Trends & Living March 6, 2025

Cut the Clutter: Donation & Recycling Locations Around the Sound

Spring is coming, and with it comes a chance to clear out the old and start fresh—whether it’s those ever-growing piles in your garage and attic, that closet you can barely close, or a horror-movie-inspired basement. Here are resources to reclaim your space and put your unwanted items to good use (or recycle and give them their own fresh start)…

Donations  |  Recycling  |  Disposal

 


Donations

 

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BARGAIN BOUTIQUE

Furniture/furnishings, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, and new or gently used men’s, women’s or children’s clothing. Be sure to check items they don’t accept.

seattlechildrens.org/giving/bargain-boutiques

Estates: (206) 327-3067

Vehicles: (888) 205-8941

Bainbridge Island: 1050 Hildebrand Lane, Suite G-1 | Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 | (206) 842-5567

Olympia: 2020 Harrison Ave. NW | Olympia, WA 98502-5097 | (360) 236-8245

 

GOODWILL

Accepts donations of a wide range of items, from exercise equipment, to clothes and home decor items and furniture. Net proceeds help fund job training and education programs.

evergreengoodwill.org/donate-goods

Locations

 

KIDVANTAGE

Donate your quality used children’s clothing, shoes, baby gear, toys, books, bedding, and maternity clothing. You’ll help to fill the nearly 4,000 orders of essentials that they provide to underprivileged children and expectant moms each week.

kidvantagenw.org/donate-goods

Issaquah: 1510 NW Maple St. | Issaquah, WA 98027 | (425) 865-0234

Shoreline: 17230 12th Ave NE | Shoreline, WA 98155 | (425) 209-1136

Bremerton: 1463 NE Dawn Road, Suite B | Bremerton, WA 98311 | (360) 616-0235

 

MARY’S PLACE

Gratefully accepts gently used clothing, luggage, twin size sheets/blankets, paperback books, and small household items (dishware, utensils, mugs, and small appliances such as microwaves) to distribute to families in need.

marysplaceseattle.org/get-involved/share-your-stuff

Donation Center: 4521 6th Ave S. | Seattle, WA 98108

Shelter (small donations only): 720 Blanchard St, Seattle

 

NORTHWEST CENTER

Big Blue Trucks accept clothing, household goods, sporting goods, tools, toys & more to support people with disabilities. Here’s what they do and don’t take.

bigbluetruck.org/drop-off-locations

 

NORTHWEST FURNITURE BANK

Furniture bank for homeless families in transition in South King County and Pierce County. Here’s what they accept and you can arrange a pickup if you live within a 25 mile radius of Tacoma.

nwfurniturebank.org/donate

117 Puyallup Ave | Tacoma, WA 98421 | 253-302-3868

 

SAINT FRANCIS HOUSE

Accepts clean, gently used clothing for men, women & children as well as kitchen & household items. All donations are passed on directly to those in need.

stfrancishouseseattle.org/support-us

169 12th Ave | Seattle, WA 98122 | 206-268-0784 

 

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL

Drop off your sorted donations of gently used clothing, housewares, toys, shoes/accessories, linens, books, and electronics to one of their thrift stores (here’s what they don’t accept). $0.89 of every dollar funds programs that provide neighbors with food, clothing, eviction prevention, case management, and more.

svdpseattle.org/thriftstore

Seattle-King County

Tacoma-Pierce County

Everett-Snohomish County

 

SEATTLE’S UNION GOSPEL MISSION

Accepts food, clothing, furniture, vehicles & housewares in their mission to support our homeless neighbors.

ugm.org/donate-goods

Distribution Center: 8226 South 208th Street, Suite G110 | Kent, WA 98032 | (206) 723-5700

Furniture Pick-Up: (507) 593-7024

 

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Recycling/Disposal

 

E-CYCLE WASHINGTON

WA Department of Ecology’s free program for residents to recycle electronics (including TVs, computers, monitors, tablets, & more), with participating locations across the state.

ecyclewa.com

 

