There’s a lot to do when you’re moving, and usually there’s a lot to move. Clearing out the clutter before hand will help ease your move and make it less stressful. Packing lighter will also make settling into your new home much easier, but deciding what to take can be difficult. Follow this list to avoid wasted space in your moving truck or new home.
- Closets – Anything that doesn’t fit, is stained or that you don’t wear anymore can be thrown out or donated. If you’re moving to warmer weather you can cast off all that heavy, bulky winter gear as well.
- Bathrooms Cabinets – Women try new hair and make up products that don’t work and sit in the cabinets forever. You really don’t need to take those with you. Beware of what may spill in transit and may be flammable. This is also a good time to check for expired medication.
- Linen Closets – Blankets and towels are bulky. And part of the fun of a new home is all the possibilities, so maybe it’s time to change the decor and get some new ones.
- Toy Boxes – Toys that your kids have outgrown or don’t play with don’t need to join you in your new home. Don’t forget larger items such as kiddie pools, sports equipment and bikes.
- The Garage – Clear out clutter including outdoor furniture, hoses, planters and trash cans. With garden items, it’s best to start new instead of moving a potentially invasive weed or insect species to a new area. Outdoor furniture often has glass, which is easily shattered, and flimsy outdoor fabric, which is easily torn in a move.
- Hobby Supplies – Excessive amounts of craft or hobby supplies are often not worth the space. Use this as a time to freshen things up and pare down your supply stash. Be sure to save anything you’ll want to use to decorate your new home.
- Furniture – Cheap plywood desks and cabinets are a great value and look good on a budget, but don’t move well. Low-quality furniture, typically made of particle board, is very susceptible to being ripped and chipped in a move.
- The Fridge and Freezer – These foods don’t travel well, get misplaced easily and take up a lot of space. Eat in before your big move to reduce the number of these items so they don’t go to waste. In the weeks before your move, eat anything that isn’t shelf-stable, brand-new or a specialty item. You can also throw a pantry – party for all the friends who are helping you move to help.
- The Liquor Cabinet – Open glass bottles of alcohol are tops on the list of bad items to move. Glass can be broken, they can spill, and open bottles are not allowed in the cab of any vehicle. However, they are perfect to bring out at that pantry party.
- Candles – Be sure to use them as decoration at the pantry party. This may sound odd, but many moving companies won’t take candles. They’ll most likely melt and get misshapen anyway.
You can donate these items, give them away to friends or family or even just toss them. A garage sale is a proven trick to not only get rid of some of this stuff, but also to recoup a little money that can go towards buying new. It’s much nicer to start fresh in your new home. For more moving tips and tricks, call Helen today at 847.967.0022 or email [email protected].