When You’re Not Keeping an Item

During the moving process, you’re going to come across several items you don’t necessarily want to bring to your new home… and knowing what to do with these items can be tricky, especially for first-time movers. Don’t be tempted to just throw these items out on the curb! There are many different things you can do with unwanted furniture, clothes and other items that can really improve someone else’s life.

Sell the item. Moving can be expensive, as can be the cost of purchasing a new place to live. So who could blame you for wanting to make some extra money by selling unwanted items? Before you do so, however, be sure that the item is worth something… you don’t want to waste valuable moving time on trying to get something sold if others wouldn’t really want it anyway. But if you have something of worth—more than just sentiment—such as an almost-new pair of shoes, TV or other item, you may be able to sell online.

Donate it. If you can’t sell your item, or would rather do something for the community, donating is your best option. Donate with care—for example, avoid trying to give away items that are obviously broken or ruined beyond repair. They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure—but just try to only donate usable, functional items!

Also, look for the right place to donate. There may be a cause in your community that is especially important to you (and could really benefit from your donation), so be sure to research what’s out there! The best recipient isn’t always a shelter or organization, either. If you know of a friend, family member or neighbor with a personal need, think of them as you’re deciding on where to donate.

Upcycle the item so it has a place in your new home. Maybe that old bookshelf doesn’t fit in with the look of your new home—but with a fresh coat of paint and maybe some creative restructuring, could it work? Think about renovating old pieces of furniture, or repurposing old clothes, before getting rid of them completely.

Return items to their owners. Somehow, we always seem to be collecting items from our family members and friends—and by the time moving day comes, we’re left with piles of stuff that isn’t really ours! If you were ever given kids’ toys, a book, a piece of furniture… anything that someone else may want back for practical or sentimental reasons, it’s worth a call to see if these items can be returned to their original home.

Toss it out... if need be! Sometimes, the best option really is to throw it away. Think carefully before you do, however—is the item functional (or can it be repaired)? Can someone else benefit from it, even in its condition? If the answer to these questions is “no,” leaving your item at the curb can be the most practical option once you’ve considered all the others.