Keep or Toss? 6 Things to Discard When You Move

Moving can be stressful, scary, and a hassle. But you can make it easier by getting rid of clutter as you pack up your belongings.

So what things should you not pack up with you? We have a list of six things you should get rid of when you move.

1. Papers

We tend to hold on to paper for way too long. Toss old receipts and shred personal documents older than seven years.

Get rid of magazines, instruction manuals, old coupons, and other paper products. Some of them just seem to appear, so get rid of them.

If there’s something you want to hold on to, consider taking a picture of it instead. This is especially useful for recipes. This way, you still have a copy, but you don’t have the clutter.

2. Clothes

Does it fit properly? Does it match anything else in your closet? Do you feel good wearing it? Does it have holes, rips, or stains? When was the last time you wore it?

You shouldn’t discard your entire closet. But moving is a great time to purge your wardrobe.

When you sort through your clothes, consider the questions above. If it’s a piece you love and use, keep it. If not, donate it.

3. Bathroom and Cleaning Supplies

Our bathrooms are hoarding spots for barely useful supplies. When you’re moving, it’s time for a clean start. So, start by getting rid of all your unused and expired products.

Discard the bottle that only has a small bit of lotion left. The makeup that expired six months ago – toss it.

4. E-Waste

Do you have old phones, TVs, laptops, and speakers? What about that random box of cords in the drawer?

Go through all your old electronics and recycle them. E-waste has a substantial impact on the environment. So dispose of your electronics responsibly.

5. Bad Memories

Do you still have remnants of a broken relationship lying around your home? What about gifts you hate but you’re holding onto out of guilt?

Sort through your clutter. If it doesn’t make you happy, let it go. Your new home should be a place where you can create new, happy memories.

6. Anything Damaged or Broken

If you can fix it right now, go ahead. If not, it’s time to get rid of it. Taking damaged and broken things with you isn’t practical for a move.

Don’t move into your new home with a pile of projects. Start a clean slate. It’s time to move on.

Here are more common moving mistakes you should avoid. 

Get Rid of These 6 Things Each Time You Move

Get rid of clutter, things with bad memories, and more when you move. Doing so makes it easier to start over in a new place. And it makes your move easier too. You can make it easier on your movers by doing these six things

Is there a move in your future? Figure out your moving costs with a free quote today.

 

Making Moving Easy: Simple Unpacking Tips

Moving is a stressful and chaotic experience, but the mayhem doesn’t stop once the truck is unloaded.

That’s only half the battle. 

Unpacking at your new home is exciting but a daunting task. Here are a few expert tips to help with the unpacking process. Use them to get organized and start off in your new home right.

Start With Good Packing

Begin packing with a strategy and a checklist. Make sure that you incorporate the following items on your to-do list.

Declutter Before you Pack

A household move allows you to decide which of your things are most meaningful to you. 

Go through your home room by room. Discard broken items. Then donate the other things you no longer use to charity.

Don’t move the stuff you don’t need or want! 

Create an Essentials Box

Pack a special essentials box filled with items you’ll need right after the move, in case you can’t get everything unpacked quickly. Make sure to include the following:

  • Self-care item and medicines 
  • A change of clothes
  • Snacks
  • Chargers, batteries, and cords
  • Tools and Accessories

Label Everything Clearly

Unpacking is easier if your boxes are labeled. Include a brief inventory and room destination on each side of every box. 

Proper labeling also allows you to prioritize which boxes to unpack first and which ones can wait.

Prioritize Rooms to Unpack

Your efficient labeling will guide your boxes to the appropriate rooms at your new home. Have a plan to unpack rooms by priority level.

Start by unpacking the bathroom, bedrooms, and then the kitchen. Make sure the beds are made right away so that at the end of your long moving day, you have a place to crash and get a good night’s sleep for the next day of more unpacking and organizing.

Take Your Time With Additional Things

Once you’ve got some of your primary rooms unpacked – take your time with the secondary spaces and items. Rooms like the guest room and den can wait as can items like artwork, books, and decorative pieces.

There’s no rush to get these extras just right, but if you still haven’t unpacked those boxes after three months, set a deadline to motivate yourself!

Keep Trash Under Control

Between the bubble wrap, packing paper, and boxes, you’re sure to have lots of trash. Designate a place for all your moving-related trash so that you won’t have to go back through later to clean it all up.

Select a large, empty moving box or two and make those your “temporary trash cans.” Use one for recycling and the other for disposal.

Break down and fold the empty boxes and stack them. Have a plan ahead of time to recycle or pass on your gently-used boxes.

Enjoy the Moment

Appreciate your new home quicker by following these unpacking tips.

If you need help packing or with your household move, we can help. Contact us today so we can make your move the easiest one possible