What to Do With Stuff You Don’t Want to Move

Moving can be an overwhelming experience, but it also presents a perfect opportunity to sort through your belongings and shed the items you no longer need or want. Decluttering before a move isn't just about minimizing your possessions; it's a strategic move that can save you time, energy, and money. By reducing the number of items you take with, you cut down on moving costs and make the packing process smoother.

As you prepare for the big day, it's important to take stock of your items and decide what makes the cut to come along to your new space. You should create an inventory to keep track of everything you own. This helps you visualize what you have, making it easier to sort things into categories. What's crucial is that you're methodical about the process and allow yourself enough time to make thoughtful decisions about what stays and what goes.

Once you have a plan in place, it's time to get down to the nuts and bolts of decluttering. You'll need to pack the items you're keeping with care, ensuring they're ready for the move. For everything else, you have options: selling, donating, or giving away to friends and family. Remember that what doesn’t fit into your future can still be valuable to someone else. Maximizing the use of each item not only benefits you but also serves the wider Sioux Falls community and environment.

Decluttering and Sorting Your Belongings

When you're gearing up for a move, the less you have to pack, the easier your transition will be. Let's tackle the basics of decluttering and setting up a system to ensure your belongings are sorted efficiently.

Identify Items to Discard

First things first: You need to take stock of what you've got. It's all about figuring out what to keep and what to say goodbye to. Here's a quick hit-list to start with:

• Expired food: Check the pantry, fridge, and anywhere you stash edibles.
• Anything broken: If it's beyond repair or just collecting dust, it's time to let it go.
• Junk drawer findings: If you haven't used it in the past year, chances are you won't miss it.
• Basement, attic, and garage: These are often hiding spots for long-forgotten items.

It's time to reassess what's worth the effort of packing and moving. If you haven't used it in a while or it doesn't bring value to your life, let's consider it a candidate for the discard pile.

Effective Sorting Strategies

As you tackle each room, sorting effectively is key. You can use a simple system to classify stuff quickly:

• Keep: Items you absolutely need or love that will make it to your new place.
• Donate: Good-condition items that could benefit someone else.
• Recycle: For items that can't be donated but can be recycled responsibly.
• Trash: Last resort for items that can't be donated, sold, or recycled.

For larger areas like the garage, break it into sections and conquer one at a time. Remember, with each thing you decide to get rid of, that's one less item to pack and one step closer to a smoother move.

If moving day arrives and you find you’re still indecisive about some stuff or you’ve kept more than you want to move into your new space, Advanced Moving can help you out with climate-controlled storage that can be leased month to month.

Selling, Donating, and Recycling Options

When it comes to moving, we all find items we no longer need or want. To make the move easier and possibly save on moving costs, consider these options for clearing out the clutter.

Hosting a Garage or Yard Sale

Garage and yard sales are ideal for getting rid of items quickly while earning some cash. Advertise locally with signs and online through community groups. Price items to sell, and be ready to haggle. Sales typically take place on weekends and are a great way to let neighbors and locals have first dibs on your belongings.

Selling Items Online

Online marketplaces like Craigslist and eBay are platforms where you can sell just about anything, from clothes to gadgets. Take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and set fair prices. You can also use consignment shops for items like clothes and furniture, which is more hands-off but may take longer.

Donating to Charities and Community Centers

Donating items like blankets, sheets, clothes, and electronics can make a significant difference. Charities such as Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Union Gospel Mission accept a variety of donations, while local community centers, schools, shelters, and daycare centers might appreciate books, toys, and school supplies.

Recycling and Proper Disposal

Properly recycle items that aren't suitable for a new home, especially electronics, to avoid them ending up in a landfill. Staples and Best Buy are known for their electronics recycling programs. Additionally, many localities have dedicated days or facilities for recycling various goods, reducing waste where possible.