Moving is the perfect time to purge your belongings and declutter. It is better to lighten the load for the movers and avoid bringing unnecessary items to your new living space. Below are a few tips for getting rid of excess items as you pack.

5 Ways to Purge Your Belongings During a Move

1. Separate Into Piles

Create four piles: keep, toss, sell, and donate. This is the first step in organizing what you really need and what you will part with before the movers arrive. Give yourself enough time to carefully sort through your belongings room by room and to find buyers to make a little extra cash.

2. Take the Time Test

Assess how long you’ve held onto something and if you need to transport it from place to place. For clothing, anything you haven’t worn in a year can be donated. Look at your towels and sheets and toss any that are ripped or worn down. Look at expiration dates on any toiletries, cleaning products, and pantry items, and get rid of items that are old or approaching the end of their life span. Buy a fresh stock for your new location.

3. Look for Duplicates

As you are preparing for the movers, note any duplicate items and donate or sell the extras. You do not really need two of every kitchen utensil or multiple copies of the same book. Consider donating to a thrift shop or used book store.

4. Start With Practical, End With Sentimental

Nostalgic and sentimental items are harder to part with than practical items like towels and brooms. You do not have to throw away the old sweater your grandmother knitted, but you can purge gifts and cards from past relationships and holidays. Take a photo of special notes and reduce paper. If there are items you really cannot give up, but do not have space for, consider renting a storage unit.

5. Donate Toys 

It is hard to let go of toys your child played with as an infant, but if they are no longer interested in them, donate them to charity or preschools and day cares who can use them. Let your children participate and have them help you sort through what they still need and what they are willing to pass to another child.

 

For professional movers in Cincinnati, call Big John Movers. Family-owned for more than 45 years, the moving company offers everything from apartment moving to office relocation. With a trained, efficient team and an array of discounts and deals, customers trust in their affordable, reliable services. Call the movers for a free quote at (513) 244-5646. Visit them online to learn about their same-day services.