One of the few benefits of the Coronavirus lockdown is the chance to declutter. And now that charity shops have reopened, our unwanted items can find a new home.

With the high street looking busier, Nub News visited Penarth's charity shops to find out how they're coping with the post-lockdown changes and what donations they can and cannot accept.

Tenovus Cancer Care is accepting donations of men and women's clothing and shoes, books and bric-à-brac items.

The shop, on Windsor Road, is not accepting furniture, electrical items or broken children's toys.

Store manager Vince Tugwell said that all donations are quarantined for 48 hours before volunteers can sort through them.

"We're definitely receiving more than before lockdown, but Penarth residents have always been generous to us, so we're coping well.

"We're sorting through things that come in on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which is a good routine.

"Since we opened at the start of August, we've had such a variety. We've had some beautiful dresses, but then in one bag we actually had an onion," he said.

Mr Tugwell also asked residents not to leave donations on the doorstep of the shop.

"It poses so many health and safety issues, and we can't guarantee we'll actually get the donation. It could be gone by morning," he said.

The telephone number for Tenovus Cancer Care is 029 2070 8668.

Susan Jones, deputy manager at Oxfam, urged people to think about what they are donating. When she returned to open the shop for the first time since lockdown, the front door was completely blocked.

"I had to phone the council to help remove everything. We can take clothing but there were old sofa cushions left there, essentially fly-tipped," she said.

Acceptable donations of clothing, puzzles, and books are being stored in the changing room for two days before volunteers sort through them.

"It's hard finding room for everything that comes in. We are never able to guess how much or what exactly will be donated," she told Nub News.

Residents can phone ahead to check if Oxfam will take their donation. The shop cannot accept furniture, bedding, electrical items, or any item that requires health and safety testing.

You can phone Oxfam, Windsor Road, on 029 20706690.

T Hafan are currently accepting donations of adult and children's clothing between 9am-1pm, and 3pm-4pm .

Manager Danielle Court said that from 12 September, the shop will operate a telephone appointment system for people to donate to the shop.

"People can phone us to book a time to drop off their donations. That will save them unnecessary trips into town, but also help us manage what we can put out for customers," she said.

"It's about protecting our volunteers. They are the heart of the shop, so we need to keep them safe."

The shop can be reached on 029 2070 3665.

Cancer Research are accepting good quality books, bric-à-brac items and adult's clothing.

People hoping to donate should phone the shop before 9.30am to make sure they can give their items, as Cancer Research's head office is also sending items to the shop on Stanwell Road.

Assistant manager Vicky Cornish said that donations are left for 48 hours before they can sort through them.

"The bright side is that people have found some amazing things during quarantine that they want to donate," she said.

"If we can't take it, its worth checking if the Cancer Research superstore on Newport road can. They have much more space than we do."

You can call Cancer Research, Stanwell Road, on 029 2070 4345.

At Marie Curie, duty manager Mrs Durman said that managing the extra donations and safety requirements in the shop has been a challenge.

"It's been hard, but we're glad to have our customers back. We know they need retail therapy, and enjoy that buzz from charity shopping," she said.

As well as accepting adult clothing, accessories, books, DVDs and CDs, Marie Curie is also taking on new volunteers.

"We're always looking for volunteers, but we especially need them now to help sort through donations. We're struggling to lift the heavy bags, and we've got mostly women at the moment, so some men would definitely be welcome," said Mrs Durman.

Find out more about Marie Curie, Windsor Road on 029 2070 6690.