Top Tips for Donating Furniture [List of Charities]

During the moving process, it is all too common to become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff you’ve acquired while living at your current address. According to one survey, 1 in 4 Americans can’t park in their garage because of too much stuff! As you are packing you will probably uncover many forgotten, cast off, and questionable purchases.

At HD Auston, one thing we see a lot is clients wanting to get rid of furniture rather than moving it to their new home. This is especially true for our clients who are moving long distance. Typically their choices are to go through a lengthy process trying to sell it online, hauling it off to the dump, or donating their furniture.

Looking at those options, most people choose to donate. But who should you donate it to? Here we share with you 4 local Greenville charities that will happily accept your donation, alongside some helpful tips for making the process as smooth as possible.

The 4 Best Places to Donate Furniture in Greenville

1. Miracle Hill Ministries Accepts Move Donations For the Less Fortunate

Auston Moving - Where to donateFirst up on our list is Miracle Hill Ministries. Miracle Hill Ministries is a Greenville-based charity that provides support and shelters for many of the less fortunate in our community. These shelters include Shepherd’s Gate, a safe place for women and children escaping domestic violence, as well as shelter and for the homeless community at large.

When you choose to donate furniture from your move to Miracle Hill, they make it easy by picking it up from your home. The furniture is then sold in their Greenville thrift stores. Miracle Hill Ministries is also the place to call if you are looking to donate a vehicle in Greenville.

Miracle Hill Ministries is always happy to receive donations beyond furniture, but there are a few things they will not accept. They cannot take child car seats, cribs with a sliding rail, combustible heaters, pianos, vehicle parts, building materials, built-in appliances, or console TVs or stereos.

For more information or to schedule a Greenville furniture donation pickup check out the Miracle Hill Ministries website or give them a call at 864-242-6931.

2. Habitat for Humanity is Great for Donating Appliances and Building Materials

Auston Moving - DonationNext up on our list is Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County. Habitat for Humanity is a national charity that builds affordable housing for families and individuals in need. Habitat for Humanity has been officially providing affordable, decent housing for families since 1976 and the Greenville chapter was established in 1985.

In addition to accepting donated furniture, Greenville’s Habitat ReStore is also happy to accept new or gently used appliances, building materials, and household goods. If you aren’t sure about your item, give them a call. Note many of the items Miracle Hill Ministries won’t accept, Habitat for Humanity will!

When you donate furniture to Habitat for Humanity Greenville, you can either schedule a pickup or they will help you unload your large items at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They want to make the process of donating furniture in Greenville as easy as possible for you. To schedule a furniture donation pickup or more information give the Greenville Habitat for Humanity a call at 864-312-5016.

3. Salvation Army: Move Donations to Support the Poor & Homeless

Auston Moving - Donate for HomelessThird on our list is an international charitable organization that has been helping the poor and homeless as well as providing emergency aid in times of crisis since 1865. The Salvation Army may be the most recognized place to donate furniture in Greenville on our list.

Like the previous two charities on our list, when you donate furniture to The Salvation Army of Greenville, your items will be sold at the local Greenville Salvation Army Family Store. The proceeds provide income for rehabilitating adults and other Greenville social services.

The Salvation Army is happy to take donated furniture, toys, clothes, books, vehicles, pianos, gently used large appliances, gently used mattresses and more. They cannot accept TVs older than 5-years-old, vehicle parts, built in appliances, non-working appliances, gas heaters, or console TVs or stereos. Make sure you check out the guide of what to donate to Salvation Army before you make the call.

If you are looking for charities that pick up furniture, Salvation Army does that as well, making it easy on you. To schedule a pick-up or for more information about donating furniture to The Salvation Army of Greenville, give them a call at 864-233-1627.

4. Goodwill Accepts Donated Items to Help the Unemployed

Last on our list of the best charities to donate furniture to is another recognizable organization. Goodwill puts the proceeds from donated items toward helping place unemployed men and women in positions that will get them back on their feet.

Unlike the other three charities on this list, the Greenville Goodwill offers a very limited pickup service and recommends dropping off your items instead. Donating furniture to Goodwill may not be the most convenient method, but it is a great choice when you need to donate furniture quickly.

Goodwill is happy to take any and all items that you may want to donate. They accept decor, cookware, clothes, furniture, toys, books, and anything else you can think of. They do not, however, accept large household appliances or vehicle parts. For drop off hours or more information about donating to Goodwill Greenville, call 864-351-0100.

