Don’t dread moving. Treat it as an opportunity – a time for you to take a closer look at your belongings and sort through things you need and love versus things that are just taking up space. Your possessions should have three purposes: function, aesthetic, or sentimental value. Make moving easy and awesome by ditching these things before your next big move.
Clothing & Accessories
Moving can be a hassle, so why let choosing which clothes to take with you be another layer of stress? Sift through your closet and get rid of the items you no longer wear – you know, that unworn top you bought three years ago or that sweater from the eighth grade that barely fits over one shoulder. Donate or sell it. But whatever you do, don’t lug it with you to your next home!
Kitchen Appliances
Take a look at your kitchen. Do you have any appliances that are taking up valuable counter or cabinet space? Think juicers, waffle makers, or toaster ovens. If it’s something you use, keep it. But if it’s something that was passed down to you from grandma and you haven’t used it in years, consider gifting it to someone in need.
Promotional Stuff & Souvenirs
We all take home the occasional souvenir or promotional item from various events and vacations. We also all know that these items are most likely sitting in the same spot and never used or looked at again. Unless it has sentimental value, toss it. Who needs 10 koozies anyway?
Duplicate Items
Have you ever needed to replace an older, worn-out item with a newer version, but then kept the old item stored? Yep, we’re all guilty of it. Do your best to get rid of duplicate items you no longer need – i.e.: pots and pans, old printers and the like.
Dated Entertainment Systems
Technology moves at the speed of light. One day you’re rewinding your VHS tape to return to Blockbuster, the next you’re setting the DVR to record the big game. So what do you do with all that outdated entertainment equipment? Consider electronic recycling. Not only does it clear up space, it’s also the green way to get rid of electronics.
Towels & Linens
Sometimes moving gives you a good excuse to get a few new things for your home. Now is the time to take inventory of towels and linens and replace what’s starting to look a little ragged. Skip the hassle of packing linens you won’t need and update your home goods in the process.
Cosmetics & Toiletries
It’s tempting to want to throw all of your toiletries in a box and bring them with you when you move, but you really shouldn’t, especially if you have makeup or other personal care products that are outdated. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used it in more than six months, ditch it.
Paperwork
While we’re always a proponent of keeping a paper trail, you probably don’t need every document you have in your filing cabinet. Go through old paperwork and shred anything that is no longer important or that you have an electronic record of. That can include:
- Old insurance policies
- Bills
- Credit card receipts
One Last Look
Purging before a move is a great thing. As you pack, ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” We all have items we no longer use, or for that matter, even enjoy. If you forgot you had it, donate it – or put your non-negotiables in storage!
Don’t let too much stuff weigh you down. At StorQuest Self Storage, we have the storage you need so you can live the life you want. Our team is ready to help you with all of your storage needs before, during, or after a move.