Every moving expert will tell you that the fewer items you intend to move to your new home, the cheaper your moving costs will be. Common sense, really.
But how to decide what to get rid of when moving home is obviously a personal decision based upon usefulness, sentimental attachment, the cost of replacement, and the practicalities of moving the item.
And then you must ask yourself, is it better to sell or donate? Although selling unwanted items will bring in extra cash to boost your home moving budget, is it really worth all the hassle of trying to sell your old things?
Preparing the items to sell, calculating how much to sell your things for, cataloging, photographing, advertising online or in newspapers, endless streams of timewasters coming to view your items, a lot of hassle for possibly little return.
Tips on how and where to get rid of furniture
What to do with unwanted stuff when moving home?
So why not do a good thing and donate your unwanted and surplus items to those less fortunate than you? There are many charities that accept furniture and a whole range of household goods, and many will pick up those items for free. Those in need will benefit, you will save money on your moving costs, and you will then have the opportunity to furnish your new home with items that are better suited to your new abode, what great reasons to donate to charity!
If you are thinking about donating old furniture, clothes, and books to charity before your home move, there are many worthy causes that you can choose from, and there are many organizations and charities that pick up donations for free.
Useful info: Is it better to move your furniture or buy new one?
Where to donate used stuff near me
Why not help your local community by donating to a local good cause? This will give you some ideas of places that may take your surplus and unwanted items, many of which may hold yard sales to raise funds, or can directly use your gifted items for their benefactors.
- Churches
- Foster Homes
- Shelters
- Hospitals
- Hospices
- Nursing Homes
- Day Care Centers
- Orphanages
- Furniture Banks
- Food Banks
- Schools
- Libraries
- Clubs
- Animal Shelters
Who picks up furniture donations for free? To find an organization near you where to donate used toys, shoes, books, clothes, household items, and furniture, often with free pick up, just follow this link to Donation Town.
However, you may have a particular preference for a type of charity you wish to support, or have specific items that you want to know where to donate to. The following list, with links to their website will help you.
Donation policies, service areas, pickup fees, and item availability change. Before setting anything aside, confirm your ZIP code, the item’s condition, accepted categories, and pickup or drop-off arrangements directly with the local program. Do not leave items outside a closed donation center.
See also: How to get rid of things when moving house
Where to Donate Furniture and Household Goods
- Furniture Bank Association of North America – Supporting families with severe life challenges.
- Hope Services – Supports people with developmental disabilities. Check current local pickup coverage and accepted items.
- Salvation Army – Helps families across the world in times of need.
Where to Donate Clothing
- Dress for Success – Formal clothing for women in need to attend job interviews.
- Careerwardrobe – Professional attire for women to attend work interviews.
- Brides Across America – Wedding gowns for military brides in need
- For formalwear, ask a local dress-donation program about current needs, size and condition requirements, and drop-off arrangements. Confirm the organization’s identity before donating.
- Hope Services – Supports people with developmental disabilities. Check current local pickup coverage and accepted items.
- The Lupus Foundation – Will take household goods too to help sufferers of Lupus.
Where to Donate Furniture, Appliances, Electronics, Clothing, and Toys
- Goodwill – Donations support those in need of job training
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – Proceeds support the mentoring of children.
- Military Order of the Purple Heart – Supports veterans and their families
- Habitat for Humanity – Funds raise help finance building and repairs of affordable housing for people in need.
- Salvation Army – Helps families across the world in times of need.
- Vietnam Veterans – Funds medical treatment for Vietnam Vets
Where to Donate Cell Phones
- National Network to End Domestic Violence – Raises funds from the sale of used cell phones
- Operation Gratitude – Funds raised to send care packages to forces personnel.
Where to Donate Old Computers and Electronics
- National Christina Foundation – To donate old computers and electronics to nonprofit organizations.
- Computerswithcauses – Helps people all across the states.
Where to Donate Cars, Trucks, RV’s and other vehicles
- Purple Heart Service Foundation – Supports combat wounded veterans and their families.
- The Salvation Army – Proceeds to adult rehabilitation centers
- Wheels for Wishes – Raises funds to grant wishes for terminally ill children.
- Americas Car Donation Centre – Helps many charities raise funds for many causes.
- Arc – Supports people with disabilities
- Hope Services – Supports people with developmental disabilities. Check current local pickup coverage and accepted items.
- National Kidney Foundation – Raises funds to improve the lives of those with kidney disease.
Where to Donate Stuffed Animals
- Stuffed Animals for Emergencies – Donated to children during a crisis to help them feel comforted.
- Toysfortots – These toys go to underprivileged children.
Where to Donate Books
- Local libraries and school book drives: ask whether they are currently accepting the types and condition of books you have before dropping them off.
- BetterWorldBooks – Selling books online to help nonprofit literacy organizations.
Where to Donate Art Supplies and Musical Instruments
- Local school music programs or community arts organizations: ask about current instrument needs, repair requirements, and approved donation arrangements before delivering an instrument.
- Local art teachers and community arts centers: ask whether they can accept your unopened or usable art supplies.
Where to Donate Eyeglasses
- Lions Clubs eyeglasses and hearing-aid recycling: check participating collection locations and confirm local acceptance before donating.
- New Eyes no longer accepts used eyeglasses. Its used-glasses program closure FAQ explains the change; do not mail old glasses to the organization.
- SavingSight – Donating glasses around the world to the needy.
Where to Donate DVD’s and DVD Players
- DVDS4Vets – DVD’s go to returning Vets.
Where to Donate Fitness Equipment
- Local community centers or recreation programs: ask whether they need the specific equipment and can arrange safe collection. Acceptance, transport, and liability policies vary.
More suggestions on the best ways to get rid of household stuff
Of course, there are many more charities that will help you recycle your unwanted items. And rather than throwing stuff away when moving, why not help someone in your local neighborhood by advertising on Freecycle? Freecycle is a great way to get rid of stuff when moving as people will pick up old furniture for free and usually very quickly. It is a great way to recycle your furniture and unwanted items fast.
Facebook is another good way to get rid of unwanted furniture or household items. This is an example of the type of facebook group that exists to help you recycle your surplus items.
Even your moving company can help you with your goodwill gesture by boxing your surplus unperishable food stuff and donating it to local food banks (Move For Hunger).
A donation does not automatically create a tax deduction. Eligibility depends on the recipient organization, the property, required records, and your tax situation. Read the IRS guidance on charitable contributions and keep any required acknowledgment; ask a tax professional about your specific donation.
Good luck with your home move and congratulations for doing such a good deed.
