Not everything has to go in the trash or to the thrift store. Many things are too good to throw away, but maybe not suitable or worth the effort to sell. Fortunately, there are various apps and platforms that let you give things away for free to people who will be happy with them. In this article you'll discover the best options for giving your unwanted belongings a new life.

Why give away instead of throwing away?

Every year in the Netherlands, a huge amount of usable stuff ends up with the garbage. From furniture and electronics to clothing and toys, much of it could have had a second life. By giving things away instead of throwing them out, you reduce waste, help people who can put them to good use and contribute to a more sustainable society.

Giving things away is also practical. Sometimes you have no time or desire to sell things, or they are simply not worth the effort. A free giveaway listing quickly draws responses, and in no time your house is cleared out and someone else is happy.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a neighborhood network that puts you in touch with your immediate neighbors. The platform has a special section for free items, which makes it ideal for giving things away locally. You reach people in your direct surroundings, which is handy for larger items that need to be picked up.

The advantage of Nextdoor is the community feel. You give to real neighbors and can often have a quick chat at pickup. The downside is that your reach is limited to your own neighborhood, which can be less suitable for niche items.

Facebook Marketplace and groups

On Facebook Marketplace you can offer items for free by setting the price to zero. There are also countless Facebook groups specifically for giveaways, such as 'Gratis af te halen' (free for pickup) groups per city or region. The reach is large and you quickly find interested people.

Find local giveaway groups by searching for terms like 'gratis afhalen [your city]' or 'weggeef [region]'. Popular groups have thousands of members and active communities.

Marktplaats Free

Marktplaats has a special category for free items. By setting your price to 'Gratis' (free), your listing appears in this section. The reach is enormous: Marktplaats is one of the most visited websites in the Netherlands. Expect lots of responses, especially for popular items.

Thrift store apps

Various apps connect you directly with thrift stores in your area. You can upload photos of the items you want to get rid of, and thrift stores let you know whether they are interested and whether they can pick them up. This is ideal for larger batches or furniture.

Peerby Go

Peerby is best known for borrowing things, but Peerby Go also helps with giving away larger items. You post an offer and interested people can respond. For some categories there is even a pickup service available.

Nofoodwasted and Too Good To Go

For food you can't finish, there are special apps. Nofoodwasted and Too Good To Go help rescue food from going to waste. Local food banks also often accept donations of non-perishable products.

Donating items to charity

Thrift stores

Thrift stores accept a wide range of items: furniture, clothing, books, household goods and more. The proceeds from sales often go to social projects or employment initiatives. Some thrift stores even pick up large items for free.

Keep in mind that not everything is accepted. Broken items, mattresses and certain electronics are often refused. Call ahead to check what you can bring.

The Salvation Army and other collection drives

The Salvation Army (Leger des Heils) has collection points and clothing bins all over the Netherlands. You can drop off clothing, shoes and textiles there. Other charities regularly organize collection drives for specific categories such as toys, books or household goods.

Toys and children's clothing

For children's clothing and toys there are extra options. Stichting Babyspullen helps families living in poverty with baby essentials. Toy banks provide toys to children who would otherwise go without. Check local initiatives in your municipality.

Tips for successful giveaways

Take clear photos

Good photos help, even for free items. A clear picture shows what you are giving away and prevents misunderstandings. Also photograph any flaws so the recipient knows what to expect.

Write a clear description

Mention the condition of the item, dimensions (for furniture) and any defects. State whether the item needs to be picked up and when you are available. The more complete the information, the less back-and-forth.

Respond quickly

Free items often attract a lot of interest. Reply to messages quickly and make clear arrangements. If you wait too long, the first interested person drops out and you have to start all over again.

Put it by the curb with a note

For small items that need to go fast, you could consider putting them out on the street with a note saying 'GRATIS' (free). This works especially well in busy neighborhoods. Do check the local rules: in some municipalities this is not allowed, or only on certain days.

Giveaway etiquette

There are a few unwritten rules when giving things away. Only give away things you would still use or accept yourself. Broken, dirty or unusable items belong in the trash, not in a giveaway listing. This saves others a disappointment and keeps the platforms clean.

Be reliable: if you make an appointment, stick to it. Nothing is more annoying than coming over specially for an item that isn't there. Let people know in time if you change your mind or if someone else has already picked up the item.

Special categories

Furniture

Large furniture is popular on giveaway platforms. Sofas, cabinets, beds and tables quickly find new owners. Clearly state the dimensions and whether the piece can be taken apart. Agree that the recipient arranges their own transport.

Electronics

Working electronics are in demand. Old but functional TVs, computers and household appliances are snapped up eagerly. Mention whether everything still works and which cables or accessories are included. Broken electronics belong at the e-waste drop-off, not in a giveaway listing.

Plants and garden items

Cuttings, small plants and garden items are popular on platforms like Nextdoor. Especially in spring there is a lot of demand for plant material. Garden furniture, pots and tools also easily find a new home.

Building materials

Leftover paint, wood, tiles or other building materials are valuable to handymen and DIYers. Instead of taking them to the recycling center, you can offer these materials to people with a project.

Benefits of giving things away

Besides the environmental benefit, giving things away also feels good. You help someone who can put the items to good use, whether it's a student furnishing their first apartment or a family that could use some support. The gratitude of recipients is often heartwarming.

On a practical level, you get rid of your things quickly without the hassle of selling, negotiating or shipping. A free listing draws responses immediately, and within a day your living room can be empty again.

Frequently asked questions

Which apps are best for giving things away for free?

Nextdoor is ideal for giving things away locally to neighbors. Facebook Marketplace and giveaway groups have the largest reach. Marktplaats with the price set to 'Gratis' (free) also draws a lot of responses. Choose based on what you are giving away and how quickly you want to get rid of it.

What can I give away?

You can give away almost anything that is still usable: furniture, clothing, electronics, books, toys, household goods, plants and more. Make sure items are clean and working. Broken items belong in the trash.

Do thrift stores also pick up items?

Many thrift stores offer a free pickup service for large items like furniture. Contact them in advance to check what they accept and to make an appointment. Not all thrift stores offer this service.

Can I put items out on the street with a free note?

That depends on the rules in your municipality. In some municipalities it is allowed, in others it isn't, or only on certain days. Check the local regulations, or only do it briefly and in suitable weather to avoid causing a nuisance.

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