x
Breaking News
More () »

'Marie Kondo Effect' Causes Decluttering Frenzy, Triad Goodwill Sees Spike In Donations

Marie Kondo's organizing method is helping thrift stores see a rise in donations after the premiere of her Netflix show, including Triad Goodwill stores.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Car after car rolls through the Elm Street Goodwill’s drop-off every day.

Lately there’s been more donations than usual -- 31 percent more to be exact.

Goodwill’s hypothesis? The 'Marie Kondo effect.'

Over the last few weeks, the Elm Street store's senior manager, Brady Craven, noticed many of the buyers and donors mentioned the new Netflix show.

"They’re saying, 'Oh, this Marie Kondo lady,' she said, 'They’re making us want to purge everything and we’re just wanting to get rid of stuff'" Craven explained.

Pile it up, touch it, then ask yourself, "Does it spark joy?"

Those are some of the steps to Marie Kondo's organizing method, KonMari.

The 'Marie Kondo effect' has become a nationwide decluttering frenzy, causing folks to declutter from things that no longer spark joy, one of Kondo's principles.

You've heard the phrase "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Well, with this spike in donations, the treasure is better than normal.

"I’ve really noticed that in the past week in a half, two weeks, the items that we’re getting are all of very high quality," Craven pointed out.

Thrift stores like Goodwill can't really complain because more quality sales mean more jobs and resources for the community.

"85 cents of every dollar goes back into helping individuals that are unemployed or underemployed," said Melinda Bernard, Digital Skills Coordinator for Triad Goodwill. 

So, while that little black dress or mug no longer brings you joy, think about donating where it can go even further.

Just remember, while a Goodwill may take the items you drop-off, it doesn't necessarily mean they're in the condition to be re-purposed and resold in the store.

"We want things that don't have holes, tears, stains or may be soiled," Craven added. "We also want to make sure things are in good condition and not extremely dirty, not broken."

You also don't have to physically go to a Goodwill store anymore. The non-profit now has an online store, ShopGoodwill.com/Greensboro where people can shop from home. 

"The benefit of this site for donors is that those high value items -- think fine china, jewelry, silver, collectibles, etc.-- they donate can end up on that site," shared Marketing and Volunteer Specialist Christine Gillies.

If you're interested in something you find online, you can then bid on the items and, just like the stores, 85 cents of every dollar goes back to Goodwill's mission of helping people find jobs.

Before You Leave, Check This Out