You should be ecstatic when you receive the keys to your new home. There’s a lot to look forward to, from selecting paint colors to planning DIY projects. However, packing can be stressful, and move-in excitement can quickly turn into move-out anxiety. If you’re not sure how to minimize before a move, this guide will assist you in distinguishing useful items from clutter that’s just taking up space.
How to Begin Disposing of Stuff Before Moving
When it comes to decluttering, the hardest part is getting started. Determine which items will have a purpose (and a place) in your new home before labeling boxes and filling storage containers. Most clutter is easy to spot, but some items require more than a once-over before being packed away. Everyday necessities, such as appliances and cleaning supplies, deteriorate over time and must be replaced. Can’t decide whether something should go in the “toss” or “keep” pile? Consider the following questions:
- Is there enough space in my new house for this item?
- What will become of it?
- Is it something I’ve used in the last year?
- Is there more than one?
- Is moving difficult or expensive?
- Is it in need of repair?
Are you prepared to declutter before your move? Plan ahead of time and give yourself plenty of time to purge, pack, and prepare. Dumpster rental cape cod recommend making a moving checklist to ensure that you only bring items that you will need and enjoy having in your new home.
Checklist for Room-by-Room Decluttering Before Moving
While creating a personal checklist for essential items is useful, use this one when deciding what to pack and what to pitch.
Things to Get Rid of in Your Kitchen
1. Unused equipment: Get rid of any bread maker, stand mixer, or air fryer that has been collecting dust in your pantry for months.
2. Overused cutting boards: Can’t see the design or woodwork that used to be on your cutting boards? They’re probably due for an update and should be tossed.
3. Old mugs: How many mugs do you own? Reduce your collection before the move to save valuable cabinet space.
4. Unnecessary utensils: If you’re not using that serving spoon right now, you’re unlikely to use it in your new home. Make room in your utensil drawer by tossing it.
5. Expired food: Before packing canned food, always double-check the expiration date. If it’s not edible, it shouldn’t be in your pantry.
6. Scratched pots and pans: If they’re damaged, they’ll need to be replaced, so don’t waste space or resources moving them.
7. Burned or stained pot holders: Are your pot holders burned or stained? When you move, get rid of them and buy some new ones for yourself (and your kitchen).
Bathroom Items to Get Rid of
8. Raggedy towels: If you wouldn’t want a guest to use them, you shouldn’t use them either.
9. Expired medication: Double-check the labels on prescribed medications and discard anything that has passed its expiration date.
10. Shampoo and conditioner: Whether travel or full-size, use as much as you can before moving, and start fresh with new toiletries.
11. Lotions: Are unopened or barely-used lotions taking up space on your vanity? They should’ve been thrown out a long time ago.
12. Cleaning supplies: If you can’t remember the last time you bought a new broom or mop, yours are probably in need of replacement.
13. Toilet plunger: It’s not sanitary to transport a used toilet plunger anywhere, so get rid of it before you move.
14. Drain stopper: While drain stoppers do not take up much space, they are also unsanitary to move. New bathroom, new stopper!
15. Bathmats: If your bathmats have become soiled over time, replace them with clean ones that match your new bathroom décor.
Things to Get Rid of in Your Office
16. Old newspapers: If it’s unimportant, toss it. If you believe you will need it in the future, digitize it.
17. File cabinets: How much paperwork do you keep these days? Any important documents you possess are almost certainly digital. If you have a file cabinet full of paperwork, trade it in for a drive, either Google or flash. You’ll be grateful later.
18. Worn-out pens and pencils: Chances are, old pens and pencils are nearing the end of their useful life. Purchase a new pack to avoid future frustration.
19. Half-filled notebooks: Recycle notepads that are partially filled with old notes and doodles.
20. Outdated calendars: 2022 has come and gone; it belongs in the past.
21. Outdated planners: Do you still have a planner from five years ago? Get rid of it. Agendas are meant to organize future plans, not those that have already occurred.
22. Outdated computer equipment: If you haven’t used a mouse or a wired keyboard in the last five years, you probably won’t in the near future. Before you move, throw it away.
23. Desk lamps: Do you only have one home office? Then only one desk lamp is required.
Paper clips are small, sharp, and easy to misplace. Purchase them only as needed.
Things to Get Rid of in Your Living Room
25. Furniture: If it’s damaged, doesn’t fit in your new home, or costs more to move than it does to replace, get rid of it.
26. Radios: Unless you’re driving, how often do you listen to the radio?
27. DVD player: DVD players are quickly becoming obsolete in the age of streaming. Get ahead of the game by pitching yours.
28. DVDs: If you’re already getting rid of your DVD player, get rid of your old DVDs as well.
29. CDs: For more than a decade, you’ve been able to buy, share, and stream music online. Any CDs you have should have been thrown away years ago.
30. Empty picture frames: Unless it holds a treasured family photo, a frame serves no purpose; declutter it before moving.
31. Televisions: If the title still includes the word “box,” it’s time for an upgrade. Furthermore, newer televisions take up less space than their older counterparts.
32. Rugs: What are the chances that your old rug will match your new home decor? If you haven’t decided on a paint color yet, don’t let your rug decide.
33. Wall art: Because you’re designing a new living room, old artwork that you don’t like should not crowd your walls.
34. Lamps: How many lamps do you own? If it’s not your favorite reading lamp or the primary light source in the room, get rid of it when you move.
35. Magazines: Recycle old issues to make room for newer issues.
36. Old books: Any books you don’t love or intend to read again should be avoided.
Things to Get Rid of in Your Closet
37. Old clothes: Purging or donating any clothes you haven’t worn in the last year is a good idea.
38. Worn-out sneakers: Do you have old sneakers that are bursting at the seams? Toss them and replace them with a new pair.
39. Extra jewelry: Whether it’s a family heirloom or your wedding ring, get rid of it before you move.
40. Old blankets: Get rid of any torn or stained blankets before moving day.
41. Bedsheets: If you’re upgrading to a king size bed and your current sheets only fit a queen, get rid of them.
42. Damaged or cheap toys: Donate any toys your child no longer enjoys or plays with, and discard any that are in poor condition.
43. Excess hangers: Do you fold your clothes more than you hang them? Do you have a collection of mismatched wire hangers from the dry cleaners? Get rid of any extra hangers that are crowding your closet.
How to Get Rid of Stuff You Don’t Want to Move
1. Organize a garage sale: Are you willing to put in the time and effort? Hosting a garage sale can help you reduce your “purge” pile while also earning some extra money. Getting paid to declutter and prepare for a major move? It doesn’t get much more perfect than that.
2. Donate the following items: If your moving date is approaching quickly, selling your belongings may delay the decluttering process. Consider donating to Goodwill or another local charity that will accept your unwanted clothes, appliances, or furniture. Simply ensure that your donations follow the charity’s guidelines.
3. Items to sell online: Want to make a few dollars during your pre-move purge but aren’t into garage sales? Online auctions may be the best option. Making listings on Craigslist, Ebay, or a community Facebook group will help you declutter your home and maximize your profit if you have the time (and patience).
4. Hire a dumpster: Don’t have time to hold a garage sale or sort through donations? Renting a dumpster from dumpster rental company in Wareham MA is the most efficient way to dispose of items prior to a move. It takes the stress out of decluttering because you won’t have to move anything yourself.
