Where to Donate Unwanted Items Before You Move

Hoarding Stuff Has Never Been Quite This Easy

And is there a better time to confront your inner hoarder than when you’re preparing for a move? It’s like a built-in excuse to finally say goodbye to the things you’ve been avoiding, because let’s be honest – if you’re not willing to pack it into a moving box, you probably don’t need it!

Donating Before Cross-Country Moving Is a Great Way to Clear the Clutter

Figuring out what to get rid of and donate before the big moving day isn’t just about clearing out clutter – it’s a smart strategy for saving time, money, and effort. Fewer items to pack and transport means lower relocation costs, as many long-distance moving services are charged based on weight and volume.

Plus, by downsizing for a move, you’ll spend less on packing materials and have fewer boxes to unpack in your new home. Most importantly, you’ll feel great knowing that your old winter coat or extra kitchen items have found a new owner who’ll appreciate them greatly. It’s a win-win for you and your community!

Charity Organizations That Offer to Pick Up Your Stuff

When you’re in the midst of organizing your move, you’re trying to juggle so many different tasks. Between all of the cardboard boxes and making sure you don’t forget to bring something, it’s equally essential to know what not to pack.

Let’s be real – we really don’t need all that stuff we’ve been piling and hoarding for years in our homes. But did you know that, just like you can hire a relocation and car shipping company to book packing services for the move, some organizations will gladly stop by to collect your unwanted stuff? Here are some of the top contenders for the best place to donate unwanted items.

Goodwill Offers to Pick Up Items in Working Condition

Where to donate unwanted items? When it comes to this question, there are not many charity organizations that can compete with Goodwill. It has been operating for more than 100 years and has more than 2,800 stores in the US and Canada. The money they raise goes to job training and similar educational activities. Here are the details:

• What Goodwill accepts – a broad list of household items, new or well-maintained clothes, shoes, toys, books, and so on,
• How to schedule pick-up – contact your local Goodwill to check if they offer pick-ups because not all of them do,
• Goodwill helps – youth, the elderly, people with disabilities, and many more who are trying to get a job through training programs and various classes.

AMVETS – Serving Veterans Since 1944

AMVETS (American Veterans) is a national service foundation that has been dedicated to supporting America’s war veterans since 1944. Operating in 22 US states, AMVETS provides a range of services aimed at improving the lives of veterans and their families. Here are the details:

• What AMVETS accepts – clothes, bedding, smaller furniture, appliances, and so on,
• How to schedule pick-up – check the website to see if AMVETS is present in your state and call them to set the date,
• AMVETS helps – the organization helps mainly honorably discharged US war veterans, as well as men and women on active duty.

Habitat for Humanity Features Locations in All 50 US States

Habitat for Humanity has been around for more than 40 years, with a focus on helping people find decent and affordable housing at a low cost. It receives funding for its projects through thrift shops known as Habitat ReStores. Here’s what you should know:

• What Habitat for Humanity accepts – mainly household goods, furniture, and appliances,
• How to schedule a pick-up – you can check on their website if they have stores nearby and contact them to see if they offer this service,
• Habitat for Humanity helps – families across the world who are in need of housing.

These are just a few of the standout organizations, but there are tons of other great options out there. So, do your homework! Be as diligent as you are when you’re combing through mover reviews, trying to figure out if a long-distance moving company is legit. A little research goes a long way in making sure your donations do the most good!

You Can Donate Bulky Furniture to the Salvation Army

How to move out of state on a budget is a burning question among many frequent movers. Well, if you don’t need to bring heavy furniture or put it into storage units, you can always give away these bulky objects to organizations such as the Salvation Army.

Founded in 1865, this international organization offers pick-up services and helps people in need. It currently operates in over 7,000 US cities and towns. In certain states, you can schedule the pick-up online, while in others, you have to call them directly, but you can find all the information on their website.

Bear in mind that the Salvation Army does not accept particle board furniture, as well as some metal desks, baby car seats, and high chairs. All donations are being sold in their store, with the main goal of helping people who are recovering from addictions get back on their feet and continue with their everyday lives.

How to Save Money on Taxes by Donating

After taking your stuff without profit, charities will give you a tax deduction receipt for your donation, so make sure to keep all of the receipts. You can check which charities are eligible by using Tax Exempt Organization Search. To determine the fair market value of your donations, you need to know how to estimate the value of household goods.

Tax deduction receipts will lower your tax bills and help you save a few bucks on the side. Plus, getting rid of the stuff will lower the price tag of hiring long-distance movers, so your relocation budget will be singing happy tunes!

Places Where You Can Donate Unwanted Items Like Eyewear and Books

Glasses and eyewear are the things we do not usually think of when making donations, but since glasses are always in demand, you can give them away, too. Just don’t forget to clean them and bring their case.

As for your private library, although you may assume that everyone would accept books, that is not completely true. If you have a lot of books in your home, perhaps it is better to give them to your friends or local libraries. Of course, you can always try selling them online.

Is it Better to Donate Clothing-Related Stuff During December?

During December and the other winter months, in general, the need for warm clothing is certainly higher than during other periods of the year. So, if you’re planning to move during the holidays or sometime in spring, it’s best to clean out your closet. As we’ve covered, the easiest way to pack is to downsize and relocate only the belongings you can’t do without.

Things That Some Donation Sites May Not Accept

Just like cross-country movers such as Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving have items they won’t move, every charity organization has its own policy regarding the donations they accept. So, make sure to check that information on their websites before counting on them to take that stuff away. After all, the last thing you’d want to do is bring it all the way to the new home only to throw it away. Here are a few things most charities don’t accept:

• Stained or ripped clothing,
• Appliances that need to be repaired,
• Unsafe or damaged objects,
• Household chemicals,
• Textbooks,
• Food,
• Unframed mirrors.

Give Back, Clear Out, and Our Relocation and Auto Transport Company Will Handle the Rest

With roughly a quarter of Americans using their two-car garages for hoarding stuff, booking auto transport will not clear these spaces. You also need to know how to donate stuff, now more than ever. You declutter your life, help others in need, and make your move a whole lot easier (and cheaper). Plus, you’ll finally get to prove to yourself that, yes, you can live without that broken lava lamp you’ve been hanging onto since college. It’s a win all around!

And when you’re ready to make your move as smooth as possible, Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving has you covered. Whether you need help with the heavy lifting or packing your carefully curated, clutter-free belongings, our team is here to help. Contact us today so you can focus on enjoying your new space – minus the extra baggage!