Heed the Warning: Don't Move Before Selling These Electronics

Understanding Moving Costs and the Value of Old Electronics

When you hire a moving company to transport your belongings to a new location, the cost is typically based on the weight of your shipment and the space it occupies. This pricing model is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s household goods rules, which have been in place since 2022. As a result, every additional pound can significantly increase your total moving expense. For instance, if a mover charges $0.85 per pound and you’re transporting 150 pounds of outdated electronics—such as a CRT TV, a desktop tower, an AV receiver, and a few printers—this could add $127.50 to your bill.

Instead of paying for the transportation of these items, consider selling them. This approach is similar to how people often sell kitchen appliances or collectibles before moving. There is a growing market for old electronics, and many companies offer trade-in programs that can help you recoup some of their value.

Popular Trade-In Options for Electronics

Several well-known brands provide incentives for trading in old devices. For example:

• Bose offers up to $200 credit for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi speakers and up to $300 for sound bars.
• Sonos provides 15% off a new speaker, with some cases offering up to 30% when trading in an eligible model.
• GameStop has daily changing trade-in prices. A PS5 might fetch around $190 in cash or $275 in store credit, while an Xbox Series X could be worth $210 in cash or $300 in credit. A Nintendo Switch OLED might get up to $70 in cash or $100 in credit.

For speakers, Reverb’s price guide indicates that Sonos Play:1 units can sell for approximately $85 to $135 depending on condition, with similar models often ranging from $120 to $160.

Always bring all necessary accessories, such as power cords and controllers, to ensure you receive the highest possible offer.

What to Do If You Can’t Sell or Donate

If you are unable to sell or give away your old electronics, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking them to a certified e-waste recycler. According to the EPA’s updated guidance on Electronics Donation and Recycling, published on May 15, 2025, recyclers certified under the R2 or e-Stewards standards are reliable options. The agency advises prioritizing selling or donating first, but if those options aren’t feasible, recycling is the next best choice. This helps prevent devices containing personal data and hazardous materials from ending up in landfills.

Before dropping off your electronics, make sure to remove lithium-ion batteries from laptops, tablets, speakers, power tools, scooters, and game controllers. The EPA warns that these batteries should never be placed in household trash or curbside recycling. Instead, they should be taken to a battery recycling center or a household hazardous waste site. To reduce the risk of fire, the EPA suggests taping the battery terminals or placing each battery in its own plastic bag before transport.

Protecting Your Data Before Selling or Recycling

Before selling or recycling a device, it's essential to back up your files and photos in a secure location. Sign out of accounts like iCloud, Google, or Microsoft. Remove SIM and SD cards, and encrypt your data before performing a factory reset. On Windows, use the Reset option, and on a Mac, choose Erase All Content and Settings. Additionally, sign out of apps, browsers, and streaming services.

These steps are especially important given the increasing prevalence of AI-powered financial scams, which can exploit your personal information for fraudulent activities. Taking these precautions ensures your data remains safe even after you no longer need the device.