As someone who lives in a small condo, I often feel the lack of storage and closet space in our household. A few extra jackets shoved in the closet can make it harder to find items I really wear and use. Shoes scattered around the house add to the visual clutter and mess.
FLetting go of unused items can help reclaim peace of mind in small spaces while helping others who may need them more.
While we usually set aside extra blankets, towels, giveaway t-shirts from events, and practical clothing for typhoon donation drives, there are some items that just don’t seem appropriate to donate.
What do you usually do with outgrown formal wear, high-fashion items, winter clothes, office attire and formal shoes that are still in good condition but no longer fit? Think: blazers and slacks, old bridesmaid’s gowns, and oversized corporate giveaway jackets?
I recently came across Kilo/s Kyusi, a thrift store that accepts quality pre-loved clothes and sells them at an affordable price as part of Quezon City’s fundraising activities.
“Kilos Kyusi: Kilo Store ng Bayan, Tulong para sa Kinabukasan” is an initiative of the Quezon City Government that reduces textile waste while raising funds for the city’s Learning Recovery Program. The program supports various tutoring programs, including the Zero Illiteracy Program.
The shop relies on donations from well-meaning QCitizens, in the form of pre-loved or brand new clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, toys, and household goods, which they sell either per kilo or individually.
While they hold pop-up bazaars in different parts of Quezon City and during events, it’s good to know that they have a permanent shop where donors can drop by to donate items and buyers can shop comfortably.
The cozy ukay gem is located within the QC Hall Park and Lagoon area of the Quezon City Hall Compound, making it a good detour for those who happen to have errands in the area.
I was surprised to find quality items, including gowns, modern Filipiniana attire, formal shoes, office wear, and quality bags. The shop itself is small, but easy to browse with items well-organized and sorted by color. One bin had assorted t-shirts, blouses, and skirts, being sold for P300/kilo.
Students and those on a budget looking for quality items for formal events, like debuts, pageants, or graduations, or office wear, might want to check this place out.
Practical tips before donating
Planning to declutter your closet? Here are some tips for tackling the unenviable task at hand.
- Do a closet audit. If you’re having a hard time letting items go, use the 1-year rule. If you haven’t worn it in a year, let it go.
- Sort smart: Create separate “keep, donate, recycle” piles when going through your items at home.
- Respect the recipient: Donate clothes you’d still wear yourself. Donations should uplift and not feel like you’re dumping unwanted clothing.
- Avoid inappropriate items: Skip swimwear, undergarments, or clothes with offensive prints.
- Maximize storage: Use the donation as a chance to reorganize your closet with proper bins, hangers, and labels.
Kilo/s Kyusi Donation Guidelines
- Make sure that the items you are donating are in good condition. Avoid donating items that have holes, are torn, or are stained. Undergarments are not accepted.
- Remove all items from pockets. Check that no keys, jewelry, or cash are left in the pockets of donated items. Remove all pins and staples to ensure the items are safe for staff to handle.
- Before donating, make sure items are clean and sanitized for the next users. Do not donate soiled, moldy, or dirty clothes.
How to donate and drop-off points
Bring items to any drop-off location at the Kilos Kyusi Kilo Store main store at Quezon City Hall Park and Lagoon, or any District Action Office. For a full list of drop-off points, check out their account https://www.instagram.com/kiloskyusi.
The shop is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. To know more about Kilo/s Kyusi: Kilo Store ng Bayan, contact or visit the QC Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office (SBCDPO) (8988-4242 local 8734).
SIDEBAR: Other organizations that accept donations of household items
- Segunda Mana (Caritas Manila): clothes, appliances, household items, etc.
- Goodwill Industries of the Philippines: clothes, appliances, household items. etc.
- National Library of the Philippines: books, etc.
- Quezon City Library: books, etc.
- SM Book Nooks: books
- H & M: Old clothes, fabrics for textile recycling
- Philippine Toy Library: old and used toys
Check out Property Report’s previous article on where to donate old furniture, appliances, books, and more here.
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