When moving to a new home, you are often faced with difficult decisions about what to keep, throw away, or donate. Giving gently used belongings to someone in need ensures the items get a second life and helps reduce waste. However, donating isn't as simple as giving something away. These tips will help you make sense of the process.

How to Donate Belongings Before Moving

1. Choose the Right Charity 

You want your items to go where they'll be the most useful, so research local organizations to understand who they serve and how they distribute donations. For example, if you want clothing and furniture to go directly to someone and not be put up for sale, look for organizations that serve families in need. If you want an old computer to become an educational tool for kids, see if any nearby schools are accepting donations. If helping disabled veterans is important to you, the local veterans affairs office can point you in the direction of a group that handles material donations.

2. Prepare Your Items   

The items you plan to donate should be prepared the same way as the ones you're moving to your new home—everything should be clean, and many items will need to be wrapped or protected so they can be evaluated later. Even if your chosen charity doesn't have specific rules, it's common for groups to require that clothing and other fabrics be washed, and any hardware that goes with furniture be bagged up and taped to the body of the item. You may also want to label any items that may be sharp or fragile or have small pieces, especially if they're intended for children. 

3. Be Honest About the Condition of Items

Many of the people who process donations are volunteers and often need to check large quantities of items in a short amount of time. Be honest with yourself about the condition and quality of an item before donating it, especially furniture and clothing that are more likely to wear out quickly. If any fabric has stains or holes, dispose of it instead of trying to give it away.

If you're planning to donate furniture, call ahead to find out what items the organization accepts and their requirements for condition. Some thrift stores do not accept furniture made from particleboard, and some places can only accept small pieces, such as ottomans or side tables. 

When you're ready for a new chapter in life, trust Checkmate Moving and Storage in Highlands Ranch, CO, to help with all your moving needs. They offer affordable, professional packing services to keep your belongings organized, as well as temporary storage solutions that allow you to decide what to keep and what to dispose of on your own time. Call (303) 346- 6683 to get a moving quote, and visit their website for more information about their services.