Moving out of your dorm or apartment can be just as sustainable as your move in! Consider donating furniture, appliances, and clothes rather than throwing them away, and remember that basic needs programs such as the Food Pantry at Iowa and Shelter House will accept unopened, nonperishable food or unopened toiletry and personal care items to give to those in need. Remember to check organization websites to verify what items they accept. Consider storing your belongings over the summer or shop reuse stores instead of buying new in the fall.
Reuse, Consign, Thrift, Donate
View this page to discover a map of Iowa City's reuse stores!
Food Donation and Battery Recycling in the Dorms
In May 2025, the University of Iowa partnered with Table to Table to allow students to donate their unopened, nonperishable food items and unopened toiletry or personal care items as well as recycle their unwanted electronics right in their dorms. This prevented over 2,300 pounds of food, 95 pounds of toiletry products, and 43 pounds of batteries from being sent to the landfill. Be on the lookout for collection bins in the lobbies of Burge, Catlett, Currier, Daum, Hillcrest, Mayflower, Petersen, Rienow, and Slater during the next move out season.
Want to save your items for next year?
Are you moving out of your current residence but returning to Iowa City next year? Do you have furniture or other belongings that you don't want to transport back to your hometown or summer residence? Consider using Storage Squad for renting a storage unit for the summer!