Having a spring clean is a fantastic way to declutter and organise your belongings - but it's important you don't get too reckless throwing items away.
There are so many rescue dogs up and down the country in need of warm bedding, and your unwanted towels and blankets could give them a cosy place to sleep at night.
Generally, most animal shelters accept towels, blankets and sheets but do not welcome pillows and feather duvets.
If you're thinking of donating your old bedding, here are a few of the biggest names and goods they accept to make it a little easier.
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RSPCA centres
The RSPCA has centres across England, Scotland and Wales with a whopping 152 branches to choose from - meaning there’s likely to be one near you.
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "We greatly appreciate donations of towels, blankets, duvets and other bedding to our animal centres.
"What may seem like rubbish to you can actually make a real difference in helping animals that have been rescued by the RSPCA from cruelty and neglect.
"Each local centre or branch may need different items, so we would always ask kind members of the public to please contact your local RSPCA centre first to check what items they may need and how to donate them."
You can find your nearest centre on their website.
Dogs Trust centres
Just like the RSPCA, Dogs Trust has branches across England as well as homes in Ballymena in Northern Ireland and Cardiff and Bridgend in Wales, plus Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland.
The Dogs Trust website reads: "Our centres’ dogs are always grateful for pre-loved donations of towels and bedding (except feather duvets).
"Signage outside your local centre will direct you to a contact-free drop-off point."
See the full list of Dogs Trust centres on their website.
Scottish SPCA centres
Scotland’s resident animal welfare charity, the Scottish SPCA, has dog homes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Their website states they currently accept: new towels and blankets, used towels and blankets (which are clean and have been laundered) and hand knitted items.
They do not accept duvets and pillows, and cannot currently accept textile dog beds.
If you have items you would like to donate, please drop them off in the donation boxes outside the centres. For all larger items, please contact your nearest centre in the first instance.
You can find your closest centre on their website.
National Animal Welfare Trust centres
Those in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Cornwall, Essex and Hertfordshire can donate to the National Animal Welfare Trust’s (NAWT) rehoming centres.
The NAWT website reads: "Blankets, towels, bed sheets, newspapers, pet food and treats & animal toys all in good condition can be donated to our centres."
To donate to your local NAWT centre, you just need to drop them off in the donation bins outside or take them into reception.
You can find your local centre on the NAWT website.
Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home centres
If you’re based in Greater Manchester, you can also donate to Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Home’s two centres.
These are located at Crofter’s House, Moss Brook Road, Harpurhey, in Manchester, and Knutsford Road, Grappenhall, in Warrington.
A statement on their website reads: "Any donations of blankets or towels will be very much appreciated by the thousands of dogs we receive each year.
"Please drop them off at either of our Homes – Thank You."
You can find the centre closest to you on their website.
Cardiff Dogs Home
Dog lovers in Cardiff can donate bedding to Cardiff Dogs Home.
Their website states they welcome any donations of warm blankets and towels but cannot accept quilts, duvet covers, pillows and sheets.
If you have blankets and towels to donate, please drop them off at the dogs’ home in Llandough.
You can visit Cardiff Dogs Home for more information.
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home centres
Unfortunately, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home centres do not accept pillows, cushions and duvets.
However, they are always in need of specialist dog bedding, also known as Vetbed, and indoor dog pens and crates. If you’d like to donate either of these items, please post them or take them to one of their three centres.
For more information on donations visit the Battersea website.
Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
