Whether you’re releasing everything that doesn’t spark joy by adopting the KonMari method, embracing a more minimalist lifestyle, or simply doing some good, old-fashioned spring cleaning, decluttering your home can be downright cathartic. Tidying rooms and closets, improving organization, and removing items that you no longer need to create opportunities for a fresh start in your living space.

Declutter and Donate

Did you know that decluttering your home can benefit animals as well as you and your family? Wildlife rehabilitators will use donated bedding and other home goods. They will be used for the care and comfort of the creatures in their facilities.

At Andres-Straley Veterinary Hospital, we’re always accepting the following home goods for our wildlife rehabilitation facility:

• Blankets
• Quilts
• Comforters
• Duvets
• Sheets
• Pillows
• Heating pads
• Dog beds
• Pet dishes
• Newspapers

These items provide warmth and comfort to the animals that we rehabilitate. Old newspapers make excellent cage liners for birds and reptiles, and pet dishes hold tasty snacks for the small mammals in our care. Rather than sending old bedding or anything else on this list straight to the landfill, consider donating them to our wildlife rehabilitators instead.

Tips for Preparing Your Donation

Confirm the Condition

Make sure that everything you plan to donate is in good condition. Too many holes in bedding material could snag animals’ paws and claws, so discard any sheets or blankets that are excessively holey. If you notice any long, loose strings, snip them short with scissors to eliminate the risk of accidental strangulation.

Check Labels for Cleaning Instructions

Machine washable, easy-care items are best suited for donation to any animal shelter or wildlife rehabilitation center. Exclude fabrics that need to be dry cleaned, washed by hand, or require any other special treatment.

Wash Bedding and Towels

Once you know which items are machine washable, go ahead and clean them thoroughly before you donate them. Opt for scentless detergent and fabric softener, if possible. This will reduce the risk of fragrances and chemicals irritating the animals’ eyes, skin, and respiratory tracts.

Organize by Size and Type

It helps to organize your towels, sheets, blankets, and everything else before bagging them up for donation. Doing this might just save a wildlife rehabilitator a few extra minutes, giving them a little more time to tend to the animals in their care.

Any Questions? Just Ask!

If you have something in your decluttered giveaway pile that you’re just not sure about, check with the rehabilitators to see if the item in question will be usable. It’s a good practice to ensure that all the decluttered goods will be useful ahead of time before dropping them off at the facility. This makes it easier for the staff to start using your donations to help animals right away.

You can do so much good for wildlife simply by giving home goods you don’t need to your local wildlife rehabilitation center. In addition, your home will appear cleaner! If you live in the Kingsport area of Tennessee, please contact us to learn more about donating your decluttered items to help local wildlife. We look forward to hearing from you!