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Moving is a big job but it’s also the perfect time to let go of stuff you no longer need. Follow these five steps to save money, reduce stress, and create less waste.
Start here: 5 steps before you move
By taking a little extra time to declutter, donate, and share what you no longer need before you move, you'll make moving out of your old home easier (less stuff to carry!), and settling into your new home less stressful (less to unpack!).
Along the way, you'll support local organizations and businesses, connect with your community, and help keep useful items in circulation.
1. Declutter with purpose
Go room by room and ask yourself, “Do I want to pack this up? Or is it time to pass it on?”
Getting rid of stuff before you move avoids wasting time, energy, and money on packing, moving, and unpacking stuff you don’t want or use.
As you go, sort things into sell, donate, and give-away piles, bags, or boxes.
Hold a yard sale. Consider inviting neighbors to join in. Promote it on Nextdoor and Craigslist and post signs around the neighborhood.
2. Donate to local reuse stores
Portland has a great network of nonprofits that accept donations and sell secondhand items to support the community.
Check their websites for hours, drop-off rules, and pick-up options:
- Community Warehouse – Furniture, mattresses, small appliances
- Free Geek – Computers, phones, electronics
- Habitat ReStore – Building materials, furniture, housewares
- ReBuilding Center – Salvaged building materials, tools, and lighting
- SCRAP Creative Reuse – Art, craft, and school supplies
- ReClaim It! – Furniture, garden tools, and home goods
3. Give away
Offer free items online through your neighborhood Buy Nothing group, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
4. Pack smart
You don’t need to buy lots of new boxes or supplies. Try these ideas:
- Use what you have. Fill backpacks, suitcases, and laundry bins.
- Wrap with towels and sheets. Skip the bubble wrap and use what’s already in your home.
- Get used boxes. Ask local stores, friends, or check community boards. Some companies also rent plastic moving bins.
5. Get rid of the rest, responsibly
Metro’s Find a Recycler search tool offers donation suggestions based on the item you need to get rid of. Or call 503-234-3000 or submit a question to find donation drop-off and pick-up options.
Take paint, chemicals, and cleaners to Metro’s Household Hazardous Waste facilities for free.
You can have bulky waste (broken furniture, etc.) picked up by your garbage company or hire a junk removal company.
Some Portland junk haulers specialize in sorting items for donation and recycling: Ask about this service when requesting quotes. Search online for "junk removal near me" or check Metro’s Find a Recycler tool.
Why it matters
Small choices can add up to a move that's less expensive, less stressful, and less wasteful. Each time you reuse an item, share with a neighbor, or skip a new purchase, you're helping to conserve energy, protect natural resources, and reduce pollution from manufacturing and shipping [EPA].