Before you move, it’s a great idea to purge your household of items that you no longer use or need. Decluttering now makes moving day easier and cheaper. But what should you do with your worn-out couch and other bulky pieces of furniture? If you’re trying to figure out the best method of getting rid of them before moving day, here are some options:
Hold a Moving Sale
If you have the time and energy, you may consider holding a pre-moving stoop sale. This sale is a great way to make some extra cash before the big move. If it is too large of a task for you to consider at the time, ask friends, relatives, or neighbors to combine efforts and hold a multi-family sale. Use the cash you make to purchase something unique and useful for your new home. Donate items you do not sell by the end of the day to a local thrift shop.
Local organizations also hold garage sales with donated items. Know that your contributions will go to a good cause when you give to these groups. This option is lovely if you do not have time to hold a sale of your own.
Post Items Online
Another way to make some cash is to place an online ad to put the items up for sale. These days, there are several apps and sites where you can quickly post your things. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Craigslist: You can use this classifieds site to post individual items by categories (i.e., antiques, furniture, appliances, clothing) or list a “garage sale” with pictures of all the things you’re looking to sell.
- Facebook: There are lots of groups and pages on Facebook that provide a place for you to sell unwanted items.
- OfferUp: OfferUp is an app that lets you quickly upload pictures of items you’d like to sell. Like a less sketchy version of Craigslist, this app includes ratings of buyers and sellers to lend some credibility to the process of doing business with strangers.
- NextDoor: This app helps people connect with their neighbors. If you’re already a member, you can post items for your neighbors to peruse in the “For Sale and Free” section.
Give to Relatives
You may want to check with nearby family members before unloading your used furniture. There might be a young couple who is just starting out, a student who is getting his first apartment, or a relative who needs extra furniture for a family room.
Give to a Charity
Donate the items to a local charity that can sell them and use the proceeds to benefit their cause. While Goodwill and the Salvation Army are always fantastic places to donate, also consider the following options in NYC:
- City Opera Thrift Shop: This thrift shop in Kips Bay has supported the New York City Opera for over 35 years. They accept donations of office furniture, futons, beds, and exercise equipment plus clothing, housewares, books, and electronics. Schedule a free pick-up by calling 212-684-5344.
- Housing Works: This non-profit operates several thrift shops in Manhattan and Brooklyn that benefit those suffering from AIDs and homelessness. Housing Works accepts donations of rugs, books, housewares, furniture, antiques, art, and more. You can request a free pick-up online or by calling 212-366-0820.
- Angel Street Thrift Shop: Angel Street’s proceeds benefit several programs focused on substance abuse recovery, HIV/AIDs, and mental illness. They accept donations of furniture, clothing, jewelry and more at their store on W. 17th Street, or you can arrange free pick-up by calling 212-229-0546.
As you can see, there are lots of options for disposing of unneeded furniture and other household items. Make your move easier and less stressful by ridding yourself of used furniture and lightening your load.
Of course, you probably have plenty of things you intend to take with you to your new place. For local moving services you can trust, call Imperial Movers. Voted one of New York’s best moving companies, Imperial has served NYC for over a decade with quality home & apartment moves. Call us today for a free quote!
