Whether you’re moving for the first time or have lost count of your relocations, each move is an opportunity not only to rediscover forgotten items on the top shelves but also to finally decide to part with some of them. Remember the rule: if you haven’t used something for 6 months, it’s unlikely you’ll need it in the future. The good news? Calgary offers a wealth of options to responsibly recycle, donate, sell, or creatively repurpose your items. From supporting local charities to turning trash into treasure with DIY projects, here’s your guide to handling your old stuff in a way that benefits you, your community, and the environment.
Recycle Responsibly
Proper recycling is a cornerstone of sustainable living, and Calgary has robust systems in place to help you dispose of items responsibly. Before tossing anything into the trash, consider these recycling options:
- City of Calgary Eco Centres: Calgary’s Eco Centres are one-stop locations for recycling a wide range of materials, including electronics, household batteries, construction materials, and gently used furniture. These centres ensure that items are reused or recycled rather than ending up in landfills. Check the City of Calgary’s website for a full list of accepted items and preparation requirements. For example, electronics are recycled through partnerships with organizations like the Electronics Recycling Association, which refurbishes and donates working devices to those in need.
- Specialty Recycling Programs: For tricky items like old paint, batteries, or expired medications, consider Tricky Trash, a Calgary-based service that uses electric cargo bikes to collect and deliver these items to proper processing centres for a small fee. Pharmacies in Calgary also offer safe disposal for needles and other sharps. For metal items like appliances or scrap, Recon Metal and other private metal recyclers in Calgary provide drop-off or pick-up services, often at no cost.
- Alberta’s Recycling Hotline: If you’re unsure where to recycle a specific item, contact Alberta’s Recycling Hotline (hotline@recycle.ab.ca) for a comprehensive list of local recycling options. Retailers like Best Buy, Canadian Tire, and London Drugs also accept specific items like electronics, batteries, and ink cartridges for free.
By recycling responsibly, you’ll keep harmful materials out of landfills and contribute to a cleaner Calgary.
Donate to Make a Difference
Donating your gently used items is a fantastic way to support Calgary’s community while decluttering your home. Many local charities accept furniture, clothing, electronics, and household goods, often with free pick-up services to make the process effortless. Here are some top organizations in Calgary to consider:
- Calgary Drop-In Centre Free Goods Program: This program provides furniture, kitchenware, clothing, and electronics to low- and no-income Calgarians. They accept almost everything in good condition (no garbage or broken items) and offer pick-up services. Donated items are either distributed directly to those in need or sold to fund their programs. Drop off at their Donation Centre or schedule a pick-up.
- The Mustard Seed: A Christian humanitarian organization, The Mustard Seed supports those experiencing poverty or homelessness. They accept furniture, clothing (especially winter coats and boots), and household items, with pick-up services available. Your donations help furnish homes or fund community programs.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: ReStore accepts new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials, which are sold to fund affordable homeownership programs. They offer pick-up services for larger items, making it easy to donate bulky furniture. Check their donation guidelines online for specifics.
- Women in Need Society (WINS) or Dress for Success: WINS supports women and families with basic needs, accepting donations of clothing, housewares, toys, and small furniture at their thrift stores. Proceeds fund programs to empower women in Calgary. The mission of Dress for Success is to help unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence by providing no-fee programs, development tools and professional attire to thrive in work and in life.
- Goodwill Industries of Alberta: Goodwill accepts clothing, housewares, and select furniture at various Calgary locations. Items are sold to support programs for Albertans with disabilities. Note that they do not accept mattresses or certain baby items for health and safety reasons.
Before donating, always check the organization’s website for accepted items and drop-off or pick-up details. Clean and prepare items to ensure they’re ready for their new home. Donating not only clears your space but also provides essential support to Calgarians in need.
Organize a Garage Sale
Hosting a garage sale is a great way to give your items a new home while earning some extra cash. In Calgary, garage sales are popular, especially in the spring and summer months. Here are some tips to make your sale a success:
- Plan Ahead: Choose a weekend with good weather and advertise your sale on community boards, social media (like Calgary-specific Facebook groups), or platforms like Kijiji. Clearly state if prices are firm to avoid haggling disputes.
- Price Smartly: Research similar items online to set fair prices. Some Calgarians suggest pricing items slightly higher to attract more interest, as buyers often enjoy negotiating. Display prices clearly to streamline the process.
- Make It Accessible: Set up in your driveway or garage, ensuring items are organized and easy to browse. Offer a mix of items like furniture, clothing, books, and toys to appeal to a broad audience.
- Donate Leftovers: After the sale, donate unsold items to charities like those listed above or drop them off at a City of Calgary Eco Centre to avoid landfill waste.
A garage sale is a fun, community-oriented way to pass on your belongings and connect with neighbours.
Sell on Online Platforms
If you’re looking to make money from your items, online platforms offer a convenient way to reach buyers in Calgary and beyond. Here are some popular options:
- Kijiji: A go-to platform in Calgary for selling furniture, electronics, and household goods. Be clear in your listings about item condition and pick-up details. Include high-quality photos to attract buyers.
- Facebook Marketplace: This platform is ideal for local sales, allowing you to connect with buyers in Calgary. Join local buy/sell groups like “Calgary Buy and Sell” for greater visibility.
- VarageSale: A community-focused platform for buying and selling used items. It’s popular in Calgary for its user-friendly interface and local focus.
- eBay or Etsy: For unique or vintage items, consider eBay or Etsy. These platforms are great for collectibles, antiques, or handmade goods but may involve shipping.
When selling online, prioritize safety by meeting in public places or arranging contactless pick-up. Price competitively based on market trends, and be responsive to inquiries to close sales quickly.
Get Creative with DIY Solutions
Why not transform your old stuff into something new? DIY projects are a fun, eco-friendly way to repurpose items and add a personal touch to your new home. Here are some creative ideas tailored to Calgary’s DIY community:
- Furniture Upcycling: Turn an old dresser into a stylish TV stand with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware. Calgary’s Habitat ReStore often sells affordable paints and materials for such projects. Local craft stores like Michaels or Home Depot offer supplies for upcycling.
- Bubble Wrap Stress Relief: As a fun aside, did you know you can pop 7,400 bubbles on bubble wrap in an hour? Use leftover packing materials for stress-relieving fun or as protective padding for future moves.
- Textile Crafts: Turn old clothes or linens into quilts, tote bags, or pet beds. The Ujamaa Grandmas Fabric and Yarn Sale accepts fabric donations for their annual fundraiser, so if you don’t use it, donate it to support a good cause.
- Garden Projects: Use old wood or crates to build raised garden beds, perfect for Calgary’s short growing season. Check out local gardening groups on social media for inspiration and tips.
- Community Sharing: Calgary has a strong “Little Free Library” network where you can donate books or create your own mini-library from an old cabinet. Calgary Reads, Books Between Friends and the Calgary Public Library also accept book donations.
For DIY inspiration, check out Calgary-based blogs or YouTube channels focused on upcycling, or join local workshops at places like the Calgary Public Library.
Final Thoughts
Moving in Calgary doesn’t mean your old stuff has to end up in a landfill. By recycling responsibly, donating to local charities, hosting a garage sale, selling online, or getting creative with DIY projects, you can give your belongings a new purpose while supporting the community and the environment. Always double-check official sources, like charity websites or the City of Calgary’s recycling guidelines, to ensure your items are handled correctly. If you need help of our movers we will be happy to assist in heavy lifting anytime. Just give us a call.
As you prepare for your move, take a moment to de-stress — maybe even pop some bubble wrap for fun! Have a great week, and happy decluttering!
