When it comes time to move to a new home, it’s a bit like starting over. As such, it’s only appropriate to ditch some of your old, unused, unwanted possessions before moving to the new place.
Otherwise, your new home will be clogged up and cluttered. You won’t have room to buy new furniture, decor, clothing, or anything else to accentuate your new life. Thus, we come to the age-old question – what goes in the moving van and what goes in the dumpster?
Not sure where to start? Keep reading for everything you need to know about how to pick what stays and what goes.
1. Appliances
When a homeowner moves to a new place, they have to decide whether or not their current appliances should go in the moving vans or stay behind in the house. On one hand, leaving them behind gives you a reason to get all new appliances in your next home. However, that will be somewhat costly.
If your appliances are relatively new or you can’t afford to invest in a new set, take them with you. If your next home already has appliances (that are better than yours), leave them behind, sell them, or donate them.
2. Clothing
One of the best tips for downsizing your home is to start with your wardrobe. Most of us have way more clothes than we need. In fact, the average American only uses about 50% of their wardrobe on a regular basis.
What are the rest of your clothes doing? Collecting dust, taking up space, and costing you more in moving fees.
Pull everything out of your closet and go through each article of clothing one by one (including shoes, coats, and accessories). Be honest with yourself and ditch what you never wear.
3. Storage Items
Next, when looking at a moving van rental or moving van companies, you need to think about your storage items. If you’re like most people, you have a ton of stuff in your garage, attic, or off-site storage facility that you never use, look at or even think about.
If you’re looking for “moving companies near me” to get a quote, decide what’s worth keeping from your storage items. Obviously, family heirlooms and other possessions that have sentimental value are worth keeping.
However, if you have old sports equipment, past hobby supplies/materials, old clothes, or anything else you’re unlikely to use again, get rid of it. Don’t carry that baggage with you to your new home.
4. The “Keep It or Dump It” Test
Ultimately, no matter what category the item falls under, you need to ask yourself three questions to determine whether or not you should keep it. The three questions are:
- Do I use it regularly?
- Do I need it?
- Do I love it?
If the answer to all three of those questions is no, then you have your answer. Let’s break it down.
If you don’t use something regularly, then it’s just taking up space. That is unless you love it or will need it in the future. If you don’t use it, love it, or need it, it’s serving no purpose in your life.
Need a Moving Van?
Looking for a budget moving van? If so, you’re in the right place. Take your time and decide what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of.
Then, when you’re ready, give us a call to get a free quote. You can rent a moving van and do everything yourself or hire us to do all the packing, transporting, and unpacking for you.
