Going through your things before you move and purging items you no longer need can simplify your move. When you arrive at your new location, you’ll also have a tidier home. Here are nine things to consider purging before your residential move.
1. Clothes You No Longer Wear
Go through your drawers of clothes, closet, and boxes of seasonal clothes to remove clothes you no longer wear. A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn it in two or more years, you probably won’t ever wear it again. Give it away or donate it.
2. Books
Books are heavy, and many people own a lot of books they no longer care to read. Aim to eliminate a percentage of your books, then stick to that goal. Don’t throw them away or recycle them; donate them to organizations that can give them away or sell them.
3. Damaged and Defunct Electronics
Many people have old computers and phones in their house. Recycle old electronics at dedicated recycling centers. Call your sanitation department to find out where to find recycling centers in your area.
4. Expired Food
You might clean out your refrigerator frequently, but how often do you clean out your pantry? Don’t bring those expired boxes of pasta, jars of sauce, and salad dressing bottles. Make time to go through your pantry and kitchen cabinets to remove these items before you move.
Donate unexpired food. Ask your mover if they participate in Move for Hunger. You simply set aside your unopened, non-perishable food items. Move for Hunger crews will pack your food items and deliver them to a local food pantry. From there, they will sort your donations and provide them to local families in need.
5. Cleaning Products
Most likely, your movers won’t allow you to bring your cleaning products in the moving truck. Find a neighbor or friend who would like your unused cleaning products. Also, check with your mover about other restricted items you can not pack.
6. Surplus Dishes
Many kitchen cabinets hold extra dishes, pots, pans, and silverware. These are useful items that could be helpful to someone else. Take a critical look at your own cabinets and make up a box of the surplus dishes and other things you find. You can donate these items at the same time you donate your clothes.
7. Junk Drawer Items
Go through your junk drawer and get rid of those cracked, broken rubber bands, broken twist ties, and expired batteries.
8. Expired Medications
Many people have expired medications in their medicine cabinets. Many communities have take-back drives where they collect expired medications to be disposed of safely. Call your physician, pharmacy, city hall, or local law enforcement officials to find out if there is such a drive in your area.
9. Makeup You No Longer Wear
If you’ve changed the type of makeup you wear recently, ditch the old makeup you no longer need. This is safe to throw in the trash, or you can give it to a friend.
When You’re Ready, Call the Movers
When you’re ready to relocate, we can help you move by transporting your essential items to your new home. Contact us today for a free quote.