm; Sat: 7am-5pm
ASC Recycling
1970 Monterey Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
M-F: 9am-4pm, Sat: 8am-12pm
U-Recycle, Inc.
1726 Smith Ave, San Jose, CA 95112
408-326-2754
Metals and Electronic Waste only
Household Hazardous Waste Program – San Jose
If you are a senior 65-years or older, Heart of the Valley may be able to offer pickup services for your household hazardous waste, depending on if they have volunteers.
Please contact them for further information: 408-241-1571, contact@servicesforseniors.org
Other E-Waste Options
Best Buy – most Best Buy locations will take e-waste. Please call your local store for additional information.
Batteries and Lightbulb Recycling
Ace Hardware – many local Ace Hardware branches will accept lightbulbs and batteries for e-waste disposal. Please contact your local branch for more details.
Paint Recycling Options
Please note that most places want non-rusted paint cans with readable labels. If your cans are rusted or missing labels, you can open and leave out in the sun to dry out and then put in the trash bins, or add kitty litter or another paint hardener (google options) to dry up the paint, and then put in the trash.
Paint Care – this is your best option for finding places in your area that take paint for recycling.
Kelly Moore – Redwood City
1391 Woodside Rd, Redwood City, CA 94061
650-701-0137
They’ll take up to 10 gallons at a time per household. Best to drop off starting Thursday (bin gets emptied on Wednesdays). Call them for hours of operation and to confirm they have space to take your paint.
***do not take to Benjamin Moore & Co across the street; they don’t take paint for recycling
Home Depot – some Home Depot locations will accept paint for recycling. Please contact your local store for more information.
Have something else that needs to be disposed of/recycled? Contact me and I’ll help you figure out the best place for it.
Contact Let Me Organize It to schedule your first consult!