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First I want to wish all of you a Happy Birthday that I missed.

I also hope everyone had a happy holiday.

Now onto my question. My mother passed away last Friday afternoon and due to the holidays, the funeral is tomorrow. It has been a long week

I need to get her things out of her apartment by the 1st and wondered if anyone has any suggestions for doing so quickly. I know I can donate things, but most places won't come upstairs in an elevator to take furniture and I don't really have anyone/want to hire movers.

Do you know of any charities that will actually come and take furniture? My son works for the Epilepsy Foundation and even they won't do it unless its at the curb.

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

Wwanda, I am sorry for the loss of your mother. I have noticed you have been missing and not posting as usual on these boards. Regarding your question, our Goodwill will pick up appliances. Have you contacted them? Also, does the apartment complex have anyone e.g., property maintenance superintendent, you might contact for help? If you could get it down to the first floor maybe the Epilepsy Foundation could come pick it up. Also, Habitat for Humanity in our area will pick up items. I hope this helps. Keeping you in my thoughts.

ETA....I would contact the local Chamber of Commerce and the churches. They may know someone or know an organization who have volunteers to pick up items.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Georgia Peach,

Sorry for your loss, it must have been a rough week for sure. And add that to the stress of having to clear out the apartment by the first!

People (friends, coworkers and relation) seem very willing to help after a loss, but often don't know what they can offer to do. Let a few know of the situation, they will spread the word, and I am betting you will get some offers of help removing all the furniture.
And at this point in time, (if it were items I did not personally want) I would let them go to whomever would be willing to take them.

Wanda, please accept my deepest condolences. This is a very stressful time for you, especially because of the looming deadlines. (Is there any earthly way to push that deadline ahead a couple of weeks, perhaps working out an arrangement with the landlord?)

Georgia gave you great advice, and I second her suggestion to see what you can work out with the apartment's manager for assistance in moving the furniture out...have plenty of tip money available.

Also try Salvation Army, local charitable groups and churches. Just be aware that you probably will not be able to get on Goodwill's or Salvation Army's schedule for a week or two, because this a terribly busy time of the year for them. Which is why I am hoping you can get the landlord's deadline extended, even if you have to use you mother's security deposit or pay a little bit of extra rent.

Many of us, including myself, have been in your shoes. I am wishing you the best of luck under these very trying circumstances.

I am so sorry for your loss.

I had a couple of ideas for moving the furniture. Call your local domestic violence helpline. They ALWAYS need furniture/appliances and virtualy everything.

Contact the local service organizations.. Lions, Elks, Moose. they may be able to help. Contact the local Boy Scout leader there may be an Eagle Scout needing a charitable project.

Although they most likely won't be able to actually move anything, call your local "Office for the Aging.. Senior sevices" through your county govern**ment. They deal with this all the time and can direct you.

same idea with contacting a nursing home/old age home they have social workers who deal with this too. Someone most likely will steer you the right way.

Best of luck and again my condolences.

WWanda, I so sorry. What a difficult time you must be going through.

Are you part of a congregation in a church? Often you can rally some help through your church leaders.

Also what about family? Could you gather some of the family that comes in for the funeral to stay an extra day and give you a hand?

Wanda I am so sorry. Cocok beat me to it about churchs, they usually have groups that will take items, like St. Vincents that are looking for appliances or furniture and just household items.

What a shame that you have to do this so fast. I have a feeling that if you don't get this stuff out by the first of the month you will have to pay another months rent and if it isn't too much that may be a route to go and it would give you time to contact someone. Students, scouts around here are always looking for service hours to do so maybe you could contact your local schools to see if you could get some help.

Good luck and I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

Another Wanda

Wanda, so sorry to hear about your mother. I can't imagine the stress you must be under right now. My first thought was asking church members if you or your mother belongs to a church. Or when people offer or say "if there is anything I can do for you"...HIT EM UP.

