Here's What to Get Rid of Before Moving

Melanie 

Ortiz Reyes

Content Specialist

Moving to a new place is an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding what to bring along and what to leave behind. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, downsizing your belongings before a move can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. 

Assess Your Belongings
 

Before you start packing, take some time to assess your belongings thoroughly. Create a list of items you own and categorize them based on their importance and usefulness. Ask yourself questions like:
 

• When was the last time I used this item?
• Does this item hold sentimental value?
• Will I have space for this item in my new home?
• Can I easily replace this item if needed?

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Decluttering Room by Room
 

Breaking down the decluttering process room by room can make it more manageable and less overwhelming. Here are some specific areas to focus on:
 

1. Clothing and Accessories:

• Donate or sell clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Get rid of damaged or outdated accessories like belts, scarves, and jewelry.

2. Kitchen Items:

• Discard expired food items, spices, and condiments.
• Donate or sell kitchen appliances or gadgets you rarely use.
• Consider the space available in your new kitchen when deciding what to keep.

3. Furniture:

• Measure your new space to determine which furniture pieces will fit.
• Sell or donate furniture that is worn out, outdated, or no longer needed.
• Consider the layout of your new home to optimize furniture placement.

4. Books and Magazines:

• Donate or sell books you no longer need or plan to read.
• Consider donating magazines or recycling them if they are outdated.

5. Electronics:

• Dispose of broken or obsolete electronics responsibly.
• Sell or donate electronics that are in good condition but no longer needed.
• Organize cables and accessories to avoid confusion during unpacking.

6. Paperwork and Documents:

• Shred or recycle old documents and paperwork you no longer need.
• Organize important documents like passports, IDs, and financial records for easy access during the move.

Sentimental Items
 

Dealing with sentimental items can be challenging, but it's crucial to evaluate their significance realistically. Keep items that truly hold deep sentimental value and consider other options for items that may not fit in your new space or lifestyle. Take photos of sentimental items you decide to part with to preserve memories without taking up physical space.

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Tips for Selling and Donating
 

Once you’ve identified items to sell or donate, consider the following tips:
 

Selling Items:

• Use online platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist to reach a broader audience.
• Host a garage sale or yard sale to sell multiple items at once.
• Price items competitively and be transparent about their condition.

Donating Items:

• Research local charities, shelters, or organizations that accept donations.
• Schedule donation pickups or drop off items at designated locations.
• Obtain receipts for tax-deductible donations if applicable.

Benefits of Decluttering Before Moving
 

Decluttering before a move offers numerous benefits:
 

• Save Time - Packing and unpacking fewer items will streamline the moving process.
• Save Money - Moving fewer items can lower transportation costs and storage fees.
• Reduce Stress - A clutter-free environment in your new home promotes relaxation and organization.
• Start Fresh - Moving provides an opportunity to declutter and create a more intentional living space.

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Final Steps Before Moving
 

As you near your moving date, make sure to:
 

• Pack items strategically, labeling boxes by room for easy unpacking.
• Keep essential items like medications, important documents, and valuables separate for easy access.
• Coordinate with movers or enlist the help of friends and family for assistance.
• Clean and prepare your old home for the next occupants.
   

Decluttering before a move is a valuable step in simplifying your transition to a new home. By assessing your belongings, decluttering room by room, and being mindful of sentimental items, you can reduce the stress and costs associated with moving. Whether you choose to sell, donate, or dispose of items, the process of decluttering allows you to start fresh in your new space with a sense of organization and purpose.
 

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