Unless you’re a minimalist, chances are you have a lot of stuff. When it’s time to move, all that stuff has to go somewhere. Before you start packing up your entire life into boxes, take a step back and consider what you need and don’t need in your new home.
Reducing the number of items can significantly impact your moving quotes, when you start estimating how much the move could cost you.
To help make the process a little easier, here is a list of ten things you can leave behind when moving to your new place.
1. Knick-Knacks
These items may hold sentimental value, but they can also add significant clutter to your new home. If you’re trying to start fresh in your new home, it’s best to leave these items behind. Instead, focus on packing items that you’ll use and that will contribute to the overall aesthetic of your new space. This will help create a more peaceful and organized environment in your new home.
2. Outdated Electronics and Appliances
Outdated electronics and appliances can be a burden during a move. Not only are they heavy and challenging to transport, but they can also be expensive to dispose of properly. Rather than lugging them to your new home, consider leaving them behind.
Most cities have facilities for recycling old electronics, and many thrift stores will accept small appliances in working condition. By removing your outdated belongings, you can make your move simpler and lighter, and you’ll have more space for new things in your new home.
3. Old Mattress
An old mattress can be challenging to move, and it may not be worth the effort to try and transport it to your new home. It may also not be as comfortable as a newer model and might not provide the support you need. As a result, it often makes more sense to buy a new mattress when moving to a new home.
There are some things to remember when purchasing a mattress. First, consider the size and firmness of the mattress. If you have any special needs, such as a bad back, look for a mattress with the right support level. Second, take advantage of free shipping offers or find a mattress sale to get the best deal possible.
4. Broken or Damaged Items
Removing broken or damaged items can be an excellent way to declutter your home before the move. It can be tempting to hold on to these items in case they can be fixed or reused in some way, but in most cases, it’s best to let them go.
Renting a dumpster from eagledumpsterrental is a convenient and cost-effective way to make sure that any broken or damaged items don’t take up valuable space during the move.
Not only will this save you the hassle of trying to repair them, but it will also free up space in your new home. If you’re unsure what to do with them, many charities will accept donations of broken or damaged items for recycling.
5. Duplicate Items
While keeping a spare set of dishes or an extra dresser may be tempting, it’s often best to leave these duplicate items behind. Not only will it save you money and time, but it will also help you avoid the clutter that comes with owning two of everything. This will save you space in your moving truck and simplify unpacking and organizing your new home.
6. Old and Unused Clothing
One of the most common things people purge before a move is clothing. While it can be tempting just to toss these items in a box and forget about them, it’s better to take the time to go through them and sort them into three piles: donation, trash, and sell.
Donating clothes is a great way to clear out your closet while giving back to those in need. Many donation centers will even come to pick up your items for free! If an item is too old or damaged to be donated, it’s best just to throw it away.
If you have clothes that are still in good condition but no longer wear, consider selling them! Many online platforms, such as Poshmark and Mercari, make listing and shipping your items easy. You might even make a few extra dollars in the process.
7. Books
Books are heavy, take up a lot of space, and unless you’re an avid reader, you probably have many that you never even open. When deciding what to keep and get rid of during your next move, consider leaving the books behind.
There are plenty of places to donate used books, or you could even sell them online or at a garage sale. If you have some particularly valuable or sentimentally significant books, you may keep them and sell or donate the rest before moving.
8. Outdated Furniture
While that shabby chic dresser may have been perfect for your last apartment, it might look out of place in your new home. Similarly, that well-worn armchair may have been your favorite spot to relax, but it may not match the aesthetic of your new place.
When deciding what furniture to pack and take with you during a move, it’s essential to consider the piece’s function and form. If a piece of furniture is no longer serving its purpose or if it doesn’t fit with your new style, it may be time to say goodbye.
9. Hazardous Materials
When preparing for a move, it’s vital to ensure you’re not accidentally packing any hazardous materials. Items like cleaning chemicals, aerosolable electronics, and medications should all be left behind, as they pose a safety risk.
Many moving companies have strict policies against transporting hazardous materials, so it’s best to avoid caution. Before the big day, you don’t want to risk yourself or your movers, so be sure to declutter your home of any hazardous materials.
10. Expired Items
If you have any expired items, be sure to throw them away. This includes items like food, medication, cosmetics, and cleaning products. You can also consider donating items that are close to their expiry date or using them before moving.
By getting rid of anything extra before you move, you can streamline the process and make things easier for yourself and the movers. Go through your items and get rid of anything on this list that you don’t need.