SELL OR DONATE OLD, UNWANTED MEDIA
Some CDs, DVDs, Video Games, Blu-Rays, and other media pieces are just collecting dust for most of us. In this day and age, I'm not sure if you should still have CDS or DVDs; if I'm being honest, we don't have much of a use for them. However, plenty of people on the internet would be happy to buy these media items. By selling some, you can make your moving day inventory smaller and make a couple of bucks on the side, too. If you have the time, list your wares individually on sites like Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, or another online selling database. If you don't have that much time, sites like decluttr.com will buy your CDs, DVDs, Games, and Blu-Rays in bulk; if it has a UPC, they'll buy it. So search around; there's probably a market for what you're trying to get rid of.
GIVE OLD COATS TO A COAT DRIVE
You need a winter coat, but you don't need that old, dirty jacket. There is someone out there that does need that coat, however. Winter is brutal and life-threatening to many less fortunate people throughout the country. Your donation of a winter coat can go far to help someone in need. If you're moving from New York with Oz, consider donating your coat to New York Cares, a fabulous charity Oz has worked with in the past, which conducts a massive coat drive every winter to bring warmth to those around New York that need it. (If you're not in New York, another local charitable organization would love to have your coat.)
RECYCLE OR DONATE OUTDATED ELECTRONICS
Many people keep their old electronic devices around because they simply don't know how to dispose of them. But old electronics often are useless and just collect dust in old homes. In addition, these electronics can be heavy to move, but throwing away computers, televisions, phones, and other electronic devices, like throwing away other trash, could be punishable by a fine. So how are you supposed to dispose of them? Some thrift shops and electronics retailers will take old electronics; they may even take away an old computer from your home if you have a new one delivered there. Other programs. For more information on recycling electronics in NYC, consult the NYC Department of Sanitation webpage on Electronics Disposal.
GET INVOLVED WITH TOYS FOR KIDS
Each holiday season, many less fortunate families don’t experience the joy of opening many presents with their families. Great organizations like Toys for Tots try to help by collecting toys to donate to these kids who don’t get to experience the same holiday joy. We all know kids are fickle, and they tend to pick toys based on ephemeral phases and trends. While some toys stick out and are worth keeping, some from a parent’s collection should be ideal for donating to a local toy drive.
DISPOSE OF OLD LIQUIDS
Liquids are a moving nightmare; they’re a mess waiting to happen. Often, moving crews won’t allow their customers to bring liquids onto the truck. The chance for the containers to spill and potentially spread to the rest of the belongings is too high. Plus, what liquid is worth moving with anyway? Make sure you only buy what you absolutely must have for the month before you move for your fridge, your hygienic and cosmetic needs, and other liquids you use. This way, you can ensure that you don’t have any left-over liquids that you must throw out or nervously pack.
SELL OLD CLOTHES
Clothes are one of the most abundant items in some people’s homes. Chances are, a significant amount of your wardrobe is superfluous. So why keep it? Unless you have a great reason not to, consider donating or selling your old clothes that don’t match anything. You can try selling your old clothes online on websites like eBay or more specific marketplaces like tradesy.com, but we recommend donating clothes as it’s easier and feels better. A local thrift shop or goodwill will take the clothes you wouldn’t wear and find them a new home. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores are like goodwill stores, and they use the proceeds from sales of donated items to help finance their charitable operations. If you don’t have the time to visit a store to donate items, DonateStuff.com will send you free pre-paid UPS bags to mail in your clothing; you can even choose the charity to have your donation support. Your donation of clothing is tax-deductible too! It’s a win from all angles; get rid of unwanted clothes, open up more space, get that good-deed do-good feeling, and save a little bit on your taxes.
RESELL OLD/DAMAGED FURNITURE OR APPLIANCES
These heavy, oversized items can take up much room in your moving company's truck or be problematic because of their weight. A move is an excellent chance for incredible beginnings, and what better way to do that than by downsizing and purchasing new appliances to turn that fresh start into something extraordinary Additionally, you can sell your old, damaged furniture or appliances consider craigslist, eBay or use a site like AptDeco, anywhere you can list your furniture in a marketplace. Donating furniture or appliances is always a great move; think of all the less fortunate families that would love a box of clothes and a used sofa.
