Decluttering the home before a move is an essential step in the relocation process. Start early and rid the closet of clothing that hasn’t fit in years, electronics that went out of style as fast as Hammer pants, and all of the other “why do I even own this” items that we all accumulate. You’ll save time when relocating and eliminate clutter in the new home, not to mention saving money on the moving costs since there are fewer boxes and totes to put on the moving truck after you toss out all of the items you no longer want or need. When you are in the moving process, you will be glad that you lightened the load.
Smooth Move: Tips For Success
Aside from decluttering, the following tips ensure a smooth, hassle-free relocation process:
- Rent a storage unit. Storage units provide space to store your belongings before, during, and after relocating. Affordable for any budget, storage units hold household furnishings or anything that you lack space for in the home
- Moving is not a DIY job. Get help, whether it’s friends or family, and ease the hassle sometimes accompanying a move
- Hire a moving company. Movers offer an abundance of services that save time, money, and risks. Moving is easier with the expertise a moving professional brings to the job
- Purchase enough boxes, packing material, wrapping paper, tape, and other moving supplies for your move. Nothing is worse than running out of moving supply items mid-move
- Do not wait until the last minute to prepare for the move. Many people make this mistake assuming that it isn’t as difficult as people claim or that this move is small enough to handle in a day. Preparing for a move reduces stress and worry and often saves money
Decluttering 101: Now What?
Now that you have a few tips that reduce moving day hassles, it’s time to learn how to get rid of the items that you are decluttering from the home. You do not have to take everything with you. Rest assured there are a few options for the unwanted items in your home.
Give It Away
Ask friends and family members if they’d like any of the items you’re tossing out. Most people will find a few items they want or need from your throw away selection. Giving items to people closest to you feels good and always make them happy. And, of course, it reduces the load when it’s time to pack the boxes and load the moving truck. Perhaps you can invite over friends or family to reduce the boredom as you sort through closets and basement totes to clean out the home before the relocation process begins.
Hold a Garage Sale
Holding a garage sale may seem like merely another headache when you’re already overwhelmed with the moving process, but when properly planned, it’s not such a stressful event. Many people actually enjoy holding garage sales, even amidst a move. You’ll rid the home of unwanted items when you hold a garage sale and pocket money that can help cover some of the moving costs. Plan the garage sale in advance, advertising in local newspapers and online, to ensure the largest crowd arrives at the event.
Donate Items
Local organizations depend on donations from the community. What better way to rid your home of unwanted items and help others than by making a donation to a charity of your choice? Your unwanted item could be a treasure to someone else. Various organizations accept donations of clothing, electronics, home goods, baby items, and more. The items are used in the facility to help their programs and services or sold with the profits benefiting the programs.
Moving is a big job but one met with anticipation by those relocating and opening a new chapter in their lives. Keep these moving tips in mind to ease the headaches that oftentimes accommodate the relocation process. And, of course, take the opportunity to put your no-longer-needed items to good use before relocating by using the ideas above. Who knew reducing moving hassles was so simple?