Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s also the perfect time to declutter and give back to the community. Instead of tossing your unwanted items, consider donating them to people and animals in need. Besides researching NYC’s best packing and moving services for day-of assistance, lightening your load before moving day can make the process even smoother. Here are some of the top places to donate your items in the Big Apple.
Local Charities and Thrift Stores
Goodwill
Goodwill is a trusted name in donations. They accept clothing, household items, electronics, and more, helping to create jobs and provide training programs. Goodwill has several locations throughout New York City, making it a convenient drop-off option for many movers. If you’re pressed for time, they even offer a donation pickup service for larger items.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is another fantastic option for donating gently used items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods. They have numerous donation centers around NYC and offer free pickup services for larger donations. Your items will go to those in need and help fund various community programs like shelters and rehabilitation centers.
Housing Works
Housing Works is a NYC-based nonprofit that supports people affected by homelessness and HIV/AIDS. They accept a wide range of items, including furniture, clothing, and books, which are sold in their thrift stores to raise funds. Housing Works is a great option if you’re looking to make an impact on local communities, and they also offer a convenient pickup service for large donations.
Dress for Success
If you have gently used professional attire, Dress for Success is the perfect organization to donate to. This nonprofit provides women with professional clothing to help them secure employment. Consider giving your work clothes a second life by donating them to help empower women to succeed in the workforce.
Animal Shelters
If you have extra blankets, towels, or gently used pet supplies, local animal shelters can always use donations. Animal shelters like Animal Care Centers of NYC accept clean blankets, towels, and even pet food to help care for the animals waiting for their forever homes. Your donation can make a big difference in the lives of these pets while reducing what you need to pack and move.
Donation Pickup Services
If you’re pressed for time and working with packing and moving services, scheduling a donation pickup can be a lifesaver. Many organizations like The Salvation Army and Goodwill offer free donation pickups for large items such as furniture or electronics, making it easier to declutter without the hassle of transporting everything yourself.
Libraries and Nonprofits
If you have extra books, consider donating them to local libraries or nonprofit book programs like NYC Books Through Bars. This organization sends donated books to incarcerated individuals. It’s a meaningful way to pass along your used books while making a positive impact.
Local Schools
School supplies, books, and gently used children’s items can be donated to local schools. Teachers often welcome donations of books and art supplies for their classrooms, especially in underfunded districts. Reach out to a local school or community center to see if they could use your items before you move.
Lighten Your Load with Shleppers Professional Movers NYC
Whether you choose to drop off items at a local charity or schedule a donation pickup, there are plenty of options to make your donation count. And you’ll have less stuff to relocate on moving day! Shleppers also has a junk removal service where our moving professionals will take some, or all, of your unwanted items and donate them to a local charity of your choice for free. Learn more about where to donate household items in NYC here.