Make moving an easier and more bearable process with these ten things you need to clear out before moving. Decluttering can be overwhelming, but if you remember the 4 P’s, you’ll be good to go! Prioritize what you use most, patch up what requires minor upkeep, profit off items that don’t give you value, and purge everything else.
1. Expired and Unwanted Foods
Try taking advantage of what’s in the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry before you move. If you can’t, you can always donate the surplus to a local food bank!
2. Cookware and Appliances You Don’t Use
Cookware and fancy kitchen gadgets can take up precious space during a move, so it’s important to prioritize which ones you use and need. Recycle, donate, or sell any of the remaining items.
3. Old Cleaning Products and Personal Care
Sometimes we forget that everything has an expiration date, especially items we forget like toothbrushes, loofahs, and sponges. Throw away these old items and any products past their expiration date. This is also an excellent time to reassess your makeup and skincare products.
4. Worn Bath Towels and Mats
When the towels are tattered, torn, or no longer absorbent, it’s time to get rid of them. A few may be nice to keep around for laundry or pool day. The same applies to dirty bath mats that can’t be saved with a good cleaning. Besides, you’ll probably want to decorate your bathroom with new furnishings.
5. Old Mattress and Pillows
Mattresses have a life expectancy of seven to 10 years, and if it’s beyond that, it no longer provides the support your body needs. Comforters and pillows which can easily collect dirt, dust mites and mold should be replaced as frequently as six months to two years. It depends on how often they’re washed already.
6. Clothing and Accessories You Don’t Wear
Anything you haven’t worn in the past year should be donated. A fun trick to set up at your new place to see what you wear is to hang your clothes up with the hanger facing you. Then after washing it, you’ll rehang it with the hanger facing away from you. This way, you can easily see what you wear frequently or don’t with just a glance at the rack.
7. Furniture and Decor That Won’t Fit in the New Place.
Before moving all the furniture, assess the condition of the furniture. Worn, uncomfortable, and anything that won’t fit or cause a safety risk should probably be replaced.
8. Office Supplies and Paperwork
Shred and recycle any documents you won’t need in the future. Organize the leftover papers into folders and binders, and donate old books and extra supplies.
9. Outdated Electronics
Begin by untangling cords and finding what they plug into. If you can’t find the device it connects to, put it in the donate bin. If you have other devices you want to donate or recycle, be sure to clear the device of your information.
10. Old Workout and Sports Gear
Be honest with yourself and ask when the last time you used the treadmill or weights in your garage was? Or when did the kids last play with their old sports equipment? If the answer is recent and it’s still in good shape, take it with you. If it’s been a while, donate the equipment to a local sports team or summer camp to make someone else smile.
If you’re ready to begin the moving process today, contact us! Or if you need help finding a place to rent or ready to rent out your place, contact Prism Realty today! We’re here to offer our expertise and help you achieve your real estate goals.
