Moving is stressful—and also the moment you realize just how much stuff you’ve collected over the years. Remember four years ago when you swore you’d take up tennis? So you bought the gear. Or that clunky sewing machine you scored on Facebook Marketplace? Turns out, it was discounted for a reason.
When surrounded by items that no longer spark joy (hello, Marie Kondo!), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: it’s better to clear the clutter now than to pack it up and bring the chaos with you.
This room-by-room donation checklist will help you declutter with purpose. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or simply starting fresh, donating through a trusted service like ReSupply makes the process easier and more impactful.
Why Donate When You Move?
Donating during a move isn’t just the most efficient process and convenient for you– it’s also the right thing to do. Here’s why:
- Reduce waste: According to the New York Times, Americans throw away over 12 million tons of furniture every year. Moving generates more than just boxes and bubblewrap–it produces landfill-bound clutter. Donating helps divert usable items away from the landfills, and helps support a reuse-driven economy.
- Support your community: A Wider Circle’s July 2024 “A Hidden Crisis” briefing found that over 90% of low- and no‑income households lack at least one essential piece of furniture (such as a bed, sofa, or table). Your donated items can help fill that gap and turn a house into a home.
- Lighten your load: Fewer items means fewer boxes to move— and fewer boxes to move means lower moving quotes. Donating is good for the community and your wallet.
- Receive tax deductions: Donating items in good condition may qualify you for a tax break. According to the IRS, taxpayers who donated household goods claimed an average of $3,382 in deductions in 2022; for clothing, the average was $2,978 per return. That’s real savings just for decluttering responsibly.
ReSupply offers fast, at-home donation pickups, so you don’t have to worry about loading everything yourself. Schedule your donation pickup here.
Room-by-Room Checklist
Use this guide to help sort through your belongings as you pack up each space in your home. Pro tip: keep a few donation boxes or bags in each room so you can set items aside as you go.
Living Room
- Sofas and loveseats
- Coffee tables and end tables
- Floor and table lamps
- Area rugs
- Picture frames and artwork
- Physical media (e.g., books, DVDs, vinyl records)
Bedroom
- Gently worn clothing and shoes
- Jewelry and accessories
- Dressers, nightstands, and shelving units
- Linens, blankets, and throw pillows
- Mirrors
- Decor
- Bedframes and mattresses (in some cases)
Kitchen
- Dishes, bowls, mugs, and glassware
- Pots, pans, and baking sheets
- Small appliances (e.g., blenders, toasters, coffee makers)
- Storage containers (bonus if they have matching lids)
- Silverware and cooking utensils
Garage, Basement, or Storage Area
- Tools and hardware
- Bikes and scooters
- Sports equipment
- Holiday decorations
- Gardening supplies
- Folding tables, chairs, or camping gear
Bathroom
- Clean towels and bath mats
- Unopened toiletries (e.g., shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
- Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners (if working)
- Organizers and storage bins
Home Office
- Desks and chairs
- Filing cabinets
- Unused office supplies (e.g., pens, paper, folders)
- Working electronics like printers or monitors
- Books and binders
What Should You Not Donate?
Some items cannot be accepted by charities due to health, safety, or condition concerns. These items may include broken, stained, or heavily damaged furniture, expired food or vitamins, opened personal care items, or items with mold, smoke smell, or excessive pet hair.
However, when you schedule a donation pickup with ReSupply, we’ll take it all, even the items that charities aren’t able to take. Any of the items that are not able to be accepted at a charity will be taken to a recycling center, saving you an extra trip or the need to book a separate junk removal service.
Pro Tips for Donating During a Move
- Start early: Don’t wait for moving day. Begin creating your donation pile as soon as packing starts— schedule the pickup before the movers arrive so you have more space to work with.
- Label clearly: Use separate boxes or bags labeled “donate” so that items are not moved onto the wrong truck. Bonus tip: for furniture or items difficult to label, use masking tape– it will stick for the move and come off later with no residue.
- Go room-by-room: Start with low-use spaces to spread out the work. Tackling one room at a time helps reduce overwhelm.
- Schedule ahead: Moving companies and donation services book quickly during peak season. Additionally, having a clear pickup timeline keeps everything running smoothly and prevents procrastination.
- Let someone else do the heavy lifting: Skip the donation drop-off errands and let ReSupply handle it. We ensure your donations go to our official charity partners while taking any items that cannot be accepted by charities to a recycling center. ReSupply is your one-stop moving partner!
Make Moving Day Count
Packing up your home is a fresh start– not just for you, but also for the items you chose to give a second life. When you donate thoughtfully, you’re keeping goods out of landfills, supporting your local community, and making someone else’s life better.
So as you prepare for your next big move– whether to a larger home for your family, a college dorm, a new apartment in the city or to a retirement home– keep ReSupply in mind. You don’t have to move it all!
Schedule your donation pickup with ReSupply today and turn your move into a moment of meaningful change. Just give us a call at (617) 917-9625 or book online by clicking below.