FRIENDLY EARTH

Free recycling of electronics, flat screen TVs/monitors, appliances, BBQs, computers, lawn equipment/tractors, motorcycles, & more! Recycling with a fee for copiers/printers, refrigerators, A/C units, solar panels, & large rear-projection TVs. Paid data destruction available as well. Get the full scoop here.

friendlyearth.org

1560 1st Ave S.  |  Seattle, WA 98134

(206) 367-4111

 

ONE GREEN PLANET

Free recycling of electronics, computers, copiers, printers, ink/toner, appliances, bikes/scooters, scrap metal, machinery, phones/chargers, & more. Recycling with a fee for appliances containing Freon, flat screen TVs, tapes/CDs/floppy disks, alkaline batteries, & X-ray film. Here’s the full list.

1greenplanet.com

851 Houser Way North, Suite B  |  Renton, WA 98057

(425) 996-3513

 

RECOLOGY

With a zero waste goal, Recology stores accept hard to recycle items like CFL light bulbs, household batteries, hard-cover books, small electronics/appliances, block Styrofoam, and bicycles. Here’s the fee list for non-customers (if you’re already signed up for their curbside service, you can drop off limited quantities for free).

recology.com

Issaquah: 317 NW Gilman Blvd, #22 | Issaquah, WA 98027

Highline: 15858 First Avenue S, #A100 | Burien, WA 98148

Shoreline: 15235 Aurora Ave. N | Shoreline, WA 98133

 

RUBBISH WORKS

Removal of nonhazardous materials for eco-friendly disposal—up to 50% of hauled away materials are recycled and the rest is donated when possible.

rubbishworks.com

(888) 594-5078

 

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Windermere Mercer Island

 

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

© Copyright 2025, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.

 

CommunityTrends & Living April 3, 2024

Which Documents Should You Shred, and When?

 

As the spring cleaning bug hits, many of us will finally be tackling those stacks of paperwork that have been piling up throughout the year.  It’s tempting to chuck it all in the recycle bin and be done with it. However, did you know that it’s actually legal for someone to dig through your trash/recycling once it hits the curb? What’s more, seemingly innocuous documents—like junk mail—can actually contain sensitive info to help someone steal your identity. Scroll down for our list of what you should shred and when (pssst…you can bring it all to our free shredding event happening on Saturday, April 20th, 2024 from 9am-2pm!).

Shred Immediately

  • Expired IDs & records: passports, driver’s licenses, old insurance cards, identification cards/badges, etc.
  • Utility and credit card bills that have been paid
  • Receipts not needed for tax deductions or warranties
  • ATM receipts
  • Resumes that are no longer needed
  • Junk mail credit card offers
  • Address labels from junk mail and magazines
  • Any unneeded documents containing your address, signature, social security number, PIN, passwords, account numbers, medical records, or other sensitive/private information you wouldn’t want publicly shared

Shred Within a Year

  • Paycheck stubs, once you’ve confirmed the info matches your W-2
  • Bank statements
  • Monthly/quarterly retirement statements (keep annual summaries until you retire or close the account)
  • Medical bills that have been paid

Shred After 6 Years

  • Records from home or condo sales

Shred After 7 Years

  • Tax returns
  • W-2 and 1099 forms
  • Mortgage interest statements
  • Property tax records
  • Statements, cancelled checks, and receipts used as documentation for tax deductions

Do NOT Shred – But Do Store Securely

Keep these items indefinitely in a locked filing cabinet/room, safe, or safe deposit box:

  • Social Security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Adoption papers
  • Current passports or citizenship documentation
  • Marriage and divorce records
  • Death certificates of family members
  • Deeds & titles for property/automobiles for as long as you own them

 

Free Shred Event Saturday, April 20th, 9a-2p, Windermere Mercer Island: 2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island

 


While these tips are helpful, they can’t replace the advice of a tax professional. Consult an expert if you have questions.

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We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

© Copyright 2023-2024, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.