No matter your choice of charity for donating furniture during your move, don’t forget to get a receipt. You can deduct donations you make to qualified charities to reduce your taxable income, but only if you itemize your deductions. You can read more on the IRS website.

 

The Many Excellent Reasons to Move to Greenville, South Carolina

Among the many reasons to move to Greenville, livability is one of the city’s most appealing traits. As a smaller city, the locals are friendly, and big-city problems are far away. A charming and enjoyable place to call home, Greenville has many assets making it an appealing place to put down roots. If you’re asking the question, we have the answer:

“Should I Move to Greenville?”

If you’re looking for a comfortable and stress-free place to call home with plenty to do, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” With a charming and quaint downtown, museums, tasty restaurant fare, tons of community events, a local zoo and even a waterfall within the city limits, you’ll find tons to do on the tree-lined streets among the friendly locals.

Greenville’s portfolio of attractions that make it a great place to call home is full to bursting. There’s more to enjoy in Greenville than most small cities, so let’s take a look at some of the highlights:

should i move to greenvilleOutdoor Adventure Awaits in Greenville

Outdoor activities abound in the city’s natural areas, and you’ll find that wilderness adventures are plentiful in the nearby national forests and the surrounding countryside. It’s a quick drive to activities like boating, camping, canoeing and kayaking, golf, hiking, ice skating, whitewater rafting and ziplining.

If you don’t want to drive, bicycling could be the perfect answer for getting around in this progressively minded city.

Greenville is Big on Bicycling

Bicycling is serious business in Greenville, and it’s one of the favorite local activities. Greenville goes by the name of “Bike Town,” and the moniker fits. The 21-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail follows the course of the Reedy River, meandering through town and out into Greenville County. Bike rentals are available in town, too, in case you just want a quick day ride, and mountain biking trails are ready for riding in the nearby countryside.

The Food Scene Is Among the Main Reasons to Move to Greenville

There are so many delicious restaurants, food trucks, cafes, bakeries, tea and juice bars and more in Greenville, your appetite will be sated for years to come as a Greenville citizen. Variety is the order of the day in the Greenville dining scene.

You can experience rooftop dining at UP on the Roof. Serving up a small-plate menu with seasonal ingredients from local farms and featuring a commanding view of the horizon, the clouds and the surrounding city, this is a hallmark Greenville establishment.

Or enjoy delectable baked goods and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings at Stax Omega Diner and Bakery, a mainstay in Greenville dining since 1988. With inspired dishes composed of locally sourced ingredients like banana cream pie pancakes, cajun fish tacos and sliced prime rib dip, there’s a lot to love about Greenville’s Stax Omega Diner.

Cultural Events in Greenville Provide Local Color

The Artisphere festival brings art to the streets in a three-day celebration. Visitors can converse with local artists and even purchase pieces of art. Commencing in May, this annual festival draws big crowds to take in the colorful offerings and enjoy the party atmosphere.

Euphoria is an annual festival featuring celebrity chefs, signature wine tasting, live musical performances by top artists and cooking demonstrations. It’s a weekend event, one of the biggest in the city.

average cost of living in greenville

What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Greenville?

Paramount Park is an affluent neighborhood located in the central southeastern area of the city. Most of the homes in the area are owned by the residents. The development comprises mostly medium- to large-sized homes with four or more bedrooms and apartment complexes. The neighborhood has more Scottish and Scots-Irish residents than almost any other region in the United States.

Leawood is a suburban neighborhood located in the northern outreaches of Greenville. Many of the homes in Leawood are studios or one-bedroom or two-bedroom homes, but there are also many apartment complexes in the area. Leawood has a much higher number of people commuting to work by bicycle compared to the average American neighborhood. A large number of residents in this neighborhood speak Persian, a fact attributed to a high percentage of Iranian residents living there.

What Is the Average Cost of Living in Greenville?

The Greenville cost of living is considered to be a bit lower than average for cities in the United States. Studio apartments rent for an average of $518 per month, while the national average is $712. A four-bedroom home rents for $1,063 in Greenville, with the national average at $1,601.

Grocery prices in Greenville clock in at the national average, while utilities and transportation are a bit below the average. Health care is a bit more expensive in Greenville than the national average.

Greenville Is an All-Around Ideal Place to Call Home

These are some of the many great reasons to move to Greenville. The city has so much to offer its residents, including great food, a progressive, bicycle-friendly atmosphere, colorful cultural events, a friendly populace and a small city vibe. Greenville is a beautifully charming city with a stress-free feel and plenty to see and do. It’s a great place to call home.

