Moving can lead to the discovery of some long-forgotten things. That Christmas sweater from your aunt, your high school yearbook, old photo albums, your recipe for homemade barbecue sauce, and an assortment of other things will come back into your life. It can be hard to figure out what remains what goes
As part of your “moving checklist” you should consider donating rather than throwing away certain items below.
1. Your clothes
Many people picture moving as a “fresh start” and throw out most of their existing wardrobe. These could be things that don’t fit, that you don’t like wearing, or that are no longer in style.
There is no reason to drag any unwanted clothing items around the house. Donate to them.
2. Foodstuffs
so you Clearly You weren’t trying to move your groceries to your new location, were you? So what do you do with them?
You may consider giving unopened food to your neighbors. You can even have a little fun and plan a dinner party themed around the hodgepodge of things you have left in your pantry and refrigerator. This could even be a contest!
If you don’t have the time or desire to do that, food can be donated to a local food bank. Move to hunger There is a 501(c)3 organization that can help you do just that. The organization works with relocation companies to collect non-perishable food items and deliver them to food banks across North America.
3. Unused kitchen appliances
We have them all – those kitchen appliances that we knew we’d use every day but have been in the back, in our cabinets, for three years now. Maybe you got caught up in the juicing craze of 2014 or maybe you thought you’d grow up to be a die-hard panini-er. Regardless, you are not alone.
But, you should really jump at the chance to get rid of some of those unused devices. Gift them to your friends. They don’t need them, but they won’t accept that reality for at least a few more years.
4. Your books
Books are things that take up a lot of space, are heavy and easily accumulate. When they’re a dollar each in swap meets, it’s easy to keep a stockpile after years in one place.
If you have read it or are not interested in reading it, give it away or donate it. There are also multiple options for Donation of books including libraries and veterans groups.
5. Coffee mug
We all have many coffee mugs. Mugs are given as gifts and as business gifts. Whatever the reason, many of us accumulate a ridiculous amount of them – often matching and branded with things we don’t even care about.
Cleaning the coffee mug Sorting through your closet before moving can make the whole process easier.
6. Children’s toys
If you have children, then you are no stranger to the amount of toy clutter. Moving doesn’t change anything about that clutter. Getting rid of unused baby toys will make your move more pleasant – and unpacking a lot less overwhelming.
Toys that your children have outgrown or no longer play with can be donated to local children’s charities or church groups. You can also give things like this away for free Craigslist.
7. Redundant and Duplicate Equipment
You may be dreading getting rid of tools before a big move, but hear us out on this one. You probably have multiple duplicates of the same type of tool and, if you look hard enough, you probably even have tools you never use.
If you find tools you’d like to donate, Habitat for Humanity Restore The project is a great place to donate them. ReStores is a reuse-based home goods store where profits go to support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts. They will accept new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more.
8. CDs and DVDs
There was a time when an impressive CD or DVD collection was something to be very proud of. Today, digital media has made these mediums almost obsolete. There is really no reason to physically own audio and video when there is so much readily available online.
If you have a large collection, sort through it and identify the CDs and DVDs that can go. If your friends want them, that’s great. If not, you can always donate them. You don’t have to get rid of your entire collection if you’re feeling nervous, but reducing the number at least a little will help ease your move.
Make your moves work for you
Movement is not something that will, by definition, be “easy”. But, there are steps you can take to make it easier for yourself. By taking a few simple steps to declutter before you move, you’re setting yourself up for success in the long run.
Take a look around your apartment and see what you can find that you don’t need to bring with you on the move. The more you can get rid of, the faster you can check off that rotating checklist.
