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What To Keep, What To Throw Away When Moving

What To Keep, What To Throw Away When Moving

Friday, December 01, 2023

The process of moving homes can be a daunting task, especially when you're faced with a mountain of belongings. The key to a smoother transition lies in effective decluttering and packing. Not only does it lighten your load (literally), but it also provides the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you own and make mindful decisions about what truly deserves space in your new home.

In this article, we are providing moving tips as well as helping you determine what to keep and throw away during your next move.

Tips For Moving And Decluttering

1) Sorting Items By Category

Before you start wrapping and boxing, take a step back and categorize your belongings. Common categories might include clothing, kitchenware, books, electronics, and personal memorabilia. Organizing by category rather than by room allows you to assess similar items together, providing a clearer picture of what you own.

  • Clothing: Separate out-of-season, rarely worn, or ill-fitting pieces.
  • Kitchenware: Identify duplicate utensils, rarely used appliances, and excess dishware.
  • Books: Let go of read-once novels, outdated textbooks, and magazines.
  • Electronics: Recycle old, dysfunctional devices and unused cables.
  • Personal Memorabilia: Examine each item and keep only those with strong sentimental value. Items that you haven’t looked at or thought about for years might not be worth moving.
  • Furniture: Analyze whether all your pieces will fit in and complement the design of the new home. Old, worn-out, or bulky items that won't fit well in the new space can be sold or donated.
  • Children's Items: Look over toys, clothes, and books that your kids have outgrown. These can be given away to friends with younger children or donated.
  • Paperwork: Safeguard important documents and digitize the rest to save space. Dispose of old receipts, bills, and irrelevant paperwork.
  • Garage/Storage Items: Often forgotten, these items can accumulate over time. Discard broken tools, old paint cans, and unnecessary equipment.

Remember, the goal is not just to tidy up but also to declutter. Discard broken items and set aside those that are no longer serving a purpose in your life.

2) Deciding What To Keep And What To Throw Away

Now comes the challenging part: deciding what stays and what goes. Here are a few strategies to guide you through this process:

  • Usefulness: Is the item frequently used or essential to your daily life?
  • Sentimental Value: Does the item hold significant emotional value?
  • Condition: Is the item in good working condition, or can it be easily repaired?
  • Fit: Will the item fit comfortably and aesthetically in your new home?
  • Replacement Cost: Would it be more cost-effective to replace the item rather than move it?
  • Frequency of Usage: How often do you use the item? If it's been gathering dust for a long time, it might be better to let it go.
  • Duplication: Do you own multiple items that serve the same purpose? If so, consider keeping only the best and getting rid of the rest.
  • Future Necessity: Do you foresee needing the item in the near future? If not, it might not be worth the space it takes up.
  • Health and Safety: Is the item safe for continued use? Items that could pose health or safety risks should be thrown away.
  • Lifespan: Does the item have a near expiration date, or is it prone to degradation? If so, there may be a better candidate for moving.

Remember, when decluttering, it's essential to be honest with yourself. If you haven't used something in over a year and it doesn't have strong sentimental value, it might be time to say goodbye.

If you're struggling to let go of certain items, remember that fewer belongings can lead to a more organized and peaceful living space.

3) Tips For Packing Fragile Items

When it comes to fragile items, extra caution is needed. Here are some tips:

  • Materials: Use bubble wrap, packing paper, or old towels to protect delicate items.
  • Techniques: Pack heavier items at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Fill empty spaces with packing peanuts to prevent movement.
  • Labeling: Mark boxes containing fragile items clearly. This will ensure safer handling during the move.

4) Selling Or Donating Unwanted Items

Once you've sorted out unwanted items, consider selling or donating them. Here's how:

  • Online Platforms: Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist can help you sell your items quickly.
  • Garage Sales: If you have a lot of items, consider holding a garage sale.
  • Consignment Stores: For high-end clothing or furniture, consignment stores might be a good option.
  • Donations: Charitable organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local nonprofits often accept gently used items.

Remember, one person's trash can be another's treasure!

5) Efficient Packing For A Long-Distance Move

Moving long-distance? Here are some tips to pack efficiently:

  • Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, packing tape, and labeling materials.
  • Maximize Space: Roll clothes instead of folding, put smaller items inside larger ones, and fill suitcase and backpack spaces.
  • Label and Document: Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. Consider taking photos of the contents before sealing the box for reference.

Consider Mitchell Moving Company

Embarking on a decluttering and packing journey is an integral part of moving. It helps you make mindful decisions about what to carry forward in your new home, ensures the safety of your belongings, and can even help others through donations.

Most importantly, it makes the moving process smoother and less overwhelming. Your move is an opportunity to refresh and reset - embrace it with open arms!

Consider Mitchell Moving Company in North Wilkesboro and beyond. Our professional team is dedicated to making your moving, packing, and downsizing process as seamless as possible. Get in touch with us today!