A great way to limit what you pack for a move and minimize the cost is to sort through all your belongings beforehand and determine what to keep, what to sell and what to donate or recycle.?
Not sure how to do that?
Keep reading to learn how to de-clutter before you pack or consult our helpful "Should You Pack It?" guide.
When traveling systematically from room to room and deciding what you should and should not pack for a move, ask yourself one simple question:
"Do I really need this?"
The answer will help you determine what to box up for your new home.
Although there are times when answering that question is tough, some things we don't really need.
Some common areas to sort through before your move include:
What You Should Definitely Pack
Pack essential items that you use regularly (toiletries, clothing, cookware, bed linens) and sentimental items (souvenirs, mementos, photo albums).
Irreplaceable items such as your birth certificate and social security card also fall into this category.
What You Should Leave Behind
Depending on condition, you may want to sell, donate or throw away items that you have no use for, are broken, have never been used or have no sentimental value.
It is often a difficult decision to make when it comes to throwing things away, but we all have stuff we don't need.
The items that fit into this category can still help you with some type of financial return or may be able to help someone else.
- Clothing, shoes and accessories that no longer fit or are out of style
- Unwanted books to a library, school, prison or hand out to friends
- Toys to shelters and other local organizations
- At a garage sale or flea markets
- Via an ad in your local newspaper
- Paperwork that is more than seven years old (after shredding)
- Old newspapers and magazines
What You Should Pack In Storage
There is a third potential option during the packing process, Finding the Right Self Storage Facility.
There are situations where perhaps you need some time to move, but you don't want to have everything laying around.
A storage unit is a perfect temporary place to store everything while you get moved into your new place.
Some items you may want to store are as follows:
- Seasonal clothing, like bathing suits, sweaters, winter coats and cold weather accessories
- Seasonal items, like holiday decorations, pool toys, lawn and patio furniture
- Sentimental keepsakes, like photo albums, childhood toys, souvenirs and family mementos
Conclusion
Getting rid of things you don't need before you move can save you time, money, and stress.
The process is much easier once you know what to bring, what to store, and what to leave behind.
Are you ready to move on?
We at movers.com can help you make your move easier from start to finish by giving you free, no-obligation moving quotes from trusted professionals.
