Before You Move
Preparation is key. The more you prepare for your move, the easier it will be. Instead of waiting until the week before you move tackling everything at once, break down each section into bite-size daily tasks. The earlier you can get started, the less you will need to do each day.
Getting Your House Ready
Get organized
– Begin with the end in mind. We suggest you think about unpacking in your new home. As you inventory your belongings, consider if you will need it in your new home. Label boxes as you pack them with the new room the box or item will be moving into. This will make life easier in the near future.
Don’t try to remember everything
– Get a notebook, binder or use the notes section in this guide to keep track of everything. Jot down any small to-do item that pops up to clear your headspace for the essential tasks.
Declutter before packing
– Do you really need the newspaper clipping from 1989 when you placed second in the bowling championship? Didn’t think so. As you begin to go through your belongings, you will be amazed at how much stuff you accumulated through the years.
Be honest with yourself and begin a Keep, Trash, and Sell pile. Many items will have an emotional connection to them, but letting go of things that are not a necessity can be therapeutic as well.
Get rid of the trash and sell/donate pile
– There are many ways to get rid of old items that won’t be going with you to the new home. You can, of course, just use a trash can to get rid of your junk.
But many items will still have value, or others can find a use for them.
Nowadays, there are tons of resources you can use to sell or donate your items:
– Sell your items on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist. Go old school and have a garage sale (yes, you will have to speak with strangers).
Or simply use an app like LetGo, 5miles, or OfferUp to sell without speaking to anyone.
Many places take donations and will even come to pick up bigger things. Check out Goodwill, Habitat For Humanity, and the Salvation Army, along with local libraries, churches, and nonprofits.