By Colleen Rosica
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

As the personal moving consultant at Ann’s Choice, part of the free service I offer clients is to meet with them and work out a floor plan to best determine what items will fit into their new homes. Consequently, they less extra furniture when they move here.

However, sometimes even with a floor plan, we still end up with a few extra pieces of furniture. If that’s the case, the new residents have several options for finding homes for these items.

Donate locally
The Treasure Chest is a little shop at Ann’s Choice where residents can donate anything from furniture to kitchen items to books. The store is open several days a week for neighbors and staff to stop in and purchase these items.

Speaking of kitchen items, I always recommend downsizing on plates, cookware, and Tupperware if you are moving to a community like Ann’s Choice. Residents will not need as many of these items because they will most likely eat out often at the on-campus restaurants. Some people downsize on those things before they come here, but others realize after moving here that they have a bit too much in their kitchen. The Treasure Chest is a great place to donate kitchen items.

Another option for donating locally is Impact Thrift Shop, which has locations in Lansdale and Hatboro in Montgomery County, and also a location in Northeast Philadelphia. If you call them ahead of time, they pick up free of charge. Impact also donates to many charities.

Purple Heart and the Salvation Army are yet another alternative. It is best to call them ahead of time and clarify what you have to donate because there are certain items they are not looking for. Generally, furniture and kitchen items are accepted.

Auctioneers, newspapers, and eBay
For antiques or furniture in very good shape that you are not willing to donate but would like to sell, there is Brown Brothers, in Buckingham, and Alderfers, in Hatfield.