Moving during the holidays offers a chance to declutter your new home and help those who need it the most. When packing, you can dispose of any items you no longer need by donating them to a charitable agency instead of taking them to a dumpster. If you feel the giving spirit this holiday season, here are some items you can give away to help downsize during your move.

5 Items to Donate When Moving

1. Food

There’s a good chance you have a lot of old canned foods sitting in your cabinets that are nearing their expiration dates. Rather than wasting supplies and money by including them in your moving plans, donate them to a local food pantry or homeless shelter. You can always buy new products after you clean your new cabinets, making it easier to organize your new home at your own pace.

2. Personal Hygiene Products

Products, such as toilet paper and toothpaste, aren’t included in government-assistance programs, making them a treasured item for many people who can’t afford them. If you have extras in your cabinets, consider gifting them to a homeless shelter or church that serves the less fortunate. 

3. Clothing

Most people have far more clothes in their closets and dressers than they can wear, and a lot of it doesn’t get worn anymore. When you’re packing, separate clothes you know you’re not likely to wear again and set them aside for the needy. Make sure your donations are clean and gently worn and toss out any torn or faded items.

4. Toys

A lot of people have held onto favorite toys from their childhoods or started a collection of unwanted toys gifted to their children throughout the years. Ask yourself how much those toys mean to you. Chances are, they’d be better served given to families that can’t afford Christmas gifts for their kids. The best rule of thumb is to donate only new or gently used toys.

5. Furniture

Do you plan to redecorate your new home with updated furniture? Doing so offers a good excuse to donate old chairs, beds, and sofas to charities that then sell them at thrift stores. It also prevents you from having to pay additional moving costs.

When you need help moving in and around the Denver, CO, area, the team at Checkmate Moving and Storage can help. They also provide temporary storage solutions for customers who need the extra space. With affordable rates and free estimates available, they assist customers every step of a move. Call (303) 346-6683 or visit them online to request a free quote.