If you’re a Stellenbosch student, chances are you’ve accumulated a surprising amount of stuff – without even realising it. From the stack of textbooks that you barely opened to all the clothes you picked up after “just browsing” the Dorp Street Market, student life has a way of adding up fast.
And when it’s time to move, downsize, or head home after finishing your degree, the big question hits: what do you do with everything?
Whether you’re hoping to make some money back, donate items to a good cause, or simply clear space, Stellenbosch has plenty of student-friendly options to do just that. This guide breaks down exactly where to sell or donate student items in Stellies, helping you get value back, support local causes, and keep usable goods out of landfill.
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The Stellenbosch Hospice Shop is a student staple. Not only is it a great spot to score a bargain, but it’s an easy way to get rid of some old items you don’t want anymore. And you know your items are going towards a good cause, instead of rotting away in the landfill.
As a part of the Stellenbosch Hospice NPC, all the proceeds go towards funding the hospice. They provide palliative care to individuals and families who are affected by a life-threatening or life-limiting disease.
And some music to any student’s ears: they offer collections for large donations.
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Located just outside of Stellies, Horizon House is worth the trip. It’s a residential and sheltered-employment centre specialising in the holistic care of people with a primary intellectual disability. Providing residents with different workrooms, they accept all your preloved goods that can be upcycled or sold.
Have broken furniture you’re not sure what to do with? Horizon House offers furniture restoration and repairs, completed by the residents. This not only helps residents work on their craft but also allows the centre to earn extra funds.
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Ons Winkel Stellenbosch is one of 127 donation shops across the country in partnership with Solidarity Helping Hand, accepting any kind of preloved item. And with your unwanted goods, Helping Hand can work miracles.
All profits go towards offering social assistance in the community, job opportunities and study funds to students who want to study but cannot afford it. This way, you can use the items that helped you get through your studies and pay it forward to another student.
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Located right next to campus on the iconic Victoria Street, CoCreate Hub offers students a bit of everything. Come to drop off your second-hand clothes, stay for a delicious cup of coffee and tasty meal in their courtyard cafe.
Their Pebbles Project thrift shop offers students an easy way to give back to their community. The proceeds from your donated clothes go toward the Pebbles Project, a non-profit organisation that aims to enrich the lives of disadvantaged children and families in farming communities in the Western Cape.
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Malaki Second Chances is one of Stellie’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a Humanities student looking for your next campus fit or you’re wondering what to do with your Huis Dance dress you’ll only wear once, this thrift store is the place to go.
You can either donate your clothes or put them up for resale. The lovely women at Malaki will sell your item for you, earning you 30% of the final selling price. And, in the spirit of second chances, a percentage of their profit goes directly towards empowering women in need.
Accepted items: Clothing, shoes, and accessories
Location: 36 Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch Central
Contact: 082 770 0657
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The Thrift Queen might be the newbie on the block, but it’s certainly making a name for itself quickly. These thrifting queens will take anything, from leather jackets and cowboy boots to wedding dresses and sunglasses. They’ll particularly love your vintage gems.
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There’s no better way to spend your Sunday than perusing the Dorp Street Market, especially the many second-hand stalls filled with preloved clothes and items. This is a great way to connect with people in your community who would love to take your unwanted items off your hands.
Some only take donations to be sold or upcycled, while others will resell them on your behalf, taking a commission.
Students are all about convenience. Thankfully, there are a number of ways to sell your items without even leaving your home.
Yaga is the most popular second-hand marketplace in South Africa. It focuses on clothes but has expanded to include books, tech, decor, sports equipment, and more. It’s particularly preferred because of its buyer protection, preventing scams.
SUJustKidding is the hub of Stellies' student life on Instagram. While it mostly focuses on relatable memes and student deals, it does also provide a marketplace where students in Stellies can sell textbooks, furniture, and more.
Facebook is still the go-to for many students. There are specific groups for selling second-hand items in Stellies, such as:
Just be careful of scams, as there's no buyer protection through Facebook.
Want to donate or sell something too big to transport yourself? No problem! You can book a quick and easy small load furniture removal with Wise Move that suits both your needs and your student budget.
Whether it’s a bunch of boxes filled with clothes or your entire apartment’s furniture, Wise Move will help get your preloved items to their new home, giving them the second chance they deserve.
Wise Move is South Africa’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve been delivering reliable, affordable, and well-reviewed moving services in just a few simple steps. Our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for our customers.
