Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need. Instead of packing and transporting things that will just take up space in your new home, take the time to sort through your belongings and decide what to do with unwanted items before moving. Here’s how to handle them efficiently and responsibly.
1. Sell Items for Extra Cash
If you have valuable or gently used items, selling them before moving can help you lighten your load and earn some extra money. Consider these options:
- Online marketplaces – Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, and OfferUp make it easy to sell unwanted furniture, electronics, and household goods.
- Garage sale – If you have a lot of items to sell, hosting a garage or yard sale can be a quick way to get rid of things while making money.
- Consignment shops – Local thrift and consignment stores may accept clothing, home décor, and other items in good condition.
2. Donate to Charity
If you have items that are still usable but not worth selling, donating them is a great way to help others while reducing waste. Many organizations accept clothing, furniture, and household goods, including:
- Goodwill and The Salvation Army – These charities accept furniture, clothing, and electronics.
- Local shelters and community centers – Many shelters and nonprofit organizations accept donations of bedding, kitchen supplies, and clothing.
- Schools and libraries – Books, office supplies, and educational materials can be donated to local schools or libraries.
Check with your preferred charity to see what items they accept before dropping off donations.
3. Recycle Responsibly
Not everything can be sold or donated, but many items can be recycled instead of going to a landfill. Some common recyclable items include:
- Electronics – Old computers, phones, and TVs can be recycled at e-waste recycling centers.
- Paper and cardboard – Broken-down boxes and old papers can be recycled through curbside pickup or drop-off locations.
- Glass and plastic – Many cities have recycling programs for household glass, plastic containers, and aluminum cans.
4. Dispose of Hazardous Items Properly
Certain household items require special disposal methods. Items like paint, batteries, cleaning chemicals, and old appliances may contain hazardous materials and should not be thrown away with regular trash. Contact your local waste management facility to find out how to properly dispose of these materials.
5. Gift or Give Away Items
If you know friends, family members, or neighbors who might need items you no longer want, consider giving them away. Post in community groups or apps like Buy Nothing to find people in your area who could use what you no longer need.
6. Use Storage for Sentimental Items
If you’re not sure about parting with certain belongings, but they don’t fit in your new home, consider short-term or long-term storage. This gives you extra time to decide what to keep while keeping your space clutter-free.
7. Throw Away What Can’t Be Reused
If an item is broken, stained, or completely unusable, it’s time to dispose of it. Bag up trash and schedule a bulk pickup for larger items like old furniture or appliances. Many cities offer special collection days for large waste removal.
Sorting through your belongings before a move helps streamline packing and makes settling into your new home easier. By selling, donating, recycling, or disposing of unwanted items properly, you’ll save time and reduce moving costs. Need help with your move? Contact Haula Movers today for expert moving services that make your transition smooth and stress-free!
