How to Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Want to Move
Congratulations! You’ve closed on your new home and you’re ready to move into your new place. It’s an exciting time, but one that can be busy, stressful, and more than a little overwhelming.
One of the things that often shocks people during the moving process is how much stuff they’ve accumulated. Moving time is a great opportunity to get rid of things you no longer want or use. If you’re using a moving company, keep in mind that some base their rates on the weight of what they’ll be moving. Culling what you can may save you money, and you’ll likely spend less time hunting down packing boxes too.
But what should you do with the things you don’t want to bring along? Here are a few practical, budget-friendly options.
Consignment Savvy
If you have clothes, shoes, furniture, or household goods that are gently used, consider taking them to a consignment shop. Most are small businesses, so you’ll be supporting the local economy. Shops typically accept items they believe will resell well and offer you a portion of the final sale price.
Most shops keep items on the floor for a set period of time, such as 60 or 90 days. If the item doesn’t sell, they may return it to you or donate it to a charity. To learn more about how consignment works, check out this overview.
Pawn Shops
Many people think pawn shops are only a place to get a loan against an item they intend to buy back later. In reality, most pawn shops will also purchase items outright to resell.
Pawn shops accept all kinds of items, including jewelry, musical instruments, sports equipment, electronics, tools, collectibles, coins, and vintage pieces. If you’re curious how the process works, you can get a feel for it by watching the History Channel’s Pawn Stars.
Sell Your Items Online
If you have the time and basic knowledge of online selling, you can make extra money by listing your items online. Here are a few popular resale platforms to consider:
- eBid
- Bonanza
- OfferUp
- Listia
- ThredUp
- Poshmark
- Mercari
Run a Garage Sale
A garage sale takes some organization, but you may be surprised how many items will march right off your lawn and put cash in your pocket. It can be even more fun (and successful) if your neighbors join in for a multi-home “block sale.”
If you’ve never hosted one before, this guide shares helpful tips for planning a successful sale.
Donate Your Stuff
If you have items left over from selling efforts, or you simply don’t want to sell, donating is a great option. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are classic choices, but you can also look for local donation partners such as:
- Humane Society thrift stores
- Church missions
- Crisis centers
- Youth organizations
- Independent thrift stores
For more donation ideas, here’s a helpful resource.
Recycle, Recycle, Recycle
You’d be amazed at how many everyday items can be recycled or repurposed. This guide offers creative ideas for recycling while decluttering your home.
You can also contact your local recycling center to learn what they accept. For more moving and new-home tips, visit the Ernest Homes Blog or reach out through our Contact Us page.
