It is much more difficult to get rid of the stuff when one has accumulated tons of possessions all over the house. We naturally hoard things and store them in our garage, shed, basement, attic, bedrooms, under the stairs, etc. When it is time to move, deciding what to take and throw out is not an easy task.
However, when we move to a new house or workplace there is no choice. We just have to decide. Some possessions, especially those that we have not used for years and have no emotional value, will have to be discarded.
Moving home or office is not cheap. How much it costs usually depends on how much has to be transported. Some of the best moving companies can help us sift through what we need and don’t.
Tips on how to get rid of things:
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Donate old shoes and clothing
Sort out your old shoes and clothing and decide what you and household members are likely to need in your new home. Keep those and donate everything else. Knowing that some people may benefit if you get rid off stuff may help you distinguish your essential items from non-essential ones more quickly.
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Give away old books and magazines
There are charity organizations that collect second-hand books and magazines. You could do the same as you did with your shoes and clothes, i.e., give them away to a good cause.
Check out your local library, they may want your books. Local schools may be interested in your children’s old school books. Ask people who work at your dentist’s or doctor’s offices whether they want old magazines for their waiting rooms.
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Throw away expired medicines and vitamins
Is your bathroom cabinet like a mini pharmacy? Now is a good time to check all your medications and vitamins. Get rid of anything that has passed its expiration date. Check on the container if there are special instructions on how to get rid of them. Some medications must be taken to a pharmacist – do not flush those down the toilet.
Do not attempt to self-medicate with old medications. If they have passed their expiration date, they are probably no longer effective. Go to your doctor and ask for a new prescription. Your doctor is much more likely than you are to find the best treatment for you.
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Arrange a garage sale
You will be surprised at how much money you can make from a garage sale. Make sure all your neighbors and nearby residents know about it. Go door-to-door and either tell people about it or drop a leaflet.
Apart from raising money, which is always nice, you can also save a lot of money. The more you sell, the smaller your removal bill will be.
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Give away plastic containers for recycling
Most homes have drawers full of Tupperware or plastic containers that we use for storing leftovers or meals that we plan to eat later. Make sure that the containers you do not need are destined for recycling. When we move to a new house, we throw a lot of stuff away. Try to make your move as environmentally friendly as possible.
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Sell old Furniture and Rugs online to make some extra money
The Internet has changed how we work, rest, play, study, and also sell things we no longer need. Old furniture and rugs occupy a lot of space. If you are not sure whether you want to take them with you, consider selling them online. The money you make when you sell them can go towards purchasing replacements.
Conclusion:
Moving to a new home is a stressful experience at the best of times. Hopefully, these tips will help you manage the whole ordeal more smoothly and with less expense and hassle. If you are a natural hoarder, you are going to have to be strict. Remember that moving home is an opportunity to start afresh, i.e., getting rid of old stuff and buying new.