Packing before a big household move feels overwhelming to most people. To simplify the process, start in the least-used areas where clutter tends to accumulate. Areas such as your basement and attic are great places to start. Here are top tips for decluttering these spaces before your move.
1. Ask Yourself These Questions
Unlike other areas of the home, you might not want to go by the “used in the last year” rule because you might find there are family treasures you want to keep but don’t necessarily use. To help decide, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have more than one of these items?
- Will this item simply be collecting dust in my new home?
- Where in the new house will this item go?
- Is the item in good working condition?
- Does the item need repair?
- How sentimental is this item?
If your answer to these questions determines any items aren’t something you need or even use, make a plan to eliminate them.
2. Set Up Areas to Place Items
Plan to sort out possessions by creating piles while going through your basement and attic spaces.
- Keep
- Recycle
- Toss
- Donate
- Sell
Knowing where items will go will streamline your packing process and, in some cases, put some money back into your pocket.
Pro tip: Pack the “must keep” items as you sort to save time. Just be sure they’re items you genuinely need.
3. Be Mindful of Paperwork
You may have boxes and bins filled with old paperwork in your attic and basement. Be sure to carefully review these before throwing them out or recycling them because they may have personal information. Shred any documents containing sensitive information.
Pro tip: Avoid accidentally mishandling essential documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, old family documents, and photos. Safeguard these in a box and clearly label them.
4. Factor in Your New Surroundings
When deciding what to keep, think about where you’re moving to. If you’re moving to warmer climates, you probably don’t need to keep the heavy winter gear, snow blowers, and sleds.
5. Make Donation Pickup Arrangements
If you have large items or too many bags/boxes to transport yourself, arrange a donation pickup. Many companies will come to you to transport usable items at no cost.
- Habitat for Humanity
- Goodwill
- The Salvation Army
- AMVETS National Service Foundation
- Greendrop
These are only a handful of organizations that will pick up household items. Check with any charity you’re interested in, and then ask about the types of items they’ll take and how to arrange a pickup.
6. Hire a Junk Removal Company
If you’re not going to move a large portion of your basement and attic, you might consider hiring a junk removal company. This will save you time, and you won’t have to worry about how to get these things out of your home. Many will dispose of trash and donate usable items to charity for you.
Ready to Plan Your Move?
Going through the attic and basement can be an arduous process as you’re trying to plan your move. To help reduce your stress on moving day, contact our professional moving experts today to learn more about our services and get a free quote.