When you are preparing to move, donating your unwanted items can be an easy way to save time and money overall.
One less box to pack can reduce moving-related stress and give you time to do other moving-related tasks.
It will also decrease the weight of the overall move which saves you money when using full-service movers.
Also, donating your unwanted items usually makes you feel good. By this you have the opportunity to help others as you prepare to move.
TIP: Donating may allow you to avail tax benefits, so ask the charity for the appropriate donation forms.
Choose a Reputable Charity Before You Move
There are several reputable charitable organizations where you can donate unwanted household items.
The most efficient approach is to select the organizations that are most familiar to you.
For example, The Salvation Army is a well-known charitable group that was established in 1867.
The Salvation Army has locations across the country that will make donating convenient.
When donating to reputable nonprofit, like The Salvation Army, you can feel safe knowing your items will be donated properly.
If you want to make sure that you are donating to a legitimate charity, the Internal Revenue Service maintains a database of all organizations registered as charities.
You can also check with your state's charity regulator to locate who is responsible for policing charities.
Prepare Your Clothes, Kitchenware and Furniture for Donation
As you prepare your items for donation, adhere to donation guidelines set by the charity.
If you are dropping off items at a specified location or donation receptacle, you may need to package your items in a specific way.
For example, certain charitable organizations provide their own plastic bags for donated clothes.
Clean all clothes prior to donation. This is standard practice for donating clothes and shoes.
If you have plans to donate any sharp utensils, it would be a good idea to keep them in the original box or wrap them in bubble wrap.
Label box "SHARP" to ensure safe handling.
Wrap dishes, pots, and pans in newspaper to protect them from breaking.
If you have glassware items, you can label the box as "FRAGILE" and pack with plenty of supporting packing materials.
Clean your furniture before bringing it to the charitable organization.
Many organizations will restore your furniture and make repairs if necessary, but don't forget to include extra pillows or cushions with your donation items.
Tips to Donate Personal Items Before Moving
Check if the charity requires any payments for accepting your donation.
Contact the organization directly and inquire about policies related to donating your unwanted goods.
You don't want to discover that your items have been thrown away or returned to your old address because information was missing.
Ask if there are restrictions related to the quality of donated items.
For electronics, erase your memory card and delete any personal pictures, email, text messages and personal information stored on your handheld device.
If you're donating a computer, provide all necessary accompaniments such as documents, disks, cables, keyboard and mouse.
Consider donating books directly to schools, libraries or recreation groups.
Should I Dispose or Donate Waste Items?
Call junk removal services for anything you cannot donate.
Ideally, it is kind to donate your old furniture to the less fortunate.
However, sometimes your items are not in good enough condition, or you simply do not have the time to drop them off.
When this is the case, and you cannot easily get rid of your large, unwanted items (such as furniture) through a charity, hire a junk removal service.
Junk removal services specialize in removing anything you don't want but for a price.
It may cost some money, but not having to be bothered with loading and dropping off large, heavy items may be worth the price.
There are always pros and cons of how to donate items. Just like anything else, weigh the advantages against the disadvantages before making a final decision.
Conclusion
Donating unwanted household items before relocation is an easy yet practical gesture.
This lightens your moving burden, and benefits those who are in dire need.
Just remember to properly prepare, clean your items, and confirm donation guidelines. Also, check if your contributions are tax-deductible.
Understandably, the recommended steps on where to donate household items allow you to declutter responsibly and help positively in your neighborhood.
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