Donating items when you move

Whether it’s your husband’s old recliner, your kids’ overused swing set, or the countless cans of Campbell’s soup in the pantry, there’s a place for all unwanted items to go before a big move. Sometimes, the motivation to get rid of that old sofa in the basement stems from not wanting to transport it to a new home. Donating furniture, food and other household belongings to charity can help lower overall moving costs and time spent packing while benefiting others in need.

There are many organizations around the country that take items off your hands and give them to others in need. Many of these organizations provide convenient pickup services to make the donation process hassle-free. Typically, organizations will provide information on their websites regarding what kinds of items they will accept and in what condition.

The moving process can be stressful and time consuming, so here are a few organizations that will help make the donation process much easier for you.

Move for Hunger

Move for Hunger is a non-profit organization that strives to fight food insecurity and food waste by collecting food from people that are moving and taking it to food banks that serve people in need. Move for Hunger will come to your house, pick up your food items and distribute them to a food bank in your area. The company has donated 8,333,452 meals to people in need across the country. Donations to Move for Hunger are equally beneficial for the community as they are for you, as it creates more space during your move and donates food that could be delivered to a family in need rather than thrown away. Move for Hunger provides an easy donation process without the travel time to a donation center.

Goodwill

Goodwill accepts donations in the form of furniture, clothes, and other household items. When you don’t have the vehicle or manpower to transport large items, Goodwill provides the luxury of picking up these unmanageable items and transporting them to their nearest store. Donating items to Goodwill helps create opportunities for individuals looking for a job, including veterans and single mothers, while providing discounted items for individuals with a lower budget.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army accepts a wide variety of items, including food, as they usually have a few food bank locations locally. These organizations accept almost anything, as long as it’s gently used, odorless and free of rips and tears. The Salvation Army also houses numerous locations, so you’re bound to find one close to home.

Animal Shelters

Animal shelters are always looking for tangible donations from the community. If you own a pet, you know how important our furry friends can be to families and overall happiness. These unadopted animals need essentials, like food, towels and blankets, kitty litter, collars, grooming supplies, dog/cat beds, etc., to make life more enjoyable at the shelter. These donations will take the burden and stress off the shelter caretakers and promote healthy living for the animals.

If you’re passionate about where and who receives your donations, there are many donation centers that cater to veterans, children, single mothers and many other underprivileged demographics. Your uncherished belongings could be a treasure to someone in need, so donating can be equally as beneficial for you as it is to others. Donating items when you move can help you spend less time packing, moving and organizing all while supporting a greater cause.