GIVE AWAY UN-NEEDED KITCHENWARE
If you have at least one coffee mug, chances are you have too many. The same goes for Tupperware, forks, knives, plates, other cups, bowls, can openers, etc., etc. Packing all this superfluous kitchenware may take some time, and some of this stuff may never get unpacked. Did you ever actually use that blender? More than once? Donate, sell, get rid of, etc., Do what you need to do to free up a little space, save money and keep your future kitchen nice and neat.
DIGITIZE OLD MEMORABILIA
Some things people never use but keep around because of their considerable sentimental value. Sure, there's no need to throw away your wedding photos or your college diploma; however, do you need that 2nd place spelling bee trophy? Keywords; Downsize; Anything you can digitize, digitize. Scan that old photo album and turn it into a DropBox folder. Turn a senior yearbook into custom Facebook friends list. For the rest, dump or donate. Anything you can bear parting with makes your moving day that much easier.
DONATE ANYTHING YOU DIDN'T REALIZE WAS IN YOUR CLOSET
If you don't even remember having it, you probably don't need it. That's a simple tip to consider as you are downsizing your home.
GO THROUGH OLD MEDICINE
If you have drawers full of old medicine (ibuprofen, vitamins, melatonin), go through and see which one's have expired as they lose potency over time. Get rid of them and buy fresh bottles when you move! Who knows, maybe you'll find some Tylenol that went bad in 2002!
REFRESH YOUR BEDROOM
They say you are supposed to replace your mattress every 7-10 years, or else the mattress starts sagging. When was the last time you replaced yours? Does it make sense to hold onto it before your move? Another thing to look into is going through your bed sheets and duvets. Old sheets can gather mildew and weird odors -- could be worth a refresh!
THROW OUT YOUR 10-YEAR-OLD LIPSTICK
Over time, makeup collects bacteria and can start to go bad. So as fun as it may be to have loads of eyeshadows and lipsticks, it might be worth downsizing your collection to avoid using expired products.
DO A CRAFT CLEANSE
For those of us who are crafty, we may tend to hoard more than we need. Look through your craft closet and see what can be disposed of (or donated!). If some of your art supplies are in good condition, consider donating them to a shelter.
DONATE YOUR BOOKS
Books can certainly pile up, and there's no need to take all of them with you, especially if you don't plan on rereading them. Instead, consider donating books to a prison library or homeless shelter.
ORGANIZE YOUR BAGS
If you are someone who loves bags, go through your collection! If your handbags are good quality, consider selling them on Poshmark, Depop, or eBay. You can also try and consign them at a store. If you are a tote bag hoarder, maybe decide which tote bags are worth keeping.
HELP WOMEN IN NEED WITH YOUR EXTRA BABY CLOTHES / ITEMS
If you've got an old car seat, stroller, or high chair lying around that you don't need, consider donating them to a women's shelter or a non-profit that accepts baby items (lots of donation centers do not!) Also, while you are at it, donate some old baby clothes that your child can't wear anymore.
EAT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE
In the weeks before your move, start diving into your pantry. Use your spices and get crafty with cooking so you don't have to move additional foodstuff that you could simply eat!
CONSOLIDATE EVERYTHING
Go through the shelves of your bathroom and kitchen, and look through your products. Do you have doubles of anything? For example, do you have two half-full bottles of the same shampoo? Can you pour one bottle into the other? Do you have empties that could be thrown out? Consolidate your belongings, so you don't have to pay for additional (unnecessary) boxes in the move!
GO THROUGH YOUR PET SUPPLIES
Do you have a bunch of chewed-up dog toys? Or one of those cat condos that your cat has destroyed? Many pet accessories may need to be replaced with time, especially if you have unruly pets who love to play.
Moving can be an excellent opportunity to clean out your home. Be sure to declutter yours before getting a moving quote from a moving company. That way, you can potentially save money on the move! If you require a storage unit, ask your NYC moving company to see if they can arrange that for you!
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