The other week, a colleague and I were talking about how challenging it can be to find a way to repurpose and recycle household items. Once you've outgrown an appliance or a dated electronic, it's time to consider where to put them besides out by the curb.
As a home stager, I run into this question all the time. Once the decision has been made to move, it can be overwhelming to decide what to keep and what to toss.
But toss we must if we are to move successfully. Do you have any idea of how much movers charge these days? It's all about weight and distance, so unless you're in love with your old tube TV's there's no time like the present to recycle them.
Best Buy has one of the best programs in the United States. You can virtually recycle any unwanted appliances and electronics through their Renew Blue transformation. This includes ink and toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cables, large appliances and more. Find out Best Buy's FAQs here.
Donate your unwanted furniture and household goods in good condition to Salvation Army, Goodwill and ARC.
Here are some more resources from O Magazine for creative ways to recycle and donate unwanted or unused items that can also do good and help others.
Webthriftstore.com - Sell clothing, cars or electronics and support a favorite charity
Lovinghugs.org - Donate stuffed toys and animals to children in orphanages or war zones
Bridesacrossamerica.com - your old wedding gown goes towards making a miliary bride's big day special
Donatemydress.org - donate your old prom or sweet 16 dresses so someone who can't afford it can enjoy dressing up
Newbornsinneed.org - donate your babies onesies etc to babies who are ill and impoverished
Careergear.org - donate those old mens suits to this organization that helps unemployed men with interview and career counselling.
Neweyesfortheneedy.org - donate your old glasses to give the give of sight to someone abroad in need (also most national vision centers such as Lenscrafters have donation boxes in stores)
Made4aid.org - donate leftover knittng and sewing projects to benefit Doctors Without Borders
Musicandmemory.org - iPods in working condition and unused iTunes gift cards help lift elderly patients spirits
Oneworldrunning.com - sends new and nearly new running shoes to shelters in the US and Africa and Central America.
Getwellgamers.org - sends new and used games to help hospitalized children
Packing up and moving doesn't have to be a hassle if you take the opportunity to clear out what no longer works for you. Getting rid of unwanted "stuff" responsibly can not only provide you with a potential charitable deduction but also give you the satisfaction of helping others. When you know how to recycle your household goods, you're ahead of the game. Let the tossing begin!
Comments(90)