Moving is the opportunity to make a fresh start, so this is the perfect time to get rid of the stuff you no longer use, want or have room for. Not only is this the perfect time to “purge” but getting rid of unwanted items will also save you time on packing as well as reduce the moving costs because your moving company will have fewer items to transport. When you toss all the clutter that is taking up space, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the things you cherish. Tossing items may seem slightly overwhelming, so here are a few tips on what you should toss and how to get rid of the items you no longer want or need.
Clothing
This is typically the easiest place to start. Almost everyone has more clothes than they need or even want, but clothing takes up a lot of space in your closets as well as in moving boxes. Start with your closet and remove all clothing items from hangers and shelves, and then sort through each item to decide what to keep and what to get rid of. If you’re struggling with what to keep and what to toss, think about the last time you wore the item; if it has been longer than six months, put it in the toss pile. Do the same process with the drawers. Before the day of the move, take all of the clothing to a local thrift shop or shelter.
Toys
Toys, like clothing, can eventually overtake your home. If you have toys that your children have outgrown or simply no longer play with, this is your chance to get rid of them. Along with cleaning out toy boxes and their bedroom floors, don’t forget the boxes of old toys in the attic, basement or garage. Depending on the age of your children, this task may be best done when they aren’t with you. After you have gone through all of the toys and games, box up the items you no longer want and take them to a local shelter or give them to family and friends.
Everything Old and Expired
As you’re going through the cupboards, refrigerator and medicine cabinets, toss everything that is old or expired. This should include medicine, old bath products and even leftover food. Medications that are expired should be properly disposed of, which can be done in a couple of different ways. For example, contact your local pharmacy to inquire about “take back” programs. If these types of programs aren’t available, you can dispose of pills and liquids by putting them in a plastic bag with wet coffee grounds. Leftover food should be tossed, but it’s a good idea to take along canned goods, spices, and other packaged food items.
Once you get started on your moving “purge,” you’ll probably find it to be exhilarating and may find yourself being willing to get rid of a lot more stuff than you imagined you would. If you do find that you have old furniture, several boxes of clothing, toys and household items, but you don’t have time to deliver the items to local shelters, contact local charities to find out if they pick up unwanted items.
If you need a helping hand during the packing and moving process, contact us at True Friends Moving. We're here for all your moving needs!