My condolences on the loss of your mother. If you are in the Eastern Territory of the Salvation Army this is the information you need. Try calling and see if how long it will take for them to arrive. Have you spoken with the Landlord regarding the difficulty of removing your mother's belongings by the first due to the holidays resulting in a shortage of available moving days and man power. Especially regarding charities and movers. I say movers even though you aren't hiring someone because the Landlord doesn't know that. Perhaps the landlord will allow a little leeway as the only alternative a Landlord has is to begin a eviction process, which is costly. If your mother resided in the same state as you then please know that Massachusetts is a Tenant friendly states which may make the Landlord more willing to cooperate.


If you are in the Eastern Territory of the Salvation Army this is the information you need. Try calling and see if how long it will take for them to arrive.

Clothing, Furniture, Electronics and Household Items Donations

This past year, more than 10 million caring citizens donated gently used items such as clothing, furniture, appliances and toys to The Salvation Army. Your tax-deductible contributions are then sold through our popular Family Thrift stores around the country.

Proceeds from the sale of donated items help fund our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, which provide substance abusers and others struggling with various forms of life issues with the necessary tools to re-enter society and live productive lives.

When donating clothes and household items at a staffed location, you will be immediately provided with a tax receipt of your donation for your records. To accelerate the transaction, be sure to prepare and bring an itemized list of your donation with you. To help you identify the estimated value of your items use our Valuation Guide for Salvation Army Donations.

Schedule a Free Donation Pick Up

Call 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825) to discuss a free pick up of your clothing, furniture or household items or to find out the nearest drop off location bin.By donating it to The Salvation Army's clothing donation program, you can GET A TAX DEDUCTION FOR CLOTHES and SHOES YOU NO LONGER NEED.

The Salvation Army has more than 2,300 donation drop-off locations in North America to which you can bring your household items and material goods. These conveniently located Salvation Army drop-off sites include clearly labeled clothing bins, Family Thrift Stores and all Salvation Army service locations. Please call 1-800-SATRUCK to find your nearest drop-off location.

Due to the high volume of donations received and the limited number of trucks available to respond to pick up requests, The Salvation Army cannot schedule same-day pick ups. While we will try our best to work with your schedule, pick up appointments are usually scheduled to take place within 7-14 days from the time of the initial phone call. However, schedules may vary based on location, time of year and the number of trucks available in your area.

Due to laws and other regulations, there may be some items that we cannot accept as donations. For instance, tires, paint, windows, doors, water heaters, bathroom fixtures, and water beds are often problematic. If you have any questions about any of the items you wish to donate, please call 1-800-SATRUCK. Our representatives will be able to advise you based on your location.

Wanda,
I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. What a lot of stress for you!

You got some good advice and don't be afraid to ask people you know for help. When I had to do this for a dear friend when she passed, I was surprised at the person who offered to help, people understand and help out.

I and sure the landlord would be willing to listen, I understand he may want more money for an extension, but people move in and move out all the time in apartments so he must know someone with a truck, or who could help get the items to the curb for the Charity trucks to pick it up from.

Good luck and I hope it goes smoothly for you and give you a chance to rest yourself and grieve in peace.

Sorry to hear of your loss and the added stress, especially at this time of year, Wanda.

Hope one of the terrific suggestions you've rec'd does the trick WRT clearing everything out and the landlord works with you -

Take care and all the best -

WWanda, so sorry about your Mom passing away. Know you have been under a lot of stress. ((((HUGS)))).......

It would be nice if you had a little more time. Anyway, as suggested---get the word out that you need some help.

Is a storage unit an option for you, especially for personal items that you might want more time to made decisions? When in a hurry, could let go of things you want to keep and keep some that you don't want.

You might check on auction houses. The ones that have them at their location.

A local moving company here was started up by some college guys. They hired football players and atheletes. Still going strong and even now have a resale location.

Think our DAV (disabled veterans) does pick ups where as some of the others don't.

My sis and I were lucky since it took us almost a year to go through stuff.

Please take care of yourself. Again, deepest sympathy.

Another option, if you are just needing to get the furniture out and gone...Craigslist...advertised it for FREE and it will be gone in no time.

Wanda,
I am so very sorry for your loss.

I agree with the salvation army suggestion. I called for a pick up and was scheduled within 5 days.
also if you have an amvets in your area, they pick up.

