10 Tips to Lighten the Load Before You Move

Whether you're moving across town or making a cross-country trek, preparing for a move can be overwhelming. One way to cut down on stress and make packing easier is to "clear the clutter" before you even begin the packing process.  Our real estate agents are here with a quick look at ten tips to lighten the load before you move.

1. Start Early
   De-cluttering and packing take a lot of time. Start your clean out at least three months before moving day.
   
   
2. Make a Plan
   Creating a plan will help purging seem less overwhelming and make the whole process more efficient. Start by sorting each room and making lists of things to donate, sell or throw away. Organizations like Vietnam Veterans of America will pick up donations at your house.
   
   To sell valuable items, have a garage sale or post them on OfferUp, Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Dispose of things like old bills and papers, stained or ripped furniture and anything that won't be of use to you or anyone else.
   
   
3. Draw Out A New Furniture Plan
   Get a floor plan for your new place from your real estate agent or the owner. If not, take photos and measurements of all the rooms and draw it out. This is especially important if you're downsizing, as it can help you identify which pieces of furniture won't serve your needs anymore and help you avoid lugging unnecessary items to your new home.
   
   
4. Go Room-by-Room
   Now that you've got a plan in place, take it one room at a time. Start in smaller places like the bathroom if it helps you feel less anxious.
   
   
5. Get Rid of Items You Don't Use
   It seems like common sense, but many people hold on to things that they haven't used in years. Whether it's clothes or kitchen utensils, if you haven't used something in a year, get rid of it.
   
   
6. Don't Be Sentimental
   One of the hardest parts of purging is saying goodbye to things you've had for a long time. But just because you've had a stuffed animal since you were a little child doesn't mean it has value. Thinking objectively about all types of items can help you speed up the process and realize what's really important to you.
   
   
7. Don't Keep Things Because of Guilt
   Guilt can be a powerful force when it comes to keeping possessions you don't like or need. It's likely that the friend who gave you that ugly necklace you've never worn won't find out it's gone.  
   
   
8. Don't Hold on to Items that Cause You Pain
   Mementos from bad relationships or clothes that don't fit you can make you feel down. Moving is a great time to make a fresh start and remove things from your life that cause unhappiness.
   
   
9. Lose Hazardous Items
   Paint, weed killer, propane tanks, fireworks, and other hazardous materials need to go. Find out where you can drop off hazardous chemicals in your area--do not put hazardous materials like batteries and paint in your trash. They can be dangerous to the public and are terrible for the environment.
   
   
10. Clean Out Your Pantry
    Go through your pantry, box up all non-perishable food, and donate it to a local food pantry. Move for Hunger is an amazing organization that picks up unwanted food items and delivers them to local food banks.

At Laffey Real Estate, our agents have tons of valuable moving tips and can help you find the home of your dreams.  Contact us to get started.