Top 5 Tips for Moving with Pets

Of all of the factors involved in moving to a new home, planning for your pets’ care is among the most essential. Your bookcases, tables and other furniture are happy to go along for the ride without any special treatment to keep them doing well. But with pets, you need to ensure that both their physical and psychological needs are met throughout your voyage to make it as pleasant as possible for them for a comfortable move.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled some of the top tips for moving with pets to help you take care of your furry friends while you’re on the road.

1. Moving by Automobile with Your Pet: Getting Them Acclimated Before the Move

Your pet has lived in your old home for some time and is used to the routines of life there. Bringing them on a long voyage can be quite a drastic change for them, especially since you can’t tell them the trip is ahead. But there are ways to prepare them for a long journey.

Take Your Pets on Short Rides to Familiarize Them with The Road

If you have dogs, you’ve probably taken them in your car before, and they likely loved it; but with animals like cats, going on the road can be a stressful experience. As such, it’s a good idea for you to take them on short jaunts around town to get both them and you familiar with the experience. For instance, your cat may be frightened if kept in an animal carrier facing a window; she may be more comfortable with the carrier snuggled in among other items.

These short excursions can ferret out such complications to help you accommodate your pet for the long voyage. You can also sort out the details of providing food and water and a place for them to relieve themselves before your move by going on these short trips first.

2. Along the Way: Keeping Your Pet Comfortable While Traveling

moving with dogsFeeding and Watering Your Pets Outside of the Usual Routine

Whenever you stop for a food break at a fast-food restaurant, and anytime you make a pit stop at a rest area, make sure that your pets are provided food, water and a place to relieve themselves. At home, you likely fed and watered your pet when they showed signs that they needed it, but on the road, the indications may not be as apparent. So, naturally include it their care when you need it, too.

Stay at Pet-Friendly Hotels Along the Way

Be sure to book your rooms before your journey to ensure that any hotels you stay at are pet-friendly. Finding an open room on the fly may not always work out, so plan ahead. Expedia has an excellent, searchable database of pet-friendly hotels.

Provide Comforting Breaks for Your Pet

Dogs will need time to explore and stretch their legs at pit stops like parks or rest areas along the way, while cats can be comforted by talking to them or petting them when you stop for a break. The road can take a toll on animals, so this care is undoubtedly needed.

3. Keep the Changing Climate in Mind for Your Move

Every season brings different conditions, and when you’re traveling from state to state, you’ll encounter differences in weather along the way. If you’re prepared for those extremes, your pet will reach your new home happy and in good health.

Watch out for Temperature Extremes

For instance, in the Greenville, South Carolina area, it’s important to keep in mind that conditions in the summer are hot and muggy, so keeping plenty of water available to your pet while you’re on the road is essential. Also, in humid conditions, pets can overheat, so keeping the air conditioning on in the car is vital for them, too.

4. An Option: Moving Pets to Their New Home by Airplane, or Using a Pet Moving Service

An airplane trip for your pet is a quicker voyage. But it can also be a very stressful voyage, since pets are sometimes kept in the cargo area being bumped around by turbulence. But compared to a three-day or weeklong trip in an automobile, a three- to five-hour flight could be less strenuous for them.

Airlines have the say on whether they transport a particular animal, so having a backup plan is wise. Airlines are more likely to accept calmer animals with proper certification and kennel markings.

Alternatively, pet moving services can handle the details of using an airline flight to deliver your pet to your new home. They manage every aspect of the move and work with the airline to accept and fly your pet home.

5. Know the Federal and State Laws and Regulations for Transporting Pets

Traditional moving companies are barred from transporting animals in their trucks by federal law. Also, most states require a health certificate and rabies vaccinations for pets being transported through or into their jurisdiction. Make sure you get the necessary credentials to avoid legal problems along the way.

moving with catsArriving Safe and Sound at Home with Your Pet

These tips for moving with pets will make you better prepared for the trip and more able to keep your pets comfortable along the way.

Here’s a final parting tip to make the landing at home comfortable for your pet: Bring your pet’s bedding and their familiar water and food dishes and litter pan and place them in a warm spot of your new home. Introduce your pet to this spot. Let them find these familiar items so they have a place with scents that they know. This will indicate to them that your new home is their home, and they’ll acclimate more comfortably.

You love your pets. The goal is getting them to your new home, and having your furry family members with you there is worth it. You’ll be happy in your new home, and so will they.