Items to Clear Out Before a Move

One of the keys to a successful residential move is purging your belongings before you start packing. Scaling back your belongings makes for a more efficient, organized move and helps you settle in quicker at our new home when you have less stuff.

Here are things you should clear out before moving day.

Kitchen Extras

The kitchen often collects extra items that you should discard before you move. These items include:

• Plastic containers that are worn, stained, or missing lids

• Unused appliances

• Expired food

• Burned, stained, or frayed pot holders

• Mismatched cups, mugs, and dishes

• Pots and pans with scratches

• Unnecessary duplicate items like extra ladles and spatulas

Books

Books are heavy. Since many professional movers charge by weight, an extensive library will significantly raise your cost. Donate or give away any books you've already read and are unlikely to re-read. One way to give away your books is to organize a book fair at your home and invite friends over to take a look.

Unworn Shoes and Clothes

Remember those shoes you wore once and vowed never to wear again because they hurt your feet? Moving offers an excellent opportunity to rid yourself of them. Likewise, donate clothes that don't fit, look unflattering on you, or are out of style. If you're unsure, invite a panel of friends over to help you decide.

Anything Expired

Toss anything beyond the expiration date, including medicines or old nail polish, stuck in the bottle. Also, toss any old creams, lotions, and cleaning products. Discard any half-used bottles of liquid. Also, properly dispose of outdated electronics.

Cheap or Worn Furniture

Household furniture is bulky and heavy. Donate or sell inexpensive furniture that will cost almost as much to move as replace. Also, use the move as an opportunity to discard worn furniture or any furniture that doesn't fit the style of your new home.

Anything You Haven't Unpacked

If you haven't unpacked something from your last move— you don't need it. Sell it, donate it, or discard it.

Things You've Forgotten About

You do not need something if you have not used it in so long that you have forgotten about it. Discard it and begin life in your new home without the clutter.

Inexpensive, Unsanitary Items

Items such as plungers and drain stoppers, while useful, are also unsanitary. You also can quickly and inexpensively replace them at your new home. You should also discard old mops and sponges.

Alcoholic Beverages

You don't want a bottle of wine breaking during the move and leaking on everything. Also, most professional movers advise against moving alcoholic beverages and will place restrictions on them. Have a going away party and drink up or give away your potent potables.

Anything Movers Won't Move

Movers do not move everything. Many items are hazardous. Your professional movers will have a specific list of items they won't move. However, in general, movers will not move:

• Household cleaning products

• Batteries (alkaline and lead acid)

• Corrosive chemicals

• Anything flammable

• Live plants

• Ammunition

• Oil and gas products

• Wax candles

Pro Movers Get the Job Done Right

Our skilled movers will care for every part of your residential move, from the beginning to the end. We offer packing and unpacking, furniture protection, storage solutions, disassembly, and reassembly of many items. Our goal is to give every one of our clients a stress-free, timely move. Contact us today for a free quote.