Are you preparing for a household move?
If so, you’re probably sorting through and assessing your belongings. As you do this, you’re likely to find things you would rather get rid of than bring to your new home. In some cases, these items are old, out-of-date, or broken, and not worth the time it would take to load onto a truck and then unpack.
Some of these items might be bulky, large appliances that you can’t justify moving into your new house. And, since many moving companies determine your charge based on the weight and volume of your load, those large appliances might be more costly to move than they are worth.
Maybe you want to purchase a new refrigerator or washing machine instead of moving the old one. Large appliances are hard to throw away easily, plus, if they are not disposed of properly, they pose a threat to the environment.
When you’re under pressure during a big move, you want to know how to get rid of these items safely, quickly, and responsibly.
Here are some tips for getting rid of appliances before you move.
Large Appliances
1. Sell
If your large appliance is still working, try selling it.
Post an online ad through Craigslist or NextDoor, host a garage sale, or spread the word through family and friends. Keep in mind that it might take a while to sell, so start early.
Use these tips when marketing your used appliance:
- Set a fair price
- Avoid having to ship it
- Make the item presentable
- Take good photos
- Write an honest description
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate
2. Give Away For Free
Consider donating the appliance if it’s in good, working condition. There are several ways to do this.
Reach out to a local charity like Habitat for Humanity to see if they accept appliances. You can also list it for free online. Someone might be happy to give it a new home!
3. Recycle
Most large appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers are recyclable. Depending on where you live, there may be collection services available, free of charge.
Contact your local municipality or waste management company. They should be able to direct you to a facility that they operate, or one that they refer people to.
In addition, there are private sites that accept them for drop-off. Whichever method you choose, you’ll be doing your part to reduce waste.
4. Contact a Disposal Service
Hire a professional junk removal service. It might cost a bit, but they’ll handle everything for you.
Look for a company with a responsible approach—you don’t want them just to dump the appliance into the landfill.
Small Appliances
For your smaller appliances, you may decide to get rid of them through one of the above methods or check with appliance retailers like Best Buy. These stores participate in government-funded recycling programs. Just take your outdated, broken small appliance and drop it off at a participating recycler.
Moving with a Lighter Load
Consider using one of the methods here to dispose of your large appliances before your move, keeping them out of the landfill.
Looking for a moving company that you can trust? Feel free to contact us for a free quote!
