What do I do with all this stuff?

Choose a destination before filling the garage

Make five groups: keep, offer to someone, sell, donate, and dispose of appropriately. Photograph items you may sell or donate and record dimensions, condition, and your deadline. Do not arrange a pickup until the provider has confirmed the items and access.

Donate: Southeast NH Habitat ReStore, Newington

ReStore screens reusable furniture, appliances, and building materials. Its temporary refusal list changes with available space. Some upholstery requires approval. Check the current list before loading your car.

• Pickup is limited to the towns on its published service list; confirm your address.
• For a pickup request, send contact details, an item list, photos of large or upholstered pieces, and their location.
• Pickup items must be at ground level in a garage or outside; the truck needs loading and turning access.
• Final acceptance depends on inspection. Do not leave items after hours.

Consign: The Consignment Gallery, Bedford

The shop handles selected furniture and home decor. Appointments are required. In-home consultations and pickups are considered individually based on location and volume; send photos first.

• Ask about current acceptance, commission, markdowns, and the consignment period.
• Confirm transport costs and when proceeds are paid.
• Get the policy for unsold or declined items in writing before delivery.

Estate or moving sale: New Hampshire Antique Co-op, Milford

NH Antique Co-op lists estate and moving sale services. Ask whether your collection and location fit its service and request a written proposal.

• Clarify fees, minimums, scheduling, and what happens to unsold items.
• Agree on access, cleanup responsibilities, payment timing, and the items excluded from sale.
• Do not assume everything has to go through the same sale or provider.

Shred: The UPS Store, South Willow Street, Manchester

The location at 373 S Willow Street advertises document shredding. Contact the store for current pricing, volume limits, preparation requirements, and how documents are secured and destroyed. Review records with the appropriate professional before destroying originals you may need.

Dispose: start with your own town

Salem’s transfer station page explains resident eligibility, permits, bulky-item arrangements, and accepted and excluded materials. It is a Salem resource, not a regional drop-off option. Residents of other towns should check their own municipal program.

• Confirm requirements for furniture, electronics, batteries, and appliances before transporting them.
• Ask your town about household hazardous waste collection for items excluded from normal disposal.
• Keep chemical products in labeled containers, do not mix them, and follow official handling instructions.

Make the last week easier

Assign a deadline and a backup destination for each item. Confirm appointments before movers arrive. Keep a simple log: item, destination, contact, pickup date, cost, and completed status. The directory is a starting point; use any provider you choose.