One of the best parts of moving is the opportunity to declutter. As you pack, you’ll likely come across items you no longer need—clothes that don’t fit, furniture that won’t work in your new space, or gadgets collecting dust. Instead of tossing everything in the trash, you can give your belongings a second life through donation, resale, or recycling.
At The Chicago Green Box, we’re all about eco-friendly moving solutions, and that includes helping you reduce waste before moving day. Here’s a guide to making the most of your unwanted items.
1. Donate: Give Back to Your Community
Donating is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to repurpose items. Many organizations in Chicago accept gently used clothing, furniture, and household goods.
What to donate:
Clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Furniture in good condition.
Kitchenware, small appliances, and décor.
Books, toys, and electronics that still work.
Where to donate:
Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Volunteers of America accept a wide variety of household goods.
Local shelters and nonprofits often need clothing, toiletries, and bedding.
Libraries and schools may accept books and educational supplies.
Pro tip: Always check donation guidelines first—some places won’t accept mattresses, large appliances, or broken items.
Donating not only clears your space but also supports families and individuals in need across the community.
2. Sell: Turn Clutter into Cash
If you have items in good condition, consider selling them before your move. It’s a great way to lighten your load and earn a little extra money for moving expenses.
Ways to sell:
Online marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp are great for local buyers.
Apps like Poshmark or eBay: Perfect for clothing, accessories, and collectibles.
Garage or yard sale: A fun option if you want to clear out a lot of items quickly.
Pro tip: Take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and price items fairly to move them faster.
Selling is especially worthwhile for larger items like furniture, electronics, or exercise equipment—things that are expensive to replace and still in good shape.
3. Recycle: Keep Items Out of the Landfill
Some items can’t be donated or sold, but that doesn’t mean they have to go in the trash. Recycling ensures materials are repurposed instead of wasted.
What to recycle:
Electronics: Old phones, laptops, and TVs can be dropped off at local e-waste recycling centers.
Paper and cardboard: Flatten boxes and recycle them responsibly.
Plastic and glass containers: Clean and sort according to Chicago’s recycling guidelines.
Scrap metal and appliances: Many recycling centers accept these items.
Pro tip: Check the City of Chicago’s recycling rules or visit a local center to see what’s accepted. Some retailers, like Best Buy, also offer take-back programs for electronics.
Recycling may take a little extra effort, but it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint during a move.
4. Plan Ahead for Success
The key to donating, selling, and recycling effectively is to start early. As soon as you know you’re moving:
Sort items into donate, sell, recycle, and keep piles.
Schedule donation pickups in advance—many organizations book up quickly.
Post items for sale at least a few weeks before your move.
Make a recycling drop-off plan for anything that can’t be reused.
By planning ahead, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and keep more items out of the landfill.
Moving is the perfect chance to simplify your life while making a positive impact on your community and the environment. By donating, selling, and recycling unwanted items, you’ll reduce clutter, save money, and feel good knowing your belongings are getting a second life.
At The Chicago Green Box, we’re here to support your eco-friendly move—from reusable moving boxes to zero-waste packing tips.