Moving involves a lot of work, so why not make a little less work for yourself by purging all the items you no longer need or use. At Coffeybros Moving, we consider anything you haven’t used in a year or longer to be an item worth considering purging. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, like sentimental items, but generally speaking, if you haven’t worn an outfit in more than a year, you can probably part with it to make room for a new one.
Here are a few options to get you started in your cleanup efforts. Some of them might even make you a little money on the side.
1. Have a Garage Sale: A garage sale is a great way to declutter before a big move, and it invites friends and neighbors to come to you, which means you aren’t hauling items out to donation boxes or trash bins. A great way to build up hype in the community regarding your upcoming sale is to get more of the neighbors involved. A street-wide yard sale will bring in individuals from nearby streets, but it will also guarantee that your neighbors are out and about and see that old gravy boat you’re trying to get rid of.
Yard sales are generally priced low for moving objects, but you can always increase the value on a few items if you feel like they’re worth more. Get rid of more by selling in bulk. Make up “surprise bags” filled with books, or various knickknacks and price them at $5 a pop.
2. Make Some Money Online: Another way to make a little extra cash before your move, while simultaneously getting rid of unwanted items, is to sell online. There are many websites you can sell online through, such as kijiji, Craig’s List, or even Ebay. List your items, along with photos, and remember to price for shipping if it’s included.
Selling online tends to be easier when you sell local, and when you make it clear that the items are for pick-up only. You have enough to do without worrying about delivering your old Xbox across town for $50.
3. Re-gift When Possible: Regifting is often frowned upon, but you might find some great items around the house, some even unopened, that would make great gifts. With the holidays coming up, it’s a prime time to sort through items you no longer want and see if there’s anything a friend or family member had their eye on.
Of course, when regifting, you want to be sure that you’re sending off items that have been well cared for, are unopened, or have some sort of meaning to the recipient. For example, gifting your sister-in-law, that pair of earrings you never wear, that came from your mother-in-law who is no longer with you, could be a touching sentiment.
4. Pass on Hand-me-down Clothing: Getting rid of clothing is one of the easiest ways to purge. We all have way too many clothing items, and tend to hang onto things that no longer fit in the hopes that we might wear them again. Stick to the one year rule, and let go of those skinny jeans for the time being. Hand-me-downs are a great way to give items in good shape that you no longer wear to friends or family members. This is especially helpful for families with multiple children, where clothing shopping can be expensive. Kids outgrow things so quickly, it’s always nice to get a few items in good shape for free.
5. Donate to the Needy: Finally, when in doubt, donate to a shelter, or another organization. Many organizations have donation boxes posted around town, but you can contact a shop, church, or community center in person to learn more about their policies. Some donations are clothing only, while others include everything from food to reading materials. Get rid of your old unused items and put a smile on somebody else’s face.
