One of the best parts about moving is clearing out the clutter. According to a story published in the LA Times, the average American home contains more than 300,000 belongings. And modern materialistic lifestyles have contributed to growing that number, as well as the size of the average home to hold all this stuff, to three times the size of American homes just 50 years ago.

For those who don’t want to cross the line into hoarding, a routine culling of things we no longer need is necessary. And moving provides the perfect opportunity to go on a binge, donating as many items as possible. You’ll get an extra dose of motivation because if you keep it, you have to pay to move it. But where can you take your unwanted stuff? Here are some tips from professional long-distance movers.

1. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has been meeting humanitarian needs without discrimination since 1865. This global charity helps more than 30 million Americans every year. The Salvation Army is a faith-based organization that is part of the universal Christian Church. They offer a wide range of services including holiday gifts for needy families, food pantries, homeless shelters, grassroots services, spiritual healing, and education to help individuals build skills and escape poverty.

The Salvation Army accepts help in many ways, including donated goods. Most donated items are sold through Salvation Army thrift stores which fund Adult Rehabilitation Programs to help those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction overcome their challenges. They accept:

  • Clothing
  • Furniture
  • Automobiles
  • Household Goods
  • Appliances

2. Habitat for Humanity

​Habitat for Humanity is a global organization with a strong presence in the US, helping families build better lives through home construction and supporting programs. The program may provide housing to families in need through a home construction program where volunteers come together to build homes. The Habitat for Humanity organization also has special programs in place to address poverty among aging populations, as well as community revitalization projects and financial literacy education programs.

One way that the organization funds their services is through a thrift store called the Habitat Re-Store which accepts donations of household items and sells them. Habitat ReStores accept donations of new or gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, and building materials.

3. Goodwill Industries

​Goodwill is a prolific secondhand store and a common household name across America. The mission of the company is to provide opportunities for underserved communities. That means that individuals in poverty-stricken neighborhoods and who have barriers to participation in the traditional workforce can find opportunities for job training and employment through Goodwill Industries. Goodwill accepts the donation of new and gently used household items like clothing, furniture, and home goods.

Once you have determined which items you intend to move after your donations, give our residential moving company a call to schedule your free estimate.