DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS.
Moving isn’t known as a fun activity, but it doesn’t have to be overly stressful, either. You can lighten your load — literally — by getting rid of some of the stuff taking up space in your house. After all, they’re going to take up the same amount of space in your new home, which means you’ll be living with clutter from the get-go. Why not get a fresh start instead, clearing out any items you’re just not using anymore? And if you’re like most people, you’ve been saying for years that you’ll declutter your home “someday.” Well, it makes sense to use your upcoming move to get energized enough to finally let go of items you no longer use. You can get started with these tips on figuring out what to keep, what to sell, and what to simply toss in the trash can before you move.
WHAT TO KEEP – THE ONE YEAR RULE
Okay, most of the contents of your home will probably fall into the “keep” category. If you used an item yesterday, you probably want to keep it. Don’t get so excited about decluttering that you throw out all the pots and pans you’ll need for dinner! Good rule of thumb, if you haven’t used something in the last year or so, it’s most likely time to part ways.
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, as some items have sentimental value. You might rarely dust off your old awards from childhood or that photo album with precious reminders of your grandparents in it, but you should still keep them. Just set them aside in a box as you pack, and start planning where to store them in your new home.
WHAT TO SELL – LETGO IS THE NEW GARAGE SALE
Now that you’ve discovered numerous items you haven’t used in years, what do you do with them? If you don’t want to pack them or toss them, and there’s still some life left in them, consider selling them. But before you do, make sure they’re going to be worth the time it takes to list them online on sites like Letgo, or set them out in front of your house during a garage sale.
First, ensure this stuff doesn’t simply qualify as junk. You haven’t used that waffle maker in three years. Is it because it won’t turn on, or did you just decide buying frozen waffles was easier than making them? If it’s the latter, maybe you could help out another family and make a few dollars while you’re at it by selling it at your garage sale or online. As long as you think there’s a demand for the item and it’s still in good shape, you might as well try selling it before you move. Just give yourself a deadline so you know when to throw in the towel if it doesn’t sell, at which point you’ll either toss it or donate it for free. This ensures you don’t delay your move just because you haven’t sold your old dryer yet.
WHAT TO TOSS – THIS IS A GOOD THING
Let’s face it. Everyone has some stuff in their home they probably should have thrown out years ago. So don’t be surprised if you find some during your move. Just be prepared with two big garbage bags: one for your trash and one for your recyclables. If you have a drawer filled with old receipts or user manuals for items you don’t even have anymore, throw them out. Do the same with items like makeup you bought five years ago, broken costume jewelry you never got around to fixing, or that giant pile of magazines from the ’90s. This way, you have fewer belongings to move, and you get a fresh start in your new home. Win/win!
Another way to make your move easier is to hire the right movers who will safely transport all your items in the “keep” pile to your new house. You did just spend hours figuring out what your most prized possessions are, so they must be worth protecting during the move, right? At 3 Men Movers, we’re happy to make your move as pleasant as possible, so contact us today to get a free moving estimate!
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