Moving is the perfect time to declutter and unload things that you no longer need or want. Eliminating unused items makes packing easier and cheaper.
It also makes transitioning into your new space more pleasant. A new home is a new, clean slate, and you don’t want to take everything from your old house to your new one. The challenge is—what do you do with everything you won’t take with you?
In this blog, we are exploring several ways to get rid of those unwanted items before a move.
Organizing as You Pack
While getting rid of everything and starting fresh may be tempting, that is not the best or most realistic option for most people. Instead, organize as you prepare for your move by sorting and decluttering as you pack boxes.
Organizing saves time and makes unpacking so much easier. Sorting and decluttering as you pack boxes will help you identify items you no longer need or want. You can group similar items and box them up for disposal or distribution of things you will be letting go of during the packing process.
Selling Unwanted Items
If you have the time, selling unwanted items is a great way to get rid of them. It will boost your bank account, and you know the items are going to good use instead of being tossed in a landfill. Items worth selling typically include furniture, antiques, books, tools, and other miscellaneous household items.
Thanks to technology, selling items is easier than ever through online marketplaces. Other options for selling items include antique and collectible sellers, consignment shops, or used bookstores.
Donating Unwanted Items
You can donate items you don’t want to or don’t have the time to sell to local charities and organizations. Donating is a great way to help your local community and help reduce waste. Before you pack up your items and head out, research local charities and check donation guidelines.
Contact the organization to confirm the donation process, especially if you have large furniture items or appliances. Some charities have pickup services. You can also obtain receipts for tax deductions when donating to some charities.
Some organizations that offer pickup services:
- Pickup Please is a national organization run by th eVietnam Veterans of America (VVA); they typically pick up any unwanted items within 24 hours of scheduling.
- The Salvation Army offers free furniture pickup and may pick up other items.
- Habitat for Humanity offers pickup of many household items and building materials.
Responsible Disposal or Recycling of Unwanted Items
Responsibly disposing of, recycling, or donating unwanted items is a satisfying part of the moving process. You can minimize environmental impact and do something positive for your community by donating, recycling, and using proper disposal methods for items you no longer want or need.
Not all charities or organizations take the same items. Here is a guide to help you determine where you might take your unwanted items.
Books & Magazines
- Used bookstores
- Libraries
- Shelters
- Schools or daycares
Office Supplies
- non-profit organizations
Clothing, Furniture, Bedding, Kitchen Items, and Toys
- Thrift stores
- consignment shops
- Shelters
- Support agencies
Computers and Electronics
- Schools
- Community centers
- Non-profit organizations
Unused or Broken Tools
- Local refuse or recycling centers often take broken power tools but may charge a fee.
- Take broken tools to a scrap yard. Scrap yards usually pay for metal by weight.
- A friend may be able to use your old power tools that are still in working order.
- Nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity will take tools that work.
- A local tool library will welcome donations of tools that work.
Paint or Chemicals
- Contact local waste management companies
- Search for hazardous waste collection events
- Dry out paint. Dry paint cans can often be placed in local household waste bins.
- Find a paint recycling program.
Getting Rid of Perishables & Party Supplies
Perishables and party supplies tend to pile up and are often tossed before a move. Instead of throwing away all those perishables and mismatched party supplies, think out of the box (pun intended!) and host a moving-out party!
Most people associate moving with a housewarming party, but a moving-out party is a great way to use leftover beer, wine, liquor, food, and piles of paper goods and party supplies that would otherwise get tossed in the trash bins.
Consider Hiring Professionals to Help You Move
After you declutter and unload your unwanted items, it will be time for your big move! Hiring a professional moving company offers many advantages.
A professional moving company has the knowledge and expertise to handle every step of your move, from packing boxes, safe lifting of heavy items, and navigating various property hazards like stairs, hills, and tight spaces. In addition, a professional moving company will provide insurance and liability coverage to protect your belongings in case of damage or loss during a move.
A local moving company will have personal, local knowledge about your area, including the best routes, traffic patterns, parking regulations, and weather considerations. When hiring a local professional moving company, you can save time and energy and drastically lower your stress level during your move.
Go Smooth Move
As you declutter and prepare for your move in the Charleston, South Carolina, area, Go Smooth Move is available for junk removal and moving services! We also offer climate-controlled storage options.
We are a customer-centric premier moving company ready to help you with your apartment, dorm, residential, or office move. Our goal is to make your move as stress-free as possible with safe, reliable, and courteous moving services. We provide packing, loading, and unloading assistance with our Go Smooth Move trucks.
We offer labor for packing, loading, and unloading services for customers who provide their own trucks.
We aim to provide comprehensive moving services in whatever capacity you need or want! If you are in the Charleston or Rock Hill, South Carolina area, we hope you will consider hiring Go Smooth Move for your next move. We are proud to serve the Lowcountry local community and hope to hear from you soon!