Your Complete Guide to Downsizing & Decluttering in Montgomery County
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home, moving to a smaller space, or simply ready to simplify your life, downsizing can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. With cooler weather settling in and the holidays still a few months off, fall is one of the best times of year to get started: comfortable temperatures make it easier to sort through closets, garages, and storage areas without the summer heat slowing you down.
We’ve put together this resource guide to help you through every step — from practical decluttering strategies to local donation centers, consignment options, and hauling services right here in Montgomery County.
Downsizing & Decluttering Tips
Letting go of a lifetime of belongings is an emotional process. Here are strategies to make it manageable and even rewarding:
Start Early & Go Slowly
Begin at least 3–6 months before a move. Tackle one room — or even one drawer — at a time to avoid burnout.
Begin at least 3–6 months before a move. Tackle one room — or even one drawer — at a time to avoid burnout.
Involve Family & Friends First
Give family members and close friends the opportunity to claim meaningful items before donating or selling. Set a clear deadline.
Give family members and close friends the opportunity to claim meaningful items before donating or selling. Set a clear deadline.
Use the Four-Box Method
Label boxes: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard. Every item goes into one box — no “maybe” pile allowed.
Label boxes: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard. Every item goes into one box — no “maybe” pile allowed.
Measure Your New Space
If moving to a smaller home, get floor plans in advance. Only keep furniture and items that will realistically fit.
If moving to a smaller home, get floor plans in advance. Only keep furniture and items that will realistically fit.
Know What Has Value
Before donating, have jewelry, art, antiques, china, and sterling silver evaluated — some items may be worth consigning or auctioning.
Before donating, have jewelry, art, antiques, china, and sterling silver evaluated — some items may be worth consigning or auctioning.
Digitize Memories
Scan old photos and documents before parting with them. Services like Legacybox can digitize photos, slides, and home videos.
Scan old photos and documents before parting with them. Services like Legacybox can digitize photos, slides, and home videos.
One In, One Out
For every new item you bring home, let one go. This simple habit keeps clutter from creeping back after you’ve done the hard work.
For every new item you bring home, let one go. This simple habit keeps clutter from creeping back after you’ve done the hard work.
Sell Before You Donate
For items with resale value, try a yard sale, Facebook Marketplace, or consignment before donating — it’s an easy way to offset moving costs.
For items with resale value, try a yard sale, Facebook Marketplace, or consignment before donating — it’s an easy way to offset moving costs.
Tackle High-Traffic Areas First
Start with spaces that give the biggest visual payoff — kitchen counters, entryways, and closets — to build momentum early.
Start with spaces that give the biggest visual payoff — kitchen counters, entryways, and closets — to build momentum early.
Set a Donation Deadline
Box it up and set a firm date on the calendar. If it’s not claimed by then, it goes — no second-guessing.
Box it up and set a firm date on the calendar. If it’s not claimed by then, it goes — no second-guessing.
Donation & Recycling Resources
We highly recommend calling in advance or checking websites to confirm donation hours and accepted items.
Clothing & Professional Attire
| Organization | Contact & Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| A Wider Circle | 9159-C Brookville Rd., Silver Spring 301-608-3504 · awidercircle.org | Men’s & women’s professional clothes, furniture, linens, household items, infant supplies, toiletries, non-perishable food |
| Abused Persons Program | 1301 Piccard Dr., Rockville 301-279-1640 | Adult & children’s clothing |
| Dorothy Day Place | 251 N Stonestreet Ave., Rockville 301-762-8314 | Women’s clothing |
| Dress for Success | 101 Q St. NE, Washington, DC 202-269-4805 · dcdressforsuccess.org | Dry-cleaned women’s suits, gently used shoes, blouses, accessories (by appointment only) |
| Interfaith Works | 751 Twinbrook Pkwy., Rockville 301-424-3796 · iworksmc.org | Clothing, shoes, small household items, toys, children’s books, linens, school & infant supplies, toiletries |
| Suited for Change | 1010 Vermont Ave. NW, Ste. 420, DC 202-293-0351 · suitedforchange.org | New/nearly new women’s professional attire on hangers, jewelry, shoes, scarves, purses, briefcases |
| Rainbow Place for Women | 215 W Montgomery Ave., Rockville 301-762-3363 · rainbowplace.org | Sweat suits, pajamas, winter accessories, umbrellas, flip flops, toiletries, individual packs of pain relievers |
Furniture & Household Items
| Organization | Contact & Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| American Veterans (AMVETS) | 800-810-7148 · amvets.org Will pick up | Clothing, household items, small furniture |
| Ethiopian Community Development Council | 8121 Georgia Ave., Ste. 720, Silver Spring 301-562-7303 · ecdcus.org | Large furniture (couches, bed frames, mattresses) |