Free Cycle is free to join and you list your items and folks are very good about coming fairly quickly.

please know I am thinking of you.
Sonny

We were in your shoes this past July and we contacted St Vincent DePaul and they took all but the top mattress. We boxed all the little items and put clothes in plastic bags for them to take. If you have the time as you sort and pack, take the time to itemize as you can deduct value of donation on income taxes. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Wanda,

I am sorry to hear about your Mother. May your special memories bring comfort to you at this time. Best wishes on finding some helpers to assist you with the donations.

Hugs.
I wish I could send my high school students there to do all the work. Kids are pretty helpful, when asked.

I hope your family comes though.

WWanda, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathies. You have been given many suggestions here. I hope you will find some of them helpful and that as soon as others are aware of your situation that you will have multiple volunteers to help you get things moved.

Wanda,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending T's and P's your way.

Annie

Those of us who have been posters on this forum for a while have shared many sad and happy events.I am sorry for your loss. I understand the stress associated with sorting, packing and finding a place for her belongings. Hopefully someone near you will pass on helpful information.

Wanda, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

WWanda, I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I can only imagine what a difficult time this is for you and your family.

I can't think of any suggestions that haven't already been offered, just wanted to give you a big cyber hug.

Just got home. Thank you everyone so much for your thoughts and condolences. You are a great bunch of people!

I am making some calls tomorrow and trying to get things done.

Thank you again for all your suggestions. It has been very helpful.

Wish I was closer- I would be more than glad to give you a hand.

I'm so sorry you are having to deal not only with the loss of your dear mother but the stress of disposing of her apartment so quickly.

Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of those of us on this message board.

HUGS

Wanda, so very sorry for the loss of your mom...you are in my T&P's

Thank you.

DH and I were there today for about 3 hours sorting, trashing and making piles. Two Haitian women came by and took a TON of stuff! It was very helpful. Unfortunately, when I saw one of their apartments, it was apparent that they are hoarders!

Wanda,I'm sorry for your loss.I'm sending T&P and a big ((hug ))to you.

Wanda,
Facts on Haiti before thinking any of them are Hoarders!

We knew some vendors when we sold a few things at a huge flea market. I talked with a few that appeared to be grabbing anything in sight, and talked about what they do with all the stuff!

To them it is a business. As a use up and throw away society, we don't realize the value of what we actually have. In Haiti conditions have not gotten better in the last 20 yrs as far as lifestyle for the common people. People who come to the US will return home with a lot of used clothing, and any item they can get to sell. Hurricanes have ravaged the country more than once and any aid that is sent there, well I think it is not managed well in all aspects and the govt does not seem to be improving. So, when you think of how they may appear as Hoarders, they in fact are taking advantage of every FREE thing they can find, even if they sell it for $1 they are $1 ahead.

Some that we knew, even put on 5 layers of clothing to be able to carry back to their country as MUCH as they could carry!

We do not see ourselves as RICH in this country, but EVEN our trash is more than some people have owned in their lifetime!

I did not mean to imply you said something wrong, I only wanted to stir you to read more about Haiti's plight and feel better about where your mother's things went, they went to a good cause as far as I am concerned, so you can feel better about who took it.

ANYONE could have gotten that stuff! But the people who GOT it got there first! They did not sit there and wait for someone to bring that stuff to them... Early risers and hard workers get better deals when it comes to thrifting and finding good deals! I have seen large homes here in Florida (make listings on CL) with garages and rooms full of stuff to sell and many people living in that house!

Think of it, YOU made their day, their Holiday, something to talk about for days! What you gave away was Charity in my opinion!


Haiti in 2012: "the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54% in abject poverty"
http://www.indexmundi.com/haiti/economy_profile.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Thank you Jackie.

MR, the only English word they knew was "free" LOL. It got to the point where I couldn't leave anything out in the hall without watching it cuz it would disappear! I do understand their plight though and they were very helpful.

I am happy to say that thanks to them and others who actually bought items, I am done. There anyway. Now the rest is in my garage. Maybe I could redecorate that??