9 Things to Get Rid of Before Moving to Ensure a Smooth Experience

Moving can be stressful. Everything you own holds sentimental value, which is probably why you don’t want to leave it behind. However, a moving company mostly charges you based on your shipment weight and miles traveled for a long-distance move. In such a case, it is only wise to pack valuable and worth-moving items. All other extra items, such as old clothing, useless furniture, and broken machines, must go.

To help ease your packing and moving choices, here is a list of items that you should get rid of:

1. Old and Worn-Out Clothing

Your closet must be full of clothing you no longer wear. Get rid of clothes you wish to get into once you get back into shape, out-of-fashion clothes, and anything old or worn out. De-cluttering your closet will allow you more space in your new one.

Plus, it will also give you a chance to donate or give away your stuff to those who need it. You might also want to sell or give away extra purses, shoes, and jewelry to get extra cash for new items.

2. Old Appliances

Appliances are primarily heavy and difficult to move. Moreover, they may suffer damage on the bumpy ride to your new place. Therefore, decide whether it is more cost-effective to pack up and move these items or sell and buy replacement ones in your new home.

In some cases, your new homeowner might be leaving behind some of their appliances, so you won’t need to bring yours. Getting rid of extra appliances is also a good idea.

3. Old Furniture

When moving, it’s best to leave behind any old furniture that is not worth the hassle of moving. It will be more cost-effective for you to sell these items and buy replacement ones once you move to your new home.

Your children’s play furniture sitting idle in the attic must also go. We’re sure plenty of families could use such items for their little kids that your children no longer use.

4. Mattresses and Curtains

The chances of your windows being the exact measurements as your previous one are minimal. Therefore, there is no point in taking along your old curtains and blinds. Plus, your old home’s new occupants might also need them.

Similarly, old and worn-out mattresses also qualify for riddance. Your mattress is probably old and needs replacement anyway, and a move provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

5. Books

This one might be a little tough, but books are bulky and drive up your moving cost as the pounds go up. To help ease this one, it’s better to start with phone books, old textbooks, and any directories you may have.

You can donate books you have already read to others for them to read and enjoy. Write down a handwritten note to make it special for you and the receiver.

6. Food and Kitchen Items

Next, get done with anything that is past its expiration date. Go through your pantry and give away stuff you will not be using or taking with you to your next home.

Also, clear out your kitchen for things such as extra cooking utensils, broken cookware, and other items that you don’t use or won’t be moving with you.

7. Unused Toys

If you have grown-up children, you might also be hoarding lots of toys that nobody uses anymore. You may be holding on to them for sentimental reasons, but parting with them is wiser once you plan to move.

Give them away to families with children who might need them.

8. Tough Items

Some items are incredibly tough to move and may require special arrangements in order to move. This includes items such as glass showcases, aquariums, and even musical instruments. If you can, leave these items behind, sell them or donate them to save yourself from the risks attached to moving them.

9. Home Décor and Fixtures

You may also want to do away with home décor doesn’t go with the theme of your new home. Get rid of any items that are too old or worn out or those you simply don’t like anymore. Similarly, it is a basic courtesy to leave behind light and similar fixtures before you go. If you plan on taking these with you, buy some replacement ones.

Packing up and moving is a tough job, requiring sound decision-making and lots of planning. We hope by now, we have made it a little easier for you to decide what goes and what stays.