01/24/20
Cleaning and decluttering will make your move easier
Moving is the perfect opportunity to organize your belongings, however, figuring out how to get rid of clutter when moving isn’t always a straightforward task. Since you have to go through all your belongings to pack them anyway, it can be helpful to go room by room. Use this time to decide what you truly want and need in your new home.
Does just the idea of going through closets and drawers make you want to run and hide? You’re not alone! Thankfully, we have advice to help you approach this task and keep the process of decluttering manageable.
Donate or Sell
Many of us have kept clothes, furniture or other household belongings, thinking that we’ll use them someday, only to have them collect dust in a closet. If an item has not been used for more than a year and does not have sentimental value, consider donating or selling it. Additionally, for some extra cash, have a yard sale or offer your items online and sell the items at a reasonable price.
Pro Tip: if you have kids in middle or high school, let them organize the yard sale and keep the proceeds.
Repurpose
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Give Away
Invite friends and family over to look through the belongings you are not planning to take to your new home and invite them to take some home. This gives your belongings a new, loving home. This may be especially appreciated by younger members of your family who are moving into their first apartments.
Alternatively, take part in the “Buy Nothing” movement, which is a terrific way to give new life to your belongings and keep perfectly good materials out of landfills. Click here to see if there’s a local group near you.
Recycle/Dispose
If an item is beyond repair or broken, it’s time to recycle or dispose of it. Make sure to get rid of items in a way that is environmentally responsible. Recycle what you can and be sure to check your local landfill for more information on how to properly dispose of unwanted items.
It’s never easy to clean out your belongings, but doing so will make your move easier and will feel so rewarding once you’re done. Plus, you may save some money by not moving items you aren’t really using anyway.
As daunting as decluttering and moving may seem, with the right partner, it can be a smooth and efficient process. At Interstate, we’ve been helping families and companies move for more than 75 years! When you’re ready, so are we. Contact us and we’ll put our expertise to work for you.