| Habitat for Humanity ReStore | 1029 East Gude Dr., Rockville 301-926-4104 · RestoreMetroMD.org | Appliances, furniture, lawn equipment, electronics, tools, building materials/fixtures |
| International Rescue Committee | 8719 Colesville Rd., Fl. 3, Silver Spring rescue.org | New or gently used clothing for all ages, baby items, household goods, cleaning & hygiene supplies, small furniture |
| Salvation Army | 800-728-7825 · satruck.org Will pick up furniture | Clothing, household goods, appliances, furniture |
| Second Chance | 410-385-1700 · Baltimore secondchanceinc.org · Will pick up | Couches, tables, beds, dressers, lamps, rugs, art, appliances, dishes, china, electronics, tools, patio furniture, building materials & more |
| Wells Robertson House | One Wells Ave., Gaithersburg 301-258-6390 | Household items, comforters, business attire, linens |
Books, Media & Electronics
| Organization | Contact | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| Book Donations | mdbookpickup@gmail.com 703-980-7421 · Will pick up | Books, magazines, CDs, DVDs |
| Friends of the Library of Montgomery County | 4886 Boiling Brook Pkwy., Rockville & 8901 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring folmc.org | Books, current-year magazines, music, movies, video games |
| Operation Paperback | operationpaperback.org | Paperback books for troops overseas |
| Small Things Matter | 202-669-8550 · smallthingsmatter.org | New unused books for children ages 0–18 |
| Bethesda Cares | 7728 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda 301-907-9244 · bethesdacares.org | Food, clothing, computers |
Medical Equipment
| Organization | Contact | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| FISH – Friends in Sickness & Health | 3300 N. Leisure World Blvd., Silver Spring (Inside Leisure World Clubhouse II) 301-598-1345 | Most medical items, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, toilet risers, walkers, shower chairs |
| Medical Loan Closet – Lutheran Church of St. Andrew | Marilee Tollefson · 301-384-4394 office@mystandrew.org | Walkers, bedside commodes, crutches, canes, wheelchairs, motorized carts, disposable underwear, dressings, prescription formulas, knee immobilizers, enteral feeding & stoma supplies |
Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids
| Organization | Contact | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| Lions Club | Inside Leisure World | Eyeglasses |
| New Eyes | new-eyes.org/recycle-1 | Eyeglasses |
| Hearing Charities of America | hearingaiddonations.org | Hearing aids |
| Starkey Hearing Foundation | starkeyhearingfoundation.org | Hearing aids |
Specialty Donations
| Organization | Contact | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| BikeMatchMoCo | Montgomery County Dept. of Transportation montgomerycountymd.gov | Bicycles |
| Master Gardeners of Montgomery County | Derwood · 301-590-9650 mgmont@umd.edu | Gardening tools & equipment in good condition (rakes, shovels, hoses, planters, 5-gallon buckets, etc.) |
| House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary | 6409 Stream Valley Way, Gaithersburg 240-631-1743 · housewithaheart.com | Unexpired & unopened dog and cat food |
| Senior Centers of Montgomery County | Many locations — drop off at front desk montgomerycountymd.gov | Yarn (especially acrylic & baby yarn) and knitting/crocheting supplies |
| Auted, Inc. | Germantown · 800-442-1938 / 301-793-9333 | Used vehicles (running or not) & automotive tools/equipment in good condition |
Thrift Stores (General)
| Store | Location | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| The Arc Montgomery County’s Urban Thrift | 10730 Connecticut Ave., Kensington 301-933-5666 | Clothing/shoes, furniture, lamps, linens, household items, books, CDs, DVDs, sports equipment, toys, electronics, appliances, tools |
| Goodwill of Greater Washington | 619 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg 301-527-0970 · dcgoodwill.org | Clothing, furniture, computers, linens, cars, boats, household items, books, DVDs, sports equipment, toys, electronics |
| Montgomery County Humane Society – Humane Together | 1328 East Gude Dr., Rockville 301-279-0345 · mchumane.org | Household items, clothing, shoes, pet supplies, books, sports supplies, electronics, children’s clothing, games, decorative items, some furniture, tools |
| New 4 You Thrift | 4909 Cordell Ave., Bethesda 301-656-2002 · new4youthrift.org | Clothing, footwear, purses, jewelry, household goods, art, CDs, records, books, toys, small furniture & lamps (call ahead) |
| Unique Thrift | 12211 Veirs Mill Rd., Silver Spring 240-781-6656 | Books, clothing, household items, sheets, blankets, electronics, appliances, small furniture, exercise equipment, suitcases, backpacks, shoes, purses, toys, bikes |
Broad-Category Pickup Services
| Organization | Contact | Accepts |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Veterans of America | 800-775-8387 · vva.org / pickupplease.org | Clothing, household items, toys, electronics, books, exercise equipment, small furnishings, bikes, musical instruments & more (limit: one person can carry) |
| Donation Town | donationtown.org — enter zip code to find nearby nonprofits & arrange pickup | Broad variety: clothing, shoes, purses, household goods, toys & more |
Consignment Stores & Auction Houses
Before donating, it’s worth checking whether your higher-value items — art, antiques, china, sterling silver, fine furniture — can be consigned or auctioned for a return.
