Moving Tips: How to Pare Down Your Stuff Before the Big Day
Moving
Moving is a huge but necessary, hassle. You have to pack your whole life in boxes and lug them across your town, city, state, or even the country.
During the process, you may ask yourself, “Why am I doing this, again?”
However, it will all be worth it when you’re settled and safe in your new abode.
In order to get there, though, you should try to make moving as painless as possible. To this end, the less stuff you have to move, the better. Here are moving tips for decluttering, paring down, and making life easier on moving day.
3 Moving Tips for Getting Rid of Extra Stuff and Lightening Your Load
It can be hard to pare down, but it will make organizing your move so much simpler.
1. Ask Yourself Hard Questions
If you’re finding it hard to part with some of your stuff, chances are, you’re not asking yourself hard questions. Would you miss it if it were gone? Would you notice if it were gone?
If the previous questions don’t make it obvious what to do with the item, ask yourself a few more: When’s the last time you used it? Will you ever use it again?
These questions should make it apparent how much use you get out of the item, whatever it is. This will help you get rid of stuff that serves no purpose in your life (except for taking up valuable space).
2. Determine What You Use Daily, Weekly, and Annually
You can also keep things (and toss others) based on the frequency of use. First, sort out what you use daily – obvious keepers. This might include coffee makers, dishes, or clothing.
Next, figure out what you use weekly or monthly. Some examples are the slow cooker, cookie sheets, serving ware, and clothing (like jackets or pairs of shoes).
Finally, what do you use annually? Think seasonal decorations, holiday lights, outdoor furniture and cookware (like grill accessories).
A good rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it in over a year, get rid of it. This includes clothing.
3. Keep Items You Love – Otherwise, Toss Them
If none of the above categories or questions apply to the item you’re considering, ask yourself one final question. Do you love it?
If you do, it should have a special memory attached or hold value. Maybe it was a gift from a loved one, or it’s a collectible.
If you don’t love it, it’s time to say goodbye. Donate the item to a charity, recycle it, or sell it if it’s in good condition.
Get Moving with Moving Tips
These tips can help you wade through it all and lighten your load if you’re stuck in the moving process and overwhelmed with the amount of stuff you have to pack. You’ll arrive at your new place with less stuff and more room for the things that really matter to you.
