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How to Decide What to Keep When Moving: 25 Essential Items to Consider [2024] 🏠
Moving can feel like a whirlwind of chaos, with boxes piling up and decisions looming over you like a dark cloud. We’ve all been there—standing in front of a closet stuffed to the brim, questioning whether that old pair of rollerblades or that dusty bread maker is worth the hassle of moving. But how do you know what to keep when moving? 🤔
In this article, we’ll guide you through the art of decluttering with 25 essential items to consider. You’ll discover practical tips to help you make those tough decisions while saving money, reducing stress, and creating a fresh start in your new home. Did you know that the average cost of a long-distance move is around $4,000? Imagine slashing that number by simply letting go of items you don’t need! 🚀
So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of decluttering, because your next move could be your best one yet!
Key Takeaways
- Ask Yourself Critical Questions: Use reflective questions to determine if an item truly adds value to your life.
- Declutter Room by Room: Tackle one space at a time to keep the process manageable and organized.
- Utilize a “Don’t Keep” Pile: Decide what to sell, donate, or toss to lighten your load.
- Start Early: Begin the decluttering process at least 4-6 weeks before your move for a smoother transition.
- Consider the Cost of Moving: Evaluate whether the expense of moving certain items is justified.
For more moving essentials, check out our Moving Essentials and Moving Day Checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next adventure! 🧳
Table of Contents
- Quick Tips and Facts for Deciding What to Keep When Moving
- The Art of Letting Go: A History of Decluttering
- How to Determine What to Keep and What to Toss
- Declutter Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Moving Checklist
- What to Do With Your “Don’t Keep” Pile: Donation, Selling, or Recycling?
- Packing Up: Strategies for a Smooth Move
- Expert Tips from Professional Movers
- Your Thoughts Matter: What Do You Think?
- Up Next: More Moving Tips and Tricks
- Conclusion
- Recommended Links
- FAQ
- Reference Links
Quick Tips and Facts for Deciding What to Keep When Moving 📦
Deciding what to keep and what to toss when moving can be a daunting task. Here are some quick tips and facts to get you started:
- Lower Transportation Costs: Less weight on the moving truck means lower costs. 💰
- Fewer Packing Supplies: Less stuff to pack means less money spent on boxes, bubble wrap, etc. 📦
- Environmentally Friendly: Less waste, less fuel consumption. 🌎
- Less Time Spent Packing: Fewer items to box up, less time spent packing. ⏰
- Extra Room in Your Budget: Sell unwanted items and make some extra cash. 💸
- More Space in Your New Home: Easier to find a place for everything in your new home. 🏠
According to a survey by the American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of a long-distance move is around $4,000. By decluttering before your move, you can save money on transportation costs, packing supplies, and more.
The Art of Letting Go: A History of Decluttering 🏠
Decluttering has been around for centuries, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks valuing simplicity and minimalism. In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution brought about a surge in consumerism, leading to an accumulation of possessions. The 1960s and 1970s saw a rise in minimalism, with the publication of books like “The Joy of Less” by Francine Jay.
Today, decluttering is more popular than ever, with the rise of Marie Kondo’s KonMari method and the popularity of minimalism on social media. But decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff – it’s about creating a more intentional, organized life.
How to Determine What to Keep and What to Toss 🤔
Determining what to keep and what to toss can be a difficult task. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Do I really need this? 🤔
- Is it in good condition? 💯
- Would I buy it again today? 🛍️
- How often do I wear or use this? 📊
- Will this fit or match my new home? 🏠
- Is this worth the space it’s taking up? 📏
- Do I have more than one of these items? 🤔
- Will it be too expensive or a hassle to move this? 💸
- Is this item irreplaceable? Does it have sentimental value? ❤️
- How practical is this item? Does it bring value into my life? 📈
Declutter Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Moving Checklist 📝
Decluttering can be a daunting task, but with the right checklist, you’ll be on your way to a clutter-free home in no time. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to get you started:
Area | Items to Consider |
---|---|
Control the Closet | Worn shoes, clothing you don’t wear 👗 |
Tame the Bathroom Cabinet | Expired medicines, old bath products, makeup 🚿 |
Quit the Kitchen Extras | Anything broken, leftover food, mismatched cups 🍳 |
Cut Kid Clutter in the Bedroom | Old toys, clothes that no longer fit 👶 |
Tackle Miscellaneous Mess | Old linens, dusty books, garage clutter 📦 |
What to Do With Your “Don’t Keep” Pile 📦
So you’ve decluttered and now you’re left with a pile of items you no longer want. Here are some options for what to do with them:
- Sell: Host a garage sale or list items online on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark. 💸
- Donate: Donate clothes and smaller items to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and other local thrift stores. 🛍️
- Toss: If you can’t sell or donate it, throw it away. Rent a dumpster if needed. 🚮
Packing Up: Strategies for a Smooth Move 📦
Packing up your home can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you’ll be on your way to a smooth move in no time. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start Early: Begin packing at least 4-6 weeks before your move date. ⏰
- Use the Right Supplies: Invest in sturdy boxes, packing paper, and tape. 📦
- Label and Organize: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Organize boxes by room and priority. 📈
- Pack Room by Room: Pack one room at a time to keep things organized and efficient. 🏠
- Pack an Essentials Box: Pack a separate box with essentials like toiletries, medications, and a change of clothes. 🛍️
Expert Tips from Professional Movers 📦
We spoke with professional movers to get their expert tips on decluttering and moving. Here’s what they had to say:
- Nimrod Sheinberg, Oz Moving: “Deciding what to keep and what not to keep has a lot to do with where you’re moving. Consider the cost of moving a certain item. If you are moving cross country or internationally, the cost to ship a cabinet you bought at Ikea might be more than it will cost to buy something new.”
