How To Purge Before A Move
Making the decision to purge items from your home can feel overwhelming especially when it’s paired with a move. Trust us though when we say purging before a move, whether you have a big decluttering job in front of you or just a couple of areas to focus on, is better than bringing it with you to your new home. Still purging your home and life, if you will, of household goods you’ve held onto for years is no small task and the best way to get through it is with a solid plan in place. With that in mind, here are some of our best purging tips!
The best way to purge before a move is to focus on one room at a time
Rather than wander aimlessly through your house, start and complete one room before you move on to the next room/space. Here’s a simple process to guide you through the act of eliminating clutter.
- Eliminate the trash first
- Designate a box(es) for items to give away
- Pack up or move items to a set area to ensure they are relocated when the time comes
What if you’re not sure what to keep and what to toss?
Deciding what to keep and what to part with can be hard. Analysis paralysis can set in if you’re not careful. If you’re having a difficult time making decisions relating to your personal and household goods, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I love it?
- Have I used it in the last year?
- Is it broken and if so, will I have it repaired?
- Do I have more than one?
- Do I have a place for it in my new home?
- When was the last time I wore it?
- Does it fit?
- Can someone else benefit from this item?
- Did I even know I had this?
- Would I miss it if it was gone?
Things that are better left behind
Obviously, there are items that you cannot bear to part with, whether from sentimental attachment or just plain need, but then there are some things many of us hang onto that we shouldn’t. Here’s a basic list of items (this is not comprehensive as every home is different), we highly recommend tossing or donating if in good condition prior to moving day:
- Expired medication
- Expired foods & spices
- Chipped/broken plates, coffee mugs, glasses, etc.
- Unused appliances such as a toaster, air fryer, or bread maker
- Towels and linens that have seen better days
- Toiletries that are half-empty
- Bathmats
- Old markers, pens, pencils, paints, etc.
- Calendars and planners from previous years
- Magazines and newspapers
- Paperwork that you no longer need
- Clothes and footwear that don’t fit, are damaged or are outdated
- Jewelry that is broken or just not your style anymore
- Old phones & electronics
- Out of style wall art
- Extra coat hangers
- Holiday décor that you don’t plan on using again
- Knickknacks that don’t serve a purpose anymore
- Furniture that is in poor condition or that has no place in the new house
- Broken or unused tools
What to do after you’ve decluttered your home
Once you’ve thrown away what you could, given away what you could, and have whittled belongings down to the essentials and the “can’t part withs”, the next step is to get ready for your move! And don’t forget to give yourself a giant pat on the back for checking off the “purge before a move” box from your to-do list.
Professional moving & packing services
Locally owned and family operated since 2003, Changing Spaces Moving, Inc. provides full-service moving and packing services in Mountain Brook, Helena, and the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros. If you’re searching for reliable movers that offer competitive pricing and five-star service, make the easiest decision of your move and request a moving estimate today!
