6 Tips for Getting Rid of Some of Your Stuff Before Moving
A household move is an ideal time to remove items you no longer want, need, or use. Avoid bringing unnecessary stuff into your new home by eliminating junk drawers, overstuffed closets, and bins of things you haven’t taken out in years.
Cleaning out before your move also means fewer items to pack and load when the moving truck arrives. Learn more about how to get rid of stuff as you prepare for your move.
1. Plan Ahead
There’s no reason to wait until a few days before your move to decide what to pack and what to get rid of. Begin the decluttering process as soon as you know that you’re moving.
Set aside a few hours every day to clean out a closet, room, or a few drawers. When you work in smaller tasks throughout the day, it makes the process smoother.
2. Use the Three Box Method
Each room you go into, take along three boxes. One for the items you plan to keep, one for what you want to throw away, and one for the things you plan to sell or donate.
3. Save Your Mementos for Last
When an item has sentimental value, getting rid of it is more complicated. This means you need to leave the harder decisions for last.
Sort through your emotions to determine if you truly love the item or the memory that goes with it. If the memory is what you are holding onto, consider taking a picture of the item and then give it away. Maybe create a small scrapbook memento later using these pictures.
Or, consider passing the item on to another family member or a friend. It might be easier to give up the item if you know it’s going to a familiar home.
4. Use Up Extra Items You Have Collected
Do you stockpile certain things, such as toiletries and dried food products?
While having a stockpile is nice, do you want to spend the time and money to move it? Try using up all these extra items now to avoid having to move them to your new house.
5. If You Don’t Need It, Eliminate It
Here is an excellent method to follow: if you haven’t used an item in the last six months, eliminate it.
If you’re still having trouble deciding about an item, ask yourself these questions:
- How often do I use this?
- Is it hard to replace?
- Is it outdated?
- Do I have many similar things?
Answer these questions truthfully, and the decision to keep the item should be clear.
If you’re still conflicted, challenge yourself, “Is it worth the time and effort to bring this item to my new home?” If your answer is no, it’s time to let the item go.
6. Use the Practicality Test
Are you unsure if you need to keep something or donate it? If so, ask yourself if you are going to use it in the future.
Limit the number of clothes you take along. An excellent way to do this is by donating anything you haven’t worn in the past 12 months.
For kitchen utensils, check for any duplicate items you can get rid of. The same goes for towels and sheets.
Get Rid of Stuff Before Moving
Believe it or not, learning how to get rid of stuff before moving isn’t an impossible process. Decluttering before your household move will help give you a fresh start in your new home.
For assistance with your packing and moving, call our professional and experienced team at Brooks Transfer and Storage. We provide superior services for all your moving needs.
