Deciding what to keep and what to get rid of before you move is never easy. Often, as you begin to pack or go through your belongings, you quickly realize that you have even more stuff than you thought! Stop stressing about the clutter and start packing smart with this helpful guide: how to decide what to keep when moving.
Pack Smart: Deciding What to Keep When Moving Homes
A couple of quick tips just to get you started sorting your belongings: start early and organize into 3 or 4 piles or groupings. Starting early is a must (if you can). This can relieve any stress from the need to hurry. You might make mistakes in your choices if you need to rush. Taking your time – a little every day – can encourage a thorough purge, but also a thoughtful distribution.
What Items are Not Worth Moving?
- Unused – Probably the easiest items to get rid of are items you just don’t use or like. From clothes to decor to kitchenware – and even furniture – don’t hesitate to get rid of objects that aren’t your style, are out of date, or just take up space.
- Books – Don’t plan on reading that old set of encyclopedias? Or that accumulating pile of back editions of National Geographic? Maybe this is the time to take a serious look at your reading collection. Toss it or donate it and make your move a lighter venture.
- Paperwork – What do you really need, and what can you toss? Or maybe you can even digitize most of it and be free of those endless boxes of papers!
- Extras – Do you have more towels than you need? Have you replaced your main set 3 times but kept all the old ones for the pets or out at the pool? Donate them to shelters, or give them away for rags. What about extra plates, cups, and silverware? You can find extras in many places in a home you have lived in for many years. No need to bring all of these things with you to your new place!
- Old Items – If it’s worn out, out of date, missing parts, or broken beyond repair, consider getting rid of it and not looking back.
How to Start Getting Rid of Stuff you Won’t Move
Begin by gathering supplies: boxes, trash bags, markers, a notebook, pens, packing tape, and bubble wrap. Then organize as you go. Keep separate piles or designate rooms for what you want to keep or donate. Pack what you are moving as you go, and store it in one room or area. Do something similar with the items you want to donate or sell.
Make sure to label your moving boxes. And if you have enough time before you move, you can hold a yard sale, too.
Once you have worked your way through your home, packed what you want to keep, and sold what you don’t, you can either toss what can’t be used anymore or donate it. Post it for free or call a thrift organization for pickup.
Remember, you also won’t need to unpack and find a new home for belongings you don’t need, want, or like! Now is the perfect time to liberate your life.
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 over 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.
