Getting Rid of Items Before a Move

Moving means starting over in a new place with a fresh canvas, which can be a very exciting process. There are some aspects of moving that are less appealing, packing up belongings is a hassle, and unpacking them is even worse. You can make moving less stressful by tossing some unnecessary items and decluttering before you make your move. It doesn’t make sense to hire a moving company, spend time of your own packing, and hauling items that you are no longer going to use or haven’t used in a long time.

Here’s a list of items you should consider tossing in each room before a move.

Living Room

Cheaply Made Furniture

Toss that Ikea end table to the curb, cheaply made furniture is easily damaged during a move. If you choose to take it keep in mind if it does get damaged, you’ll end up replacing it anyway, and you’ll waste space in your moving truck.

Old Movies, Games & Toys

If you’re one of those people who still have some VHS tapes, it may be time to consider if you’ll ever watch them again. This applies to old games and toys, things you’ve held onto for sentimental value, but are not necessary.

Kitchen

Unused Appliances

There are plenty of kitchen appliances you’ve bought yourself, gotten as gifts over the years, or come into possession of that you really never use. Some items may still even be in their original packaging, so those ‘As Seen on TV’ veggie clippers, maybe aren’t needed in your new home (since they weren’t in your last).

Pots and Pans That Need Replacing

If you take a look at your pots and plans and notice some rust, gunk, or general wear and tear, maybe it’s time for new ones? Pot and pans sets are very affordable, and cooking your first meal in your new home with fresh shiny pots and pans is a great way to start off in your new home.

Home Office

Books You’ve Never Read

That copy of “Eat, Pray, Love” that you’ve been meaning to get to, but has since collected an inch of dust on your bookshelf, probably doesn’t need to make the move with you. Donate all of your unwanted books to a local library, this way you can always go borrow a copy later on.

Extra Office Supplies

Your home office doesn’t need empty file folders, drawers filled with miscellaneous items mixed with paper clips and pen caps, donate what you can and toss the rest. Any papers you may have, take a glance over, if it’s unimportant toss it. Remember if you’ve saved old bank statements and other papers with personal information, it’s a good idea to shred them before throwing them in the trash.

Closets

Extra Linens and Blankets

There is absolutely no need to have six sets of sheets and blankets for one bed. You can donate blankets and sheets to local charity and good wills in your area, if not then toss them away.

Anything That You’ve Never Used

Take a look around your home, items and gifts, memorabilia, and random memento’s you’ve accumulated throughout the years. If you can’t even think of the last time you used it or thought of it, donate or throw it out.

Clothes

Only keep the clothes you wear and love, get rid of anything that doesn’t fit, are in despair, or don’t match your style anymore. People hold onto clothes because they want to get their moneys worth, but ask yourself, is this worth keeping, have I worn this in the last six months, would I buy this again? If the answer is no, then it’s time to let it go! You can donate your clothes to local drop off bins and good will locations. If they’re not in great condition anymore, toss them.

Get Rid of the Clutter

Take this list and get started on decluttering some of the rooms in your home before you start packing up! Following these tips will make moving less of a hassle and you’ll be thankful when it comes time to unpack. Remember if you have a lot of decluttering to do before you move, call us at Waste Solutions 123 for a dumpster rental! Our dumpsters are a great way to handle any junk removal you may need to do.