Embarking on a spring clean or decluttering session? Save your unwanted towels, blankets and sheets for animal shelters around the country.
With rescue dogs always in need of warm, cosy beds, a spring cleaning session is the perfect time to help those that have been saved from cruelty and neglect.
While most shelters will welcome your donations, it's worth knowing that they don't accept pillows or feather duvets. Each local centre or branch may need different items depending on how much storage space they have, so it's always best to check first.
"We greatly appreciate donations of towels, blankets, duvets and other bedding to our animal centres as these items can help provide comfort and warmth to the animals in our care," the RSPCA told Team Dogs.
"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."
Animals in Distress explain just how your donations can help: "We make sure the dogs get plenty of exercise. Whether it’s walking through the lanes around Ipplepen, chasing a ball in the field or having a go on the agility equipment, we give the dogs lots of time outside.
"If you have any towels that you no longer need, we would love to have them. We don't mind how threadbare they are, we can still use them."
As well as towels and bedding, other items that are useful to donate include pet beds, cat scratching posts, toys, old coats, and dog harnesses. Before throwing items away, consider how they could help animals in need.
Take a look at the full list of charities that you can donate to:
Charities that need your donations this month
3. National Animal Welfare Trust Centres
Follow Country Living on Instagram.
Top model picks for your dog
Barbour Tartan Dog Collar
Dress your dog like David Gandy does in one of Barbour's stylish dog collars. This leather and tartan number is durable and chic.
Barbour Quilted Dog Coat
Who says Barbour jackets are just for humans? Now you and your pooch can match on rainy walks.
Hugo & Hudson x Hackett Tweed Dog Collar
This tweed collar has been designed by Hackett, another of David's favourite brands to dress both himself and his dog in.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
