Donating clothes is one of the simplest ways to support others, reduce waste and free up space at home. If you’re unsure how to donate clothes to charity in London, this quick guide will help you sort through your wardrobe and take the next step with ease.
Why Donate Clothes to Charity in London?
Whether you’re clearing out for a seasonal refresh or simply making space, donating clothes is a small act that can make a big impact. Across London, many local charities rely on clothing donations to support people facing hardship — from families on low incomes to individuals experiencing homelessness.
It’s also one of the easiest ways to cut down on textile waste. Instead of sending old clothes to landfill, you can give them a second life and reduce your environmental footprint at the same time.
If you’re in the middle of a house move and not quite ready to part with everything, why not store items temporarily? Our short-term storage units give you the breathing room to decide what stays, what goes, and what gets donated later. If you need a hand choosing the right unit, just get in touch with our friendly team — we’re happy to help.
How to Donate Clothes to Charity in London: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering how to donate clothes to charity without the fuss? Here’s a quick guide to help you sort, prepare and give back with ease.
- Start with a wardrobe clear up
Go through your cupboards, drawers and storage boxes. If it hasn’t been worn in a year, no longer fits, or doesn’t feel like “you” anymore, it’s probably time to let it go. Think beyond clothes—coats, shoes, bags and scarves are all great to donate. - Check condition before you donate
Most places are happy to take gently used items—but they do need to be in good nick. Before you donate clothes in London, make sure everything is:
- Clean, dry and folded
- Free from holes, heavy stains or broken zips
- Ready to be worn again
Items usually not accepted include:
- Underwear (unless it’s brand new)
- Soiled or damaged clothes
- Duvets and pillows (unless requested)
- Electrical items (check the guidelines)
- Pick the right charity for your donation
Think about where your clothes could be most useful. Shelters often need warm layers and coats. For winter donations, look out for local drivers collecting warm clothing for the homeless. - Pack it up properly
Pop your items in a sturdy bag or box. Some drop-off points prefer things sorted by type—men’s, women’s, kids’—so consider labelling if you’ve got a mixed batch. - Drop off or book a collection
You can donate old clothes in London by heading to a nearby charity shop or donation bank. Lots of organisations also offer free collections, which is handy if you’re donating in bulk or can’t get out easily.
Where to Donate Clothes in London
Whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe or making space before a move, here are some of the best places to donate clothes to charity in the capital:
- British Red Cross – Their charity shops across London accept everyday clothing, shoes and accessories.
- Crisis – Great for donating winter clothes for the homeless, especially coats, jumpers and boots during colder months.
- Shelter – Accepts good-quality second-hand clothes at their charity shops to support families facing housing issues.
- Smart Works – Welcomes smart women’s clothing to support women re-entering the workforce.
- Salvation Army – A good option if you’re looking to donate clothes in London via clothing banks or charity shops.
Still searching “where to donate clothes near me”? Try directories like Recycle Now or local borough websites for up-to-date donation points.
Where to Donate Winter Clothes for the Homeless Near Me
As temperatures drop, warm clothing becomes essential for people experiencing homelessness. If you’re looking to donate winter clothes for the homeless, several London-based charities run dedicated seasonal appeals and welcome practical, weatherproof gear.
Here are some trusted organisations accepting winter clothing donations in London.
Crisis at Christmas
Every December, Crisis opens temporary shelters across London offering hot meals, beds, and essentials to people experiencing homelessness. They accept winter coats, warm jumpers, waterproof boots, hats, gloves and socks — especially men’s sizes. Donations typically begin in November through their Crisis at Christmas campaign.
Glass Door Homeless Charity
Serving West and South West London, Glass Door provides emergency shelter during the winter months. Items in high demand include thermal clothing, waterproof jackets, durable footwear, sleeping bags and other cold-weather essentials.
The Passage (Victoria)
Based near Victoria Station, The Passage runs the largest resource centre in London for people facing homelessness. They accept winter clothes for the homeless, including coats, hoodies, waterproof trousers, gloves, scarves and new underwear. You can donate in person or arrange a drop-off online.
London Homeless Collective
This network of over 25 charities works together to support rough sleepers and those in temporary accommodation. Their site features updated winter donation campaigns and a map of organisations currently accepting winter clothes for the homeless near you.
How Attic Supports Local Charities with Winter Clothing Donations
At Attic, we’re proud to support our local communities. In 2022, we launched the Winter Warmer campaign, encouraging donations of clean, pre-loved winter gear like coats, fleeces and hats. For every donation received, we matched with a new item — up to £3,000 — for local charities in need.
Donating clothes isn’t just kind, it’s easy. Whether you’re searching for “donate clothes London” or preparing to give winter clothes for the homeless, every item can help.
For more on how we give back, visit our charity and community support page or check out the latest on our blog.
Posted on 29th August 2025 by Shanaiqua Desa
