Moving is a fresh start. It’s an opportunity to begin a new chapter, create a new space, and embrace change. However, that fresh start often begins with a daunting task: figuring out what to do with all the things you’ve accumulated over the years. As you go through closets, attics, and garages, you’ll inevitably find items you no longer need or want. Moving everything is expensive and inefficient, but getting rid of it can feel just as overwhelming. At Prescott Moving Company, we believe your move should be exciting, not stressful. A major part of that is managing the downsizing process. We’re more than just movers; we’re your partners in making your entire transition smooth and efficient. We don't just lift the heavy boxes—we help you lighten your load before a single box is packed. This guide will walk you through the resources and strategies we recommend to our clients for selling, donating, and responsibly disposing of unwanted items . Why Downsizing Before You Move is a Smart Decision Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Taking the time to sort through your belongings before you move offers several significant benefits. First, it saves you money. Moving costs are often calculated based on the weight of your shipment and the time it takes to load and unload. The less you have to move, the lower your bill will be. Why pay to transport a dusty treadmill you haven't used in years or a set of dishes you forgot you owned? Second, it saves you time and energy. Packing, labeling, and organizing are time-consuming. Reducing the volume of your possessions simplifies the entire packing process. Even better, it makes unpacking and setting up your new home significantly faster and less cluttered. Finally, it provides a mental and emotional release. Decluttering your physical space can have a powerful impact on your mindset. Starting fresh in a new home with only the items you truly love and use is liberating. It allows you to be more intentional about your new living space. Your Guide to Selling Unwanted Items Turning your unwanted clutter into cash is a win-win situation. You make some extra money to offset moving expenses, and your items go to someone who will use and appreciate them. Prescott Moving Company can help you identify the best local and online avenues for selling your things. Online Marketplaces: Reach a Wide Audience Online platforms have made it easier than ever to sell secondhand goods. Each platform caters to a slightly different audience and type of item. Facebook Marketplace: This is a fantastic option for selling furniture, large appliances, and household goods locally. It's free to list items, and you can arrange for buyers to pick them up directly from your home, saving you the hassle of transportation. We recommend taking clear, well-lit photos and writing detailed descriptions to attract serious buyers. OfferUp & Craigslist: Similar to Facebook Marketplace, these platforms connect you with local buyers. They are great for a wide range of items, from electronics to home decor. Always prioritize safety when meeting buyers: arrange to meet in a public place if possible, or ensure you're not alone during a home pickup. Poshmark & Mercari: If you have brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories in good condition, these apps are your best bet. They are designed for shipping items, which opens you up to a national market. While they take a small commission, the broad reach can lead to faster sales for your fashion items. Local Solutions: Consignment and Buy-Sell Shops For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, local consignment stores are an excellent resource. Consignment Shops: Prescott has several wonderful consignment stores that specialize in furniture, clothing, and home decor. You bring your items to them, and they handle the entire sales process. Once an item sells, you receive a percentage of the sale price. This is a great way to sell higher-end items without managing the listings and buyer communications yourself. Used Bookstores & Media Shops: Don't let old books, DVDs, and vinyl records collect dust. Local specialty shops will often buy these collections for cash or store credit. It’s a quick way to clear a lot of shelf space. Our team at Prescott Moving Company stays current on the best local shops and can point you toward the right one based on what you’re selling. The Power of Donation: Giving Back to the Community Donating your items is a wonderful way to declutter while supporting local charities and those in need. Plus, you can receive a tax deduction for your contributions. We can help you find reputable donation centers and even coordinate pickups for larger items. Local Prescott Donation Centers Goodwill & The Salvation Army: These well-known organizations accept a wide variety of goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and housewares. The revenue from their thrift stores funds job training programs and community outreach services. Many locations offer drive-thru drop-off points for convenience. Habitat for Humanity ReStore: If you're getting rid of building materials, appliances, furniture, or lighting fixtures, the ReStore is the perfect place. Your donations are sold to the public, and the proceeds help fund the construction of affordable homes in the community. They often offer a free pickup service for large donations, which is a huge help during a busy move. Local Shelters and Charities: Women's shelters, animal shelters, and other local nonprofit organizations are often in need of specific items. For example, animal shelters may need old towels and blankets, while a family shelter might need kitchen supplies and linens. We can help you connect with these groups to ensure your items go directly to those who can use them most. Responsible Disposal: When You Can't Sell or Donate Some items simply aren't in good enough condition to be sold or donated. However, that doesn't mean they have to end up in a landfill. Responsible disposal is a key part of an eco-friendly move. E-Waste and Hazardous Materials You can't just toss old electronics and certain household chemicals in the trash. These items contain materials that can be harmful to the environment. E-Waste Recycling: Old computers, monitors, printers, and televisions must be disposed of properly. The City of Prescott Transfer Station has designated days and procedures for accepting electronic waste. We can provide you with the latest schedule and guidelines to make this process easy. Household Hazardous Waste: Leftover paint, cleaning supplies, pesticides, and old batteries are considered hazardous waste. Yavapai County and the City of Prescott regularly host collection events where you can safely dispose of these materials for free. Planning ahead for one of these events is the best way to clear out your garage and under-sink cabinets responsibly. Junk Removal Services For large volumes of non-hazardous junk or bulky items that can't be donated, a professional junk removal service is your best option. These companies can quickly clear out anything you don't want, from old mattresses and broken furniture to general clutter. They will often sort through the items to recycle what they can. Prescott Moving Company has a network of trusted local junk removal partners we can recommend to get the job done efficiently. Let Prescott Moving Company Be Your Guide Moving is more than a one-day event; it's a process. At Prescott Moving Company, our service begins long before moving day. We act as your move coordinators, providing the resources and expert advice you need to feel prepared and in control. By helping you sell, donate, and dispose of unwanted items, we streamline your move, save you money, and reduce your stress. Your fresh start in a new home should be a joyful experience. Let us handle the heavy lifting—both literally and figuratively. If you’re planning a move, contact Prescott Moving Company today. Let’s talk about how we can help you lighten your load and make your transition seamless. Meta Title: Sell & Donate Items Before a Move | Prescott Moving Company Meta Description: Overwhelmed by clutter before your move? Prescott Moving Company shares expert tips and resources for selling, donating, and disposing of unwanted items.

