There are so many reasons why you should strongly consider “purging” your old, unused, and unwanted items before moving. First, there’s the fact that you’ll have a lot less to pack and haul afterwards. Second, it offers you a chance to have a fresh start in the new house. Third, going through all your possessions helps prepare you for the move as well as saying goodbye when the time comes.
Of course, getting rid of things before moving is often easier said than done. To help get you started on downsizing, here are a few words of advice on how to purge before moving.
Sorting And Deciding Before Moving
- Go room by room.
One of the easiest ways to tackle this project is to start small by only doing one room at a time. A great place to begin is your closet. From stretched-out sweaters to outdated shoes, there might be so many things in this little room you could bid farewell to by donating. You may even create a pile of items worth selling to a consignment shop or through an online marketplace.
To make the work more manageable, consider sorting the items by category and picking out your favorites. Then, if there’s little use for the leftover ones for anyone else in your life, chuck them into the donation box. This approach also works in other rooms of the house, such as the kitchen and basement.
- Evaluate usefulness through probing questions.
Another helpful tip when it comes to deciding which belongings should stay or go is to ask the right questions. Examples include, “Is it in good condition?” or, “Have I used it in the last year?” Following a thorough assessment process like this can really help streamline the overall process. Sticking to it may even help avoid those time-consuming trips down memory lane.
- Give yourself plenty of time.
Last, but not least, it’s important to allow ample time for this hefty chore. That way, you can properly discard of the items you have purged. For instance, hazardous items from your garage require going through the proper channels for disposal. These items — such as paint, poisons, fireworks, and pool chemicals — generally require a special trip to your local hazardous waste facility drop-off. If tossed in with the regular garbage, it could be dangerous for those picking up the trash and even create a threat to public safety and the environment.
Along the same lines is electronic recycling and disposal. Many charitable organizations won’t accept electronics and appliances if they don’t meet today’s safety standards. Several big box stores offer recycling and even haul-away programs; however, it may come at a price. If disposal of such materials is left to the last minute, it can throw a wrench in your moving schedule. As such, getting started on the project early on is highly recommended.
Staying Focused On The Positives
Going through a home full of belongings can quickly become overwhelming. As you declutter, remember: The process is all about cleansing and should be a positive experience. After all, when it’s all said and done, you’ll have moved into a new, more organized, and up-to-date space you get to call home.
If you need a helping hand getting your move in order, you should reach out to the professionals at Moving Proz. As a family owned and operated moving company, we’ll be there to handle the heavy lifting and treat you as one of our own along the way. We even offer packing and storage services to take care of all the stuff you just sorted and kept after your purge.
Give us a call to learn more or request a moving quote today!