How to donate unwanted items when you move

When you're getting ready to move, it's the perfect time to declutter and donate items you no longer need. Instead of throwing things away, you can give your unwanted items a second life by donating them to people who can really use them. Donating not only helps your community but also makes your move easier and lighter. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to donate your unwanted items quickly and responsibly when moving.

 

Why donating makes moving easier

Moving can be stressful, but the less you have to pack, the easier it gets. Donating your extra items helps you:

• Save time when packing

• Reduce moving costs by moving fewer boxes

• Start fresh in your new home without clutter

• Support people and organizations in need

You’ll feel good knowing your belongings are going to someone who can use them.

What items you can donate

Before you start packing, go through each room and separate things you don’t need anymore. Common items that are great to donate include:

• Gently used clothes and shoes

• Furniture in good condition

• Kitchenware and small appliances

• Books, toys, and games

• Unused toiletries and cleaning supplies (if unopened)

• Electronics in working order

Make sure donated items are clean and in usable condition. Most organizations cannot accept broken or damaged items.

Where to donate in Vancouver

Vancouver has many local charities and donation centers that make it easy to give your items a second life. Here are a few trusted options:

1. Salvation Army Thrift Store

The Salvation Army accepts furniture, clothing, household items, and more. They offer free pickup for larger donations, which is a great option if you’re moving and can’t transport items yourself.

2. Vancouver Habitat for Humanity ReStore

ReStores accept furniture, appliances, building materials, and home decor. Your donations help fund affordable housing projects in the community.

3. Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver

Big Brothers takes clothing and small household items. They offer scheduled home pickups, which can save you time during your move.

4. Canadian Diabetes Association Clothesline Program

This organization collects clothing and small household goods, and they provide free home pickup. Your donations help fund diabetes research and support programs.

5. Facebook Marketplace or Local Community Groups

If you want to give items directly to your neighbors, local buy-and-sell groups or donation posts on Facebook Marketplace are a great option. You can offer items for free, and many people are happy to pick them up quickly.

How to prepare your items for donation

Taking a little time to prepare your donations makes the process smoother. Here’s what you should do:

• Wash and fold clothing neatly.

• Wipe down furniture and appliances.

• Test electronics to ensure they’re working.

• Package small items in boxes or bags for easy transport.

• Check each organization’s donation guidelines to make sure they can accept your items.

Scheduling donations around your move

To keep your move organized, plan your donations early. Here’s a quick timeline you can follow:

• 4 weeks before moving: Start sorting through your belongings and decide what to donate.

• 3 weeks before moving: Contact donation centers to schedule pickups.

• 2 weeks before moving: Drop off smaller items or arrange pick-up times.

• 1 week before moving: Do a final sweep of your home for last-minute donations.

By starting early, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and make sure your items go to good homes.

How Tingsapp can help with moving and donating

When you're moving, Tingsapp can make the entire process smoother. If you have large items to donate, our trusted local movers can help you transport them to donation centers safely and quickly. You can book your move or a donation delivery easily through our app with upfront pricing and no hidden fees.

Tingsapp also offers flexible solutions if you need to move purchases from thrift stores or donation centers to your new home. Whether you're moving, donating, or picking up secondhand furniture, we’re here to make it simple.

Final tips for donating when moving

• Check donation hours and pickup availability before moving day.

• Avoid leaving donations outside where they can get damaged.

• Only donate items that are clean and in good working condition.

• Be honest about what you’re donating – it helps charities sort and distribute items faster.

• Use Tingsapp if you need quick, reliable help moving large donations.

Moving with purpose

Donating unwanted items when you move is a great way to give back to your community, cut down on waste, and lighten your load. Whether you’re passing on a sofa, clothes, or kitchenware, your donations can make a real difference to someone else.

Tingsapp is here to help you every step of the way. From moving your home to dropping off donations, we make it easy, fast, and affordable.

Download Tingsapp today and experience stress-free moving and giving.