That sofa, chair or other furnishing left behind when clearing out from a college apartment or dorm doesn't have to be destined for the dumpster thanks to an innovative moving and charitable giving service founded by students.
Move In Move Out provides free pickup services for unwanted furnishings and household items that are still useable and in good repair. Donated items are then cleaned and stored in an area warehouse, and resold to incoming students or residents in the fall. All proceeds go to support local charities, or to provide basic operational support for the company.
"We're not out to make a profit," says Rachel McCloskey, president of MIMO. "Our goal is to make our community a better place by reducing waste."
Founded two years ago by students at Northwestern University,
MIMO opened an East Lansing branch in May 2014. Kevin Ye, an entrepreneur working through the Hatch, became acquainted with Northwestern MIMO founder Steven To through a mutual friend, and set things in motion to bring the concept to the MSU campus.
McCloskey says the company grew from two to six staff in 12 months, with dozens of volunteers who assist during the moving and sales period that runs from May through August. About 1,200 tons of potential waste was hauled or transformed into reusable goods during the first year.
"We welcome anyone who wants to donate or buy anything," says President Rachel McCloskey. "If you donate, we provide the pickup. If you purchase items in our warehouse, you provide the hauling or we can arrange to have it hauled for you for a small delivery charge."
Move In Move Out services can be requested online. Items for sale can be viewed and purchased at warehouse and storage facilities on Abbot Road near Chandler Crossings. Most items for sale are between $15 to $20 with prices topping out at $50. In the first year at MSU, MIMO sold about 200 items with about 100 remaining household items donated to the Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Sources: Rachel McCloskey, President, Move In Move Out
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Innovation News? Email Ann Kammerer here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.