Moving requires proper planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. One of the first things you need to do is declutter your space and get rid of unwanted items. Luckily, you’ll also have several options for places to donate, recycle or dispose of your belongings in Chicago.
Decluttering involves removing items you no longer want or find useful. As you can imagine, decluttering is important before a move for several reasons, including:
Instead of throwing stuff in the trash, you can make a difference in someone’s life by donating your unwanted items. Here are some places to donate items in Chicago:
Goodwill is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with barriers. It accepts lightly used items and sells them at its stores. The money raised helps the people in the community find and keep jobs. If you’re considering donating your belongings to Goodwill, make sure they are in good condition, safe, clean and resaleable.
Here are some of the items they accept:
Goodwill has donation centers throughout the city and beyond. Find Chicago donation centers near you and drop off your belongings.
Another great place to donate items in Chicago is the Salvation Army Chicago Family Store and Donation Center. The Salvation Army is a charitable organization that offers a wide range of assistance to people in need, including food, shelter, disaster relief, rehabilitation programs and more. The profits from the items donated to the Salvation Army Family Store are primarily used to fund alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers.
Acceptable donations can vary depending on the location, but these are some common items:
If you want to donate items, call your local donation center to find out which items they accept and their operating hours. Then, drop off your items at the location near you. You’ll receive a donation receipt for tax deductions. Alternatively, you can schedule a free furniture and other donation pickup service.
Savers is a for-profit thrift store retailer that partners with local nonprofit organizations and uses donations to help them fund community programs. They empower a shift in perspective toward accepting and embracing preowned goods with a mission to make “secondhand second nature.” Savers’ business model benefits both the communities they work with and the environment by diverting reusable items from landfills.
You can contribute to this cause by donating the preloved belongings that you no longer need. Some of the items they accept include the following:
Explore some of the specialized donation centers in Chicago where you can contribute:
In the spirit of giving, you can make a difference in a child’s life by donating to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. This program is committed to bringing joy to disadvantaged children by gifting them with toys at Christmas and beyond. You can donate toys, books and other children’s items, which must be new and unwrapped.
Toys for Tots does not have a list of toys you can donate. However, you should avoid donating realistic-looking weapon toys or gifts with food.
Donating to a local shelter is crucial for supporting their work in providing care, shelter and other resources to individuals in need. Cornerstone Community Outreach is one of the nonprofit organizations in Chicago that provides shelter and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. Donating the items you no longer need can directly impact the well-being of those being helped.
These are the most in-demand items at Cornerstone Community Outreach:
It’s essential to maintain the dignity of the people being helped. Before you donate items, ensure they are clean, gently used, and free of stains, holes and pet hair.
If you can’t donate your unwanted items, you can recycle or responsibly dispose of them. Recycling and disposal options can vary across cities, so it’s essential to understand how they work in Chicago.
Chicago uses the blue cart recycling program and collects items every other week. You must empty the items you want to recycle and put them in Chicago’s blue recycling carts. Do not bag the items or use plastic bags or other soft plastics. You can recycle items such as glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes.
Chicago recycling centers are also available for drop-off if you miss the collections. The drop-off centers are located at the Far North Side at 6441 N. Ravenswood and the Near South at 1758 S. Clark Street. Electronics and hazardous materials can be dropped off at the Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch Street.
To safely dispose of larger items that are no longer useful or operable, you can schedule a bulky item pickup service with professionals or the city. They will ensure the items are correctly disposed of.
Since 1929, Corrigan Moving Systems has been a trusted choice for comprehensive moving services. We offer residential and commercial relocation services, as well as additional packing and storage solutions.
Our local Chicago movers are highly trained and have experience handling local and long-distance moves. Entrusting us with your moving needs means you’ll get customized care and a stress-free relocation experience.
Whether you recycle your unwanted items or give them to consignment shops in Chicago, decluttering can make your relocation hassle-free. Are you ready to start your new journey with a lighter load? Corrigan Moving Systems is here to assist you. Contact us to discover how we can help with your move.
