Moving Tips & Tricks
The last thing you want to do is move an unwanted item. So we suggest you start with discarding all unwanted items prior to your move.
Download a print-ready PDF version
Advice About Discarding Your Unwanted Items
- Contact your local church, temple or community center. In some communities churches and temples now have drop boxes. If not, call ahead to ask what items they are currently collecting.
- Local Homeless Shelter. Ask if they pick-up and if not ask for the nearest drop box.
- Local Library or Used Bookstores are ideal for recycling or selling books in good condition.
- Local Schools accept donations of paper, craft supplies and computers.
Useful Resources
Charities
For your convenience, Big Brother/Big Sister will actually pick up your items. This is a great organization to support, and they work hard to make donating items incredible convenient.
This program helps underprivileged women re-enter the work force by outfitting them appropriately for job interviews. Donations of women’s business attire, shoes and accessories are accepted.
Goodwill Industries International
A network of 207 community-based, autonomous member organizations worldwide that serves people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities by providing job training and employment services.
Mommazone.com
Great links to several charities and donation centers.
Visit www.salvationarmy.org for more information on the donating process and what items they accept.
Visit www.unitedway.org for more information on the donating process and what items they accept.
Electronics Recycling
Environment, Health, and Safety Online provides lots of information for household disposal.
PC Disposal
Antiques Dealers
Boston Antique Dealers
Consignment Stores
To locate a reputable consignment/re-sale shop in your area, check your local phone book or visit Consignmentshops.com for a directory of shops in your area.
Removal Services
It is prohibited to put hazardous waste in the trash, including oil, chemicals, paints, freon, old batteries and building materials containing asbestos or lead. Some communities require a permit to keep a trash container on the street; others are more casual about it unless neighbors complain. Be sure to ask your disposal company if it will be necessary for you to get a permit in your area.
Marathon’s Recommended Vendors: The Move
Also search Craig’s List to find removal services in your area.
Make Certain All Items Moving are Ready to Move
We have listed separately on our top 5 gas appliances, ice makers, and front-load washers but you may also have to discard or ready the following:
- Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, etc.
- Drain fuel from mowers and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, or other substances that might leak.
- Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.
- Refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard non-refillable tanks. Some carriers and the military do not permit shipment of any propane tanks. Check with your moving company first.
- Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
- Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify the value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques and fine wood furniture prior to moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
- Think twice before dismantling your outside TV antennae; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.
- Third party servicing will likely be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen TV’s, and some exercise equipment.
- Talk to your moving company about PRE and POST move servicing of washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, grandfather clock, satellite dish, etc.