Weschler’s Auctioneers & Appraisers
515 Dover Rd., Rockville, MD 20850 · 202-628-1281 · weschlers.com
515 Dover Rd., Rockville, MD 20850 · 202-628-1281 · weschlers.com
- Requires a minimum consignment value of $1,000 total
- Home visits: $100/half-hour (inside Beltway); fee refunded if you consign within 3 months
- Submit up to 5 photos (free) — include dimensions, labels, markings, and provenance
- Monthly Open Evaluation Days — specialists inspect up to 3 items at no charge (by appointment)
Curiosity Consignment
16650 Georgia Ave. (Antique Village), Olney · 7860 Beechcraft Ave., Gaithersburg · 240-207-3783 · curiosityconsignment.com
16650 Georgia Ave. (Antique Village), Olney · 7860 Beechcraft Ave., Gaithersburg · 240-207-3783 · curiosityconsignment.com
- May take high-value items on consignment; may also buy outright
- Evaluates items at your home on Mondays and Tuesdays — no charge
- Items they pass on are likely good candidates for donation
The Potomack Company, Auctioneers
1120 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA · 703-684-4550 · potomackcompany.com
1120 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA · 703-684-4550 · potomackcompany.com
- Accepts items valued at $300 or above
- Send photos of: dining room tables & chairs, china (front & back), stemware, sterling silver (front & back of utensil)
- Will not pick up, but can suggest movers
Potomac French Market
12211 River Rd., Potomac, MD · 301-807-9945 · potomacfrenchmarket.com
12211 River Rd., Potomac, MD · 301-807-9945 · potomacfrenchmarket.com
- May buy unique items outright — worth contacting for china and stemware
- For china: include photo of front pattern and back maker’s mark
- Does not accept furniture
My Big Finds
129 Commerce Square Pl. (Kentlands), Gaithersburg, MD · 301-704-4091 · mybigfinds.com
129 Commerce Square Pl. (Kentlands), Gaithersburg, MD · 301-704-4091 · mybigfinds.com
- Send photos to jodi@mybigfinds.com; include dimensions for furniture
- Items priced near median market value; you receive 50% of sale price
- Payouts quarterly upon sale — appointment required; do not drop in unannounced
- Allow 1–2 weeks for a response
Haul Away & Junk Removal Services
These services will remove usable items from your home and pledge to donate what they can to local charities such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Goodwill. They charge a fair price for the service.
- 123Junk.com — 123junk.com
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK — 1800gotjunk.com
- College Hunks — 540-931-0935
- Donation Nation — donationnationusa.org
- EcoCityJunk — ecocityjunk.com
- Junkluggers — junkluggers.com
Bulk Trash & Scrap Metal Disposal
Montgomery County Bulk Trash Service: Detached homes and some townhomes in Montgomery County are entitled to 5 bulk trash collections per calendar year for large items that won’t fit in a regular trash can. Properties receiving Montgomery County recycling service are entitled to unlimited scrap metal collections.
Schedule by calling 311 or online at montgomerycountymd.gov/311. Requests must be submitted by 11:59pm the night before your scheduled pickup day. All items must be at the curb by 7am on the day of collection.
Montgomery County Shady Grove Processing Facility & Transfer Station
You may also drop off bulk trash and scrap metal directly at no cost for loads of 500 lbs or less (Montgomery County residents).
You may also drop off bulk trash and scrap metal directly at no cost for loads of 500 lbs or less (Montgomery County residents).
- 16101 Frederick Rd., Derwood, MD (Corner of Rte. 355 & Shady Grove Road)
- 311 or 240-777-0311
- Mon–Sat: 7am–5pm (both entrances) | Sun: 9am–5pm (Shady Grove Rd. entrance only)
- montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/trash-recycling
We’re here to help. As specialists in helping seniors and their families navigate life transitions, Charles and Debbie are happy to connect you with trusted local vendors, movers, estate sale companies, and more. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re just a phone call away.
Considering making a move? We’d be happy to help →
Charles Chapman & Debbie Browne, Associate Brokers · The Encore Team with RE/MAX Realty Services
Debbie@EncoreTeam.net · Cell: 240-351-8212 | Office: 240-403-0400
Resource information subject to change; always call ahead to confirm hours and accepted items. This guide is provided as a community service and does not constitute an endorsement of any organization listed.