Last Updated on December 22, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Moving day is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but it can also be a stressful event as you prepare for all the packing up and unpacking to come.
To ease some of this stress, a great way to start getting ready is by decluttering your existing space – it’ll make the moving process easier and help you get settled into your new home more quickly.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to keep or toss, here are 7 things that should absolutely be thrown away before moving day arrives.
Your old mattress
An old mattress can be a real burden when it comes to moving. Not only are mattresses heavy and awkward to move, but they take up a lot of valuable space, both in the moving truck and in your new home.
More often than not, an old mattress has seen its fair share of wear and tear. Over time, mattresses tend to collect dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens, which can affect your health and sleep quality.
Furthermore, the sagging and loss of support that come with an old mattress can contribute to back pain and other sleep disruptions.
If your mattress is more than 7-10 years old, moving day might be the perfect opportunity for an upgrade. Instead of lugging your old mattress to your new home, consider the option of Cedar Park’s sustainable mattress disposal or similar services in your area.
Not only will you have a fresh and clean start, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment. This not only simplifies your move but also provides you with the fresh start – and good night’s sleep – that you deserve in your new home.
Furniture that’s in bad condition
When you move into a new home, one of the most exciting things is being able to decorate it in a way that truly reflects your personal style.
However, if you’ve brought along old furniture that’s seen better days or doesn’t quite fit with your new home’s aesthetic, it can be tough to truly feel settled in.
That’s why it’s important to take the time to get rid of any pieces that don’t match or are beyond repair. Not only will it help you feel more at home in your new space, but it’ll also free up room for new pieces that you’ll love even more.
So take a deep breath, grab some boxes, and get ready to make your new home truly yours.
Old clothing and shoes
Moving is the perfect time to take a good hard look at your wardrobe and assess which items are still in good condition and which ones have seen better days.
Holding onto old clothing or shoes that you haven’t worn in years will only add unnecessary weight to your moving load, not to mention clutter up your new closet space.
Take some time to go through each item of clothing and ask yourself if you really need it or if it’s worth packing up and bringing to your new home.
Consider donating any items that are still in good condition but no longer serve a purpose for you. This will not only declutter your closet but also allow someone else to enjoy those clothes.
Expired pantry items
When moving to a new home, it’s crucial to avoid bringing expired food and pantry items. Not only do they occupy valuable space and add unnecessary weight to your moving load, but they can also become a magnet for pests if left unattended.
To ensure a seamless transition, take the time to thoroughly inspect your pantry and meticulously check the expiration dates on all food items.
If you come across anything that has expired or is nearing its expiration date, it’s highly recommended to dispose of it before the move.
By doing so, you not only simplify the moving process but also guarantee a fresh and pristine pantry in your new home, ready to be stocked with delectable treats and essentials.
Unused or broken appliances
Before the big moving day arrives, it is crucial to meticulously take inventory of all your appliances and judiciously assess their worthiness for transportation to your new abode.
Carefully consider the functionality and utility of each item, ensuring that only the most valuable and necessary pieces make the cut.
Moreover, seize this opportune moment to part ways with any superfluous or defective appliances that have been occupying valuable space in your present dwelling.
By decluttering and streamlining your belongings, not only will you optimize the available space in your moving truck, but you will also spare yourself from the unnecessary expenditure of repairing or storing items that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
This discerning approach to appliance management during the moving process will undoubtedly contribute to a hassle-free and cost-effective transition to your new home.
Out-of-date appliances, electronics, and tools
Rather than holding onto these items in the hopes of using them again someday, it’s time to take action and purge them from your life.
Not only will this help declutter your living space, but it’ll also prevent you from wasting time and money packing, moving, and unpacking items that are no longer needed.
Take the opportunity to properly dispose of any outdated or broken appliances, electronics, or tools before moving day arrives.
Many communities offer electronic recycling events or designated drop-off locations for these items. By getting rid of these old and unused items, you’ll be making room for new and improved versions in your new home.
Anything else that doesn’t serve a purpose
Lastly, before moving day arrives, take some time to assess all of your belongings and get rid of anything else that doesn’t serve a purpose in your life.
This can include old books that you’ve already read or will never read, excess kitchenware that you don’t use, or any other items that are simply taking up space and adding unnecessary weight to your move.
Not only will this decluttering process make your move easier, but it’ll also help you start fresh in your new home without any extra baggage weighing you down.
Moving day doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. By decluttering and getting rid of these 7 items before your move, you’ll not only simplify the process but also set yourself up for a fresh start in your new home.
So take the time to assess your belongings and get rid of anything that no longer serves a purpose in your life. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself later. Happy moving!
FAQs
What are some common items that people tend to hold onto, but really should consider getting rid of before a move?
People often hold onto old clothing, outdated electronics, books they’ll never read again, and kitchen appliances they rarely use. It’s best to declutter these items before a move.
Can you share some strategies for deciding which items are worth moving and which aren’t?
A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it. Also, consider the cost of moving an item versus replacing it. If it’s cheaper to replace, it might be best to leave it behind.
What are some tips for efficiently disposing of unwanted items, whether through selling, recycling, or donating?
Hold a garage sale or list items online to sell. Many cities have recycling programs for electronics and other items. Local charities often accept donations of gently used items, and some even offer pick-up services.
How can decluttering before a move ultimately save time and money?
The fewer items you have to pack and transport, the less time and money you’ll spend on moving supplies and movers’ fees. Plus, decluttering now means less clutter to deal with in your new home.
Are there certain types of items that moving companies often won’t transport, and therefore should be disposed of prior to moving?
Many moving companies won’t transport hazardous materials like paint, chemicals, or propane tanks. It’s best to dispose of these safely before moving.
What’s your number one piece of advice when it comes to decluttering before a move?
Start early. Decluttering is often more time-consuming than people expect. Starting well in advance of your move will make the process less stressful.
Can you share a story from your experience where decluttering significantly eased the moving process?
I once helped a family who had lived in the same home for 30 years. By decluttering before the move, they were able to downsize from a large moving truck to a smaller one, saving them hundreds of dollars.
How far in advance should people start the decluttering process before their move?
Ideally, start decluttering at least three months before your move. This gives you ample time to sort through items, sell or donate unwanted things, and pack at a comfortable pace.
Are there any unexpected benefits to decluttering before a move, beyond just having fewer boxes to pack?
Absolutely. Decluttering can be a cathartic process. It’s a chance to let go of the past and make space for new experiences in your new home. Plus, it’s much easier to stay organized when you move with less.
What resources or services do you recommend for those feeling overwhelmed by the decluttering process?
Professional organizers can provide helpful advice and hands-on assistance. Websites like The Minimalists have great tips on decluttering. Donation pick-up services can also be a big help.
References:
- Ex-Mattress. (2023, May 20). How to dispose of a mattress in Cedar Park. Ex-Mattress Recycling. https://exmattress.com/dispose-of-mattress-cedar-park/
- Richards, S. (2022, July 26). Moving Day TIPS – Sylvia Richards – Medium. Medium. https://medium.com/@sylviarichards_47183/moving-day-tips-1809d91e6b59
