Moving out? Here’s what to do with your stuff
Whether you’re moving out of a residence hall or your place off campus, figuring out what to keep, donate or toss doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning, you can save time and do your part to keep reusable items out of landfills. Here’s a guide to your main options and how to make the most of them.Ìý
ÌýÌýDonate items you don’t want to keepÌý
Donating helps your community and cuts down on waste.ÌýÌý
ÌýÌýOn-campus residents: Give and Go Donation DriveÌý
If you live on campus, take part in the Give and Go Donation Drive from April 27-May 1. You can donate:Ìý
- Clothing and shoesÌý
- Usable home goodsÌý
- Unopened, non‑perishable foodÌý
- Books and school suppliesÌý
- Toiletries, hygiene products and cleaning suppliesÌý
Items not accepted:Ìý
- Bedding, pillows or towelsÌý
- Broken itemsÌý
ÌýÌýOff-campus residents: Drop-off locations on The HillÌý
If you live off campus, use drop‑off sites on The Hill to get rid of hard‑to‑recycle items like furniture, mattresses and electronics. This program is a partnership between the Environmental Center, Off-Campus Life and the city of Boulder.Ìý
2026 drop-off dates will be May 4-5. Students can also to request a pickup of unwanted items from your property between the dates of April 20 and April 24.Ìý
Drop-off locations:Ìý
- 11th St. & Pennsylvania Ave.Ìý
- 13th St. & Euclid Ave.Ìý
- 15th St. & Euclid Ave.Ìý
- 10th St. & College Ave.Ìý
- Aurora Ave. & 12th St.Ìý
There are also donation centers around Boulder that accept usable items in good condition.Ìý
Looking to donate your bike? Unwanted bikes can be donated at the TLC and UMC bike stations, where they will be refurbished and sold at the annual fall bike sale.Ìý
ÌýÌýStore items for next yearÌý
If you plan to keep and use your items again next year, storage is a great option.Ìý
ÌýÌýSummer storageÌýÌý
If you’re looking for convenient storage solutions, check out our preferred storage partners in the area. The offers packing, shipping and storage services to help make your move easy, and there are several other local storage providers available for your needs.Ìý
ÌýÌýStore your bike on campusÌý
The CU Bike Program offers secure, covered bike storage for the entire summer for $20. Bikes left on outdoor racks are often stolen, and abandoned bikes may be impounded—summer storage is a safer option.Ìý
- When: ÌýApril 27- May 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Ìý
- Where: CU Bicycle Warehouse (southwest corner of 3100 Marine St.) or the TLC bike stationÌý
- Cost: $20 (credit/debit only)Ìý
- How it works: No reservations—bikes are accepted first‑come, first‑servedÌý
If you wish to keep your bike for all of finals week, email bicycle@colorado.edu to discuss later drop-off options.Ìý
ÌýÌýDispose of items that can’t be donatedÌý
Some items need special handling and should not go in the trash.Ìý
ÌýÌýMedications: Use the take‑back box in the lobby of the Parking Services and Police Department building.Ìý
ÌýÌýVapes and hazardous tobacco products: Dispose of them at designated locations in the UMC and Village Center.Ìý
ÌýÌýElectronics: In Colorado, it’s illegal to throw electronics in the trash.Ìý
- Donate usable electronics to thrift stores.Ìý
- Recycle broken electronics at Eco‑Cycle’s or .Ìý
ÌýÌýHousehold hazardous waste: Learn how to like fluorescent bulbs, cleaning products, motor oil, antifreeze, paint and yard care products.Ìý
ÌýÌýOther hard‑to‑recycle items: Visit the Environmental Center website for guidance on disposing of batteries, cell phones and toner cartridges.Ìý
ÌýÌýReview additional reminders
ÌýÌýFor on-campus residents:
- All resident contracts expire on May 2 at 10 a.m. for residence halls, Bear Creek and Weber Hall. You must complete aÌýsummer housing application to be eligible for summer housing.
- Students should return their room to the original move-in condition before moving out. Follow the steps outlined in theÌýcleaning checklist to minimize any damage charges.
- Dispose of all recycling and trash in the appropriate receptacles outside your hall.
- Check outÌýsummer storage options.
- Return your mailbox key to your assigned UPS Store location.
- Learn more aboutÌýon-campus move-out information.Ìý
ÌýÌýFor off-campus residentsÌý
- If you are moving out, remember to properly dispose of any items you are getting rid of. Large items will not be picked up with regular trash, and disposing of electronics in a landfill is illegal.
- Off-Campus Life and theÌýEnvironmental Center have resources on how to recycle or donate electronics, mattresses, clothing, small appliances and other hard-to-dispose-of materials.
- If you are leaving Boulder for the summer, post your sublet or create a roommate profile onÌý, CU’s rental database.
- Sublease agreements are available fromÌýOff-Campus Life. If you have legal concerns about subleasing, you canÌýschedule an appointment with an attorney through Off-Campus Life for free legal advice.ÌýStudent Legal Services (SLS) also provides free lease reviews. SLS can be reached by visiting UMC 311 or calling 303-492-6813.
- If you will be gone for an extended period, ask a friend or neighbor to watch your property and considerÌý while you are away. Consider setting your lights on a timer, lock all doors and windows and make sure your valuables are not visible from the outside.
- Protect your property from a possible flooding situation. If you live in a flood-prone area or a basement apartment, remember to remove items from the floor before you leave.Ìý
- Boulder has enacted a bear ordinance requiring all residents west of Broadway to keep their trash secured in bear-resistant containers or enclosed areas. If you are subletting this summer, properly secure your trash.
- If you are still looking for fall housing, searchÌý orÌýconnect with Off-Campus Life for a list of property management companies and apartment complexes.
For more sustainability tips and resources on recycling and beyond, connect with the Environmental Center.Ìý