While moving can be exciting, it is by nature overwhelmingly incomprehensible through the building up of years of experience. What are some of the greatest stressors involved? Trying to work out what to get rid of before moving. Here are practical decluttering and paring-down tips that are surefire solutions for making an easier move.
Why Declutter Before Moving?
You might be thinking, “Why not just throw everything in boxes and deal with it later?” Decluttering first will save you time, money, and stress. Having less stuff means lower moving costs and fewer packing materials. The whole process will be way easier, and it’s a great chance to start fresh in your new place.
How to Get Rid of Stuff When Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide
This process might feel like a big task. Taking it step-by-step will make things easier. Use this moving checklist as a decluttering checklist as well. This will ensure your new home will be free of unnecessary items.
1. The Initial Purge
Start by going from room to room. Box up or bag items to be labeled as “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash.” Work your way around your home, making relatively quick decisions and placing each item appropriately into the related box. Briefly assess whatever goes into the appropriate bin.
2. The Closet Cleanout
Closets are often hiding places for most stuff that’s never used. Honestly, how many of those clothes haven’t seen the light of day in a year? If you haven’t worn something in some time or it doesn’t fit, it’s time to get rid of it. Expired medicines must be thrown out. Clothing that does not look good on you must also be purged. Give Goodwill or The Salvation Army a call to come and take the gently used clothes. Consider reselling higher-value items on Poshmark or eBay.
3. Tackling the Kitchen
The kitchen can be another big clutter zone. Check expiration dates on old food and toss anything that’s past due. Get rid of mismatched plastic containers or appliances you never use. It’s time to say goodbye to those gadgets, like that bread maker you promised you’d use but never did.
4. Bathroom Blitz
Expired medicines, old makeup, and almost empty shampoo bottles go in the trash. Bath products in poor condition should be tossed as well. Be sure to dispose of unwanted medicine safely.
5. The Sentimental Sort
This is where a lot of people get stuck. Photos, keepsakes, and old letters can hold a lot of emotional value. Keep the things that really mean something to you and let go of the stuff that’s just taking up space in your living room.
6. Where to Take Your Unwanted Items
You have a few good options for removing stuff before moving. Here is where you can sell items, donate sell items, or otherwise get rid of them. Remember that it’s important to get rid of these things so you have more storage space or don’t have to pay extra money if you’re moving to a smaller space.
Donating
Donate gently used clothes, household goods, and furniture to charities. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or local thrift stores are good options; many charities offer pick-up services.
Giving Away to Friends
Give away still-useful stuff to friends and family. This could be to someone who is just getting their first apartment or a person moving to college.
Tips and Tricks to Streamline Your Decluttering
Be mindful of what you bring into your space, and it’ll make the process easier and more consistent. You won’t have to do huge purges every time you move.
- The 20/20 Rule: If something costs less than $20 and you can replace it in under 20 minutes, it may be better to replace it if you end up needing it. If you end up needing it later, it’s simple to buy it again.
- The “One Year” Rule: If you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s probably time to let it go. If it’s been that long without use, chances are someone else could get good use out of it.
- Visualize Your New Home: Imagine your new place without all the clutter. Get rid of bulky furniture you don’t love and plan to replace. Buying new furniture is often cheaper than moving large, heavy items. Don’t bring worn-out appliances or things that won’t fit in your new space—donate or sell them instead. This provides flexibility for moving between spaces and minimizes stress from tight deadlines imposed by the best local movers in Philadelphia.
Start decluttering as soon as you know you’re moving. It makes packing easier and helps cut down on moving costs. This is the perfect time to minimize what you own—clean out the junk drawer, ditch those wire hangers, organize the medicine cabinet, gather up extra shampoo bottles, and make your move a more positive experience. Ready to make the move? Contact us today!