How to decide what to keep, sell, and donate, and where to donate in New York.
Moving in New York is a major task, and you can’t bring everything. Getting rid of your unwanted belongings can offer a fresh start in for your new home, and can make the moving process much easier. Molloy Moving & Storage can help move your packed items, but in the mean time, here are some ways to cut down on the items you plan to bring to your new New York home.
Keep your belongings from ending up in landfills by choosing one of many donation charities. New York has many great organizations that will donate your unwanted items to people who need them.
Clothing
We all have items that we just can’t bear to part with, but the reality is, these items end up pushed to the back of the closet taking up space that you can’t afford to lose- not to mention, the extra boxes will make your move that much harder. A good rule of thumb – if you haven’t work the item in 1-2 years, donate. Let someone else give a new life to the clothes that you won’t use by donating them to one of the following charities:
The most common national organizations for clothing donations are Goodwill Industries and The Salvation Army. Both have many drop-off sites located all across the nation. Find a drop-off location near you by using the zip code search on the company website.
If you have women’s business wear that you no longer need, Dress for Success is a great organization that provides professional attire, and even career assistance to disadvantaged women. Suits, purses, brief cases, shoes, and coats are all appreciated.
If you’re looking to give more locally, you can search for thrift shops, consignment shops, and local charities in your area. Often times, hospitals may run a small second-hand store that raises money towards patient care.
Be sure that all items are clean before donating.
Electronics
Out-of-date computers, old cell phones and VCRs can be donated or recycled. Keeping items such as these out of landfills is very important.
Cell Phones
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit organization that will give your old cell phones to military troops to communicate with their families. Find a drop-off location, or download a shipping label to donate to this charity. Additionally, unwanted cell phones can be sent to Call to Protect, which supports environmental initiatives.
Simply deactivate the phone from your service, turn it off with the battery inside, and pop it in a box or envelope. Pre-paid mailing labels can be downloaded from its website.
Computers
Most Goodwill sites will accept and refurbish your electronics, giving them a second life. You can also visit the Cristina Foundation, a nonprofit organization that connects donors like you with local nonprofits and charities that can use your unwanted electronics.
Other Electronics
Although your VCR still works, you family probably doesn’t use it much. Donate electronics in good working condition to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. If the item does not work, your local electronics superstore may be able to recycle these products for you, regardless of where it was purchased.
Household Hazardous Waste
It can sometimes be difficult to dispose of Hazardous Waste. Paint, batteries, chemicals, and medications need to be disposed of carefully. Your city or county waste management department may have resources to help you dispose of these items, but if not, there are other options. Use Earth 911 to find recycling locations across the U.S. It will tell you where to recycle everything from plastic to auto parts and chemical waste.
Toys and Games
Moving is the perfect time to get rid of toys and games that your children may have outgrown or no longer use. Discard items that are tattered, have missing parts, or are broken beyond use. For any toys that are in good shape and working condition, there are many organizations can put them to good use. Donating to women’s and homeless shelters is a great option that can provide children with toys that they could otherwise not afford. To find a shelter nearby, visit Women’s Shelters, a nationwide directory of resources for women and families. Toys hat have never been used can be donated to your local Toys for Tots program or a local children’s hospital.
Molloy Moving & Storage can keep your New York move as easy and stress-free as possible. Read through our many other moving tips, or contact us to get started today!
