At AFTA, we frequently receive emails from people who are frustrated and upset about their attempts to donate to charity going awry. The typical scenario involves a family that is tasked with clearing out a house due to a loved one passing away or an elderly relative moving to a care home. Many families are attracted to the idea of donating the furnishings and smaller items in the house to charity, as it seems like a meaningful way to honor their loved one and help others in need.
However, the process of donating to charity can be far from straightforward. In many cases, families will see an online charity advertising house clearance services and make arrangements with them over the phone. However, when it comes time for the actual house clearance, the charity may not be as thorough as the family had hoped. They may pick and choose which items they take, leaving many things behind. In some cases, they may even break appointments or fail to show up at all, leaving family members who have taken time off work and traveled a long distance feeling frustrated and let down.
Even when the charity does show up and take some items, there are often limitations on what they can accept. For example, they may not be able to take electrical items that haven’t been safety tested or beds and furniture suites that don’t have the requisite fire labels. Additionally, some items like books may be difficult for charities to sell, so they may not take them even if the family thinks they’re valuable.
It’s important to note that charities are not trying to be difficult or unhelpful in these situations. They often have limited storage space and need to be able to sell items quickly and with minimal effort to make the whole process worth their while. However, this can be frustrating for families who had hoped for a complete house clearance and may feel like they’ve been let down.
To avoid these issues, we recommend that families clarify in advance what items the charity will accept. Don’t rely solely on promises made over the phone by volunteers , as these may not match up with the reality of the situation on the day of the clearance. Instead, try to get a clear understanding of what the charity is looking for and what they are able to accept. This can help to manage expectations and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Tip! Ask to speak to the actual shop manager and also ask for in writing (email) what you have been promised over the phone.
In conclusion, donating to charity can be a great way to honor a loved one and help others in need. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and potential pitfalls of the process. By being clear about what the charity can and cannot accept, families can help to ensure a smoother and more successful house clearance experience.
Let AFTA provide you with a no-obligation list of legitimate house clearance service providers operating in your area that will turn up on the day and clear everything in the property.
Attempted Charity Donation Let Down: A few sample comments left online from frustrated family members