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but it can also be a source of stress—not just for you, but for your furry, scaled, or feathered family members. Pets thrive on routine and familiarity, and the chaos of packing boxes and changing environments can be unsettling for them. At Prescott Moving Company, we understand that your pets are part of your family. That’s why we offer specialized pet moving services designed to transport your beloved companions and their belongings with the utmost care, love, and attention to detail. We believe that a successful move means everyone in the family arrives at the new home feeling safe and comfortable, and that includes your pets. Our team is trained to handle the unique challenges of relocating with animals, ensuring a smooth and compassionate journey from your old home to the new one. Why a Pet-Friendly Mover Matters Moving day is filled with new sounds, new smells, and unfamiliar faces. For a pet, this can be overwhelming. Doors are often left open, furniture is being shifted, and their favorite napping spots disappear into boxes. Standard moving companies may see a pet crate as just another item to load onto the truck, but we see it differently. We recognize the precious cargo inside and the importance of creating a calm and secure environment. Choosing a mover that specializes in pet relocation provides several key advantages: Reduced Stress for Your Pet: Our team knows how to interact with animals calmly and confidently. We work to minimize loud noises and sudden movements around your pet, helping to keep them relaxed. Safety First: We take extra precautions to ensure your pet's safety during the entire process. This includes securing crates properly and being mindful of open doors and potential escape routes. Peace of Mind for You: Knowing that your pet is in caring and capable hands allows you to focus on the other logistics of your move. You can rest easy knowing we are treating your companion with the same love you do. Our Approach: Moving Pets with Compassion and Expertise At Prescott Moving Company, our pet moving service is more than just transportation. It’s a comprehensive approach built on a foundation of empathy and professionalism. We’ve developed a process that prioritizes your pet’s well-being at every step. We Handle Their Belongings with Care A pet’s belongings are more than just items; they are sources of comfort. The familiar scent of their bed, their favorite squeaky toy, or their specific food bowls can make a new environment feel more like home. Our team takes special care when packing and moving these essential items. We ensure that pet beds, crates, toys, and feeding stations are packed thoughtfully and are among the last things loaded and the first things unloaded. This allows you to quickly set up a familiar space for your pet as soon as you arrive at your new residence, helping them settle in faster. We handle aquariums, terrariums, and cages with the expert care required to transport them safely, protecting both the habitat and its inhabitant. Creating a Calm Moving Day Environment Our crew is trained to be mindful of the animals in the home. We understand that a stressed pet can behave unpredictably. We coordinate with you to establish a quiet, secure room for your pet on moving day, away from the main hustle and bustle. This "safe zone" should contain their bed, water, and a few favorite toys. We make a point to introduce ourselves to your pet calmly, allowing them to acclimate to our presence. This small gesture can make a world of difference in how they perceive the moving process. By treating them with respect and gentleness, we help them understand that we are not a threat. Expert Handling of Crates and Carriers Properly securing a pet for transport is critical. We ensure that crates and carriers are placed in a well-ventilated, secure area of the moving vehicle, away from heavy items that could shift during transit. We never place live animals in the back of a standard moving truck. Instead, we coordinate with you on the safest way to transport them, whether it's in your vehicle or through a dedicated pet transport arrangement. Our expertise extends to all types of pet enclosures, from dog crates and cat carriers to bird cages and reptile tanks. We know how to handle these items to prevent jarring movements that could frighten or harm your pet. Tips for a Smoother Move with Your Pet While we handle the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to help your pet prepare for the big day. Acclimate Them to the Carrier: In the weeks leading up to the move, leave the pet carrier out in a common area with the door open. Place treats or toys inside to encourage your pet to see it as a safe, positive space. Maintain Routines: As much as possible, stick to your pet’s normal feeding, walking, and playtime schedule. Consistency provides a sense of security amidst the changes. Update Their Information: Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an ID tag that includes your name, phone number, and new address. This is also a good time to check that their microchip information is up to date. Pack a Pet Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with everything your pet will need for the first 24-48 hours in your new home. Include food, water, bowls, medication, waste bags, a leash, and a favorite toy. Keep this bag with you, not on the moving truck. Your Partner in a Pet-Friendly Move At Prescott Moving Company, we are more than just movers; we are pet lovers and dedicated professionals committed to making your relocation a positive experience for every member of your family. We combine our logistical expertise with a genuine love for animals, ensuring your pet’s move is handled with the care and compassion they deserve. Let us take the worry out of moving with your pets. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized pet moving services and discover how we can help your entire family—paws, claws, and all—transition smoothly to your new home.