 

Real Estate March 12, 2024

Moving Day: Checklists & Tips to Stress Less

 

Ah, moving day…that magical mix of excitement, chaos, and occasional panic. Whether it is across town or cross-country, the reality of packing, moving, and setting up a new home can become overwhelming. No list can make a move “stress free,” BUT planning ahead and staying organized can help make your move a little smoother. Here is a printable checklist along with our tips for the big day:

 

Download the PDF Checklist: Preparing for Your Move

 

Getting Started

Once you know your prospective move date, set up a quick timeline to make sure you can get all the important tasks done and ready in time for your move.

Consider how much stuff you have by doing a home inventory. This can help you decide whether you need to hire movers to help you or if you will be managing your move on your own. Many moving companies supply inventory lists to help you assess the size of truck you will need.  You can use your list as double duty for insurance purposes later (try using this helpful home inventory app from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners).

As soon as you decide how you will be moving, make your reservations. In general, moving companies and truck rental services are over-booked at the beginning and very end of the month.  If you are planning on hiring a moving company, contact a few in your area for a price quote. To find companies ask your real estate agent, family, or friends, and consult online reviews.  It is also a good idea to request a quote and compare companies.

Preparing for Your Move

  • Moving is a great opportunity to get rid of clutter, junk, or outdated items. Set aside some time to sort through your closets, storage spaces, files, drawers, and more.  Go through cluttered areas and organize items by “keepers”, “give-aways” and “garbage”. You will have less to pack and an opportunity to update after you move. Contact a local nonprofit organization for your donations; some will arrange to pick up larger donations like furniture. If you have items of value, eBay or craigslist are good options.
  • Changing your address is one of the more tedious tasks in the moving process. You will need to change your address with the United States Post Office. You can find the online form here: Movers Guide.

You will also need to change your address with each account you have. Here is a list to get your started:

  • Employers
  • Bank(s)
  • Utilities (Electric, Water/Sewage, Oil/Gas)
  • Cable/ Telephone
  • Cell phone service
  • Credit Cards
  • Magazine subscriptions
  • Insurance companies (auto, home/renters, health, dental, vision, etc.)
  • Pharmacy
  • Other personal services

Let the Packing Begin

Before you start packing, it may help to visualize where everything you have will go. Perhaps furniture will fit better in a different room? Consider the floor plan of your new home and figure out what will go where. This will aid in packing and labeling as you box everything up.

Use a tool like floorplanner.com to plan where furniture and items will go.

When it comes to packing you have some options. You can work with a service that provides reusable boxes for moving or you can reuse or purchase cardboard boxes. Make sure you have enough boxes, packing tape, dark markers, and packing paper.

Pack rooms according to your floor plan. Label boxes with contents and room. This will make it easier to unpack your home, knowing where everything is going.

Real Simple magazine has some great tips on packing for your move.

If you have to disassemble any of your furniture, make sure you keep all the parts and directions together. Make sure you set aside your necessities for the day you move. Being tired and unable to take a shower or make your bed can be hard at the end of a long moving day. Here are some ideas of what you may like to pack in your “day-of-move” boxes:

  • Clean linens for the beds, pillows and blankets
  • Clean towels
  • Shower curtain, liner and hooks
  • Toiletries, hand soap, tooth brush, etc.
  • Disposable utensils, cups, napkins, etc.
  • Rolls of toilet paper
  • Snacks and water
  • Change of clothes
  • Tools for reassembling furniture, installing hardware, and hanging photos

Making Your Move

  • Come up with a game plan with your family, so everyone has a role and a part to play
  • Once the house is empty, do a once over on your old place to make sure it is clean for the next owners/occupants. Here is a useful checklist for cleaning.

Warming Your New Home

Once you have settled into your new home, warm it up by inviting friends and family over to celebrate. Here is a great infographic about housewarming traditions and symbolism. Announce your move to far-away friends and family through moving announcements to make sure you stay on the holiday card mailing list.

 

Ready to make your move? Reach out to get started.

 


 

Windermere Mercer Island

 

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

© Copyright 2024, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.