Moving to a new home brings mixed feelings of both excitement and stress. Among the more daunting questions you encounter: “How am I going to move all my stuff?” Moving is a perfect time to reassess your belongings and put everything in one of four categories: store, upgrade, discard, or move.
Store It
You may not be ready to get rid of certain items, but you also aren’t sure where they’ll go in your new home. Instead of having those items take up precious space as you’re unpacking and settling in, you may want to use a storage provider for those “TBD items.” It’s important to know though, not all storage facilities are created equal. Be sure to consider a facility’s security, accessibility, and climate-controlled options.
Upgrade It
Even the simplest moves come with a slew of expenses. While it’s not practical to upgrade everything, a move could be the right time to invest in that new couch or mattress you’ve been eying. A few things to consider when figuring out what may be worth replacing: How old is it? Most items have an average shelf life. Did you know mattresses are good for about seven to 10 years?
Also, think through what items get the most use. You may want to upgrade those items you use every day versus those that are only called upon when you have company. There’s also the added benefit of getting new, big-and-bulky items delivered to your new home!
Discard It
When it’s time to say goodbye to certain belongings, it’s important to discard them in ways that are efficient, sustainable, and potentially profitable. Facebook Marketplace and consignment shops are great avenues to make some money on your belongings that still have a lot of life left. Others that may not be worth the trouble of selling, but also aren’t ready for a landfill should be donated to organizations like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, especially if they offer free pickup! Then there are items that truly have lived a good life and need to be thrown away, whether via your local dump or haul-away services.
Move It
Most of your belongings will fit into this category. Don’t underestimate all that will be needed to *safely* move your belongings. The DIY route may not actually be significantly cheaper than you initially expect nor as secure. It’s always good to know your options, so at the very least, get a few quotes from moving companies that offer free in-person or virtual estimates. If possible, try to go through this exercise so you can definitively say what is and isn’t making the move.
Evaluating your belongings is a great first step as you begin planning your upcoming move. Whether utilizing storage, decluttering, or upgrading, each decision leads to an easier transition and sets the stage for a fresh start in your new home.
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