- Barbara Reich, Resourceful Consultants: “Look at the new kitchen with a critical eye. What do you have room for in the new space? If you’re moving to a smaller space, only take what will fit. Be wary of large appliances that are rarely used, like a bread maker or ice cream maker. Don’t take them if you can part with them.”
- Nicole Loiterstein, Neat Method: “We often see clients storing broken bookshelves, outdated exercise equipment, or mismatched lamps in their basements, garages, or off-site storage units. These bulky items are expensive to move and will likely be taking up prime real estate in a new home.”
- Deidra Poltersdorf, National Van Lines: “Moving companies are legally prohibited from transporting certain items when people are moving out of state. These include plants, perishable or unsealed food items, and hazardous items, such as aerosol cans, ammunition, flammable items, car batteries, paint, and pesticides.”
Your Thoughts Matter: What Do You Think? 💬
We want to hear from you! What are your favorite decluttering tips and tricks? How do you decide what to keep and what to toss when moving? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Up Next: More Moving Tips and Tricks 📦
Stay tuned for more moving tips and tricks from Moving Checklist. From packing strategies to moving day essentials, we’ve got you covered. Follow us for the latest updates and expert advice on making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Conclusion 🎉
Deciding what to keep when moving can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded, but with the right strategies and a little guidance, you can make the process much smoother! By decluttering your belongings, not only do you lighten your load, but you also create a fresh start in your new home.
Summary of Positives and Negatives
Positives:
- Saves Money: Decluttering reduces moving costs, as you’ll need fewer packing supplies and a smaller truck.
- Less Stress: A streamlined move means less chaos on moving day.
- Environmental Benefits: Donating and recycling items contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Negatives:
- Emotional Challenge: Letting go of sentimental items can be tough.
- Time-Consuming: The decluttering process requires time and effort, especially if you have a lot of belongings.
Overall, we highly recommend taking the plunge and decluttering before your move. It’s an investment in your peace of mind and your new space! 💪✨
Recommended Links 🛒
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: Amazon
- Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White: Amazon
- The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker: Amazon
- Moving Essentials: Shop Moving Essentials
- Moving Day Checklist: Shop Moving Day Checklist
- Home Organization: Shop Home Organization
- Long Distance Moves: Shop Long Distance Moves
- Moving Budgeting: Shop Moving Budgeting
FAQ ❓
How to determine what to keep when moving?
To determine what to keep, ask yourself a series of reflective questions. Consider whether the item serves a purpose or brings you joy. If it’s been sitting unused for over a year, it might be time to let it go. Think about your new space and what will fit comfortably without cluttering it.
Read more about “What to Keep Out When Moving: 15 Essential Items You Can’t Forget! … 🏡”
How to decide what to keep and what to throw away?
A helpful method is the 10-Question Rule:
- Do I really need this?
- Is it in good condition?
- Would I buy it again today?
- How often do I use this?
- Does it fit in my new home?
- Is it worth the space it occupies?
- Do I have duplicates?
- Is it too expensive to move?
- Does it hold sentimental value?
- Does it add value to my life?
What to take and what to leave when moving?
When moving, take items that are essential, functional, or hold significant sentimental value. Consider leaving behind broken or outdated items, duplicate kitchenware, and clothes that no longer fit. For a more in-depth look, check out 15 Items to Leave Behind When Moving – Guardian Storage.
How to declutter and pack for a move?
Start by creating a decluttering checklist. Tackle one room at a time, and categorize items into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles. As you pack, label boxes clearly and keep an essentials box with items you’ll need right away in your new home.
Read more about “The Ultimate Moving Checklist Excel: 15 Must-Have Items for a Stress-Free Move … 🚚”
What to do with items you don’t want to keep?
You can sell, donate, or recycle unwanted items. Use platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace to sell. For donations, consider local charities or thrift stores. If items are beyond repair, a dumpster rental may be necessary.
Reference Links 🔗
- American Moving and Storage Association
- National Association of Professional Organizers
- Goodwill Industries
- The Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to a successful move! Happy decluttering! 🎉