Decluttering Before a Move:
What to Keep, Donate, and Toss
Moving house is an exciting chapter, but it can also feel overwhelming. At Crazy Removals, we understand the stress that comes with packing up your life and shifting it to a new location. One of the most effective ways to simplify the process is to declutter before you move. But how do you decide what to keep, what to donate, and what to toss? Here are some tips to help you make those decisions, and a few suggestions for donating and recycling to make the process as smooth as possible.
1. Assess Your Belongings
Before you start packing, take some time to assess everything you own. Go through each room, cupboard, and drawer with a critical eye. Ask yourself these key questions:
- Have I used this item in the last year? If the answer is no, it’s likely you can live without it.
- Does this item have sentimental value? Some things are worth keeping even if they’re not frequently used. Just be sure that the sentiment is genuine and not just an excuse to hold onto clutter.
- Is this item in good condition? If it’s broken, damaged, or worn out, consider whether it’s worth repairing or if it’s time to let go.
2. What to Keep
Deciding what to keep can be tricky, but here are a few guidelines to help you hold onto only the essentials:
- High-Value Items: These include items with significant financial or sentimental value, such as jewellery, family heirlooms, or antiques.
- Daily Essentials: Keep items that you use regularly, such as kitchenware, electronics, and clothing you wear often.
- Things That Fit Your New Home: Think about your new space. Will your current furniture fit? Will your décor match? If not, it might be time to part ways.
3. What to Donate
Donating is a great way to give your unused items a new lease on life, and it helps others in the process. Consider donating:
- Clothing: If it’s in good condition but no longer suits your style or size, donate it to a local charity shop.
- Books: Donate books you’ve read and are unlikely to read again to a library or charity.
- Furniture and Household Goods: Many charities will collect larger items like furniture, which can be a great help when you’re trying to downsize.
- Unopened Non-Perishables: If you have unopened food items that you won’t be taking with you, consider donating them to a local food bank.
4. What to Toss
Sometimes, the only option is to toss certain items. Here’s what you should consider getting rid of:
- Broken Items: If something is broken beyond repair, it’s time to let it go.
- Expired Products: Check your cupboards for expired food, medicine, or beauty products. Dispose of these responsibly, following local guidelines.
- Old Paperwork: Shred any documents you no longer need that contain personal information. Recycle the rest.
5. Tips for Recycling
Recycling can be a fantastic way to minimise your environmental impact while decluttering. Here’s how to do it right:
- Electronics: Many local councils offer e-waste recycling services for old electronics. Make sure to wipe any personal data from devices before recycling.
- Batteries: Batteries can’t be thrown in with regular rubbish, but many shops and recycling centres have collection points for them.
- Clothing and Textiles: If your clothing is too worn to donate, look for textile recycling bins or schemes in your area.
6. The Final Sweep
Once you’ve sorted everything into keep, donate, and toss piles, take one last look around your home. It’s often easier to let go of things once you see the reduced clutter and can imagine a fresh start in your new space. Remember, the fewer items you move, the easier and cheaper your move will be!
At Crazy Removals, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need advice on packing, moving, or storing your items, we’ve got you covered. And if you’ve decluttered but still have items that need storing, ask us about our storage solutions.
Happy moving, and enjoy the freedom of a clutter-free home!
