There are many ways to approach decluttering and reducing the amount of stuff you have before moving. One of the best tips I have is to start early. Don’t put off this task so that you can make sure you aren’t moving items you don’t need. At the same time, the overwhelming task of packing can leave you wondering how to decide what to keep or toss ahead of moving. That’s what we’re going to discuss in this blog post.
Toss or Keep: How to Decide what to Pack and Move
As you decide what to keep and what to get rid of before you move, consider a few tips to help you lighten your load:
- Start with 4 different boxes – To Toss, To Donate, To Keep, and Maybe. If you have time, set the Maybe box aside after you’ve filled it for a couple of weeks or a month, and then review it again. This time, you can only keep or get rid of the items. The Maybe box doesn’t get filled again.
- Consider starting with what you want to keep first – Instead of “should I get rid of this or keep it?” work backwards and set aside those things you are certain you really want. You’d be surprised how this can help move the project forward quicker.
- Start early – Weeding out a house full of things will take you much longer than you probably think. If you are hiring movers, it can actually cost you more if you don’t declutter and reduce. Movers will review your home – including closets, attics, and other storage spaces – and quote you based on what you have. If you can reduce that amount, you can use those funds to restock your new home!
Deciding What to Throw Away When Moving
So, how do you decide what to get rid of ahead of moving? It can be tough, but you’ll probably be so happy you whittled down the extent of stuff you owned before hauling it. Here are some suggestions to think about:
- Books – What don’t you actually need or think you’ll read again? Do you have old school books collecting on your shelves or things you thought you would read, but probably won’t? Donate to your library or public school.
- Tchotchkes – It’s time to purge your turtle compilation or that clock collection you hate to dust. If it’s tough to unload these items quickly, consider packing them up early and looking them over again before moving. Did you miss them when they were stashed in the closet? Can you reduce the collection’s size and only take a few items?
- Stuff you never unpacked from the last move – Do you have those boxes in the back of the closet or garage that you never even unpacked from your last move? Do you even remember what’s inside them? Maybe it’s time to find a new home for these kinds of items, too. You are going to be so much lighter after this reduction!
- Things that were just on display but you never used – This can be anything. From items in your kitchen, bath, or laundry room to the garage, basement, or spare bedroom. Is it something you really need, want, or even like? Maybe someone else can enjoy it more or even use it more than you!
- Same goes for clothes – Is it time to purge your closet and dresser? Have you been meaning to do this for a while? What do you really like, and what will you really ever wear? How many pairs of black shoes do you really want? What about the things that are out of style, too small, or worn out?
- Files – This is a big one nobody wants to address. But you will be so glad you didn’t take all this paper with you to your new home. Be sure to shred important documents that you no longer need.
- Duplicates – Any house can have duplicates of things. Too many scissors? Coffee mugs and glasses? If you are downsizing, be honest with yourself – will you really need 6 colanders? That goes for pillows, blankets, plates, and cutlery, too. Really evaluate how necessary it is to have 15 water bottles or 9 suitcases.
- Gifts you never really enjoyed – This one can be tough, but now is the time to be brave. If you don’t like it, maybe someone else will. If it’s a keepsake, maybe someone else in your family can cherish it. If not, consider selling or donating it.
How to Start Decluttering Before a Move
Moving is a big undertaking, and having to weed out and get rid of many of your belongings can be tremendous, too. But it will also be so rewarding!
If you can start decluttering early, you can have a yard sale or sell items online and use your funds to buy new things at your new place! If things really mean something to you, certainly keep these things if you can, but if not, really consider whether they are necessary or just weighing you down. It’s time to be ruthless if necessary. Your new home awaits!!
Working with an Experienced Memphis Area Real Estate Agent
When it’s time to sell your existing home or buy a great new place, turn to a highly regarded and well-informed local real estate agent. You want someone who you can trust to give you the best advice and know-how for your new home purchase or sale. Check out my other great real estate articles to help you through your home selling and buying experience here in Memphis. Staging homes for sale is also part of my expertise. Please ask me about it when you reach out.
Take a minute to learn more about me. With 20 years of top-notch service for my clients, I can guide you with your house sale, new home purchase, or buying a great parcel of land. As a top, licensed real estate agent in the Memphis area, showing you the best properties for you and your family is my goal!
Contact me at (901) 828-8919 or drop me a quick note at angie@angiekelley.com, and we can speak in person about your plans and options.
