10 Tips To Help You Decide What To Keep When You Move

Wondering how to decide what to keep when moving? This guide provides clear, actionable steps to help you make those tough choices, turning your move into a streamlined and stress-free process. Discover how to categorize, prioritize, and part with items to ensure your new home is clutter-free and organized.

Key Takeaways

• Create a detailed plan and checklist for packing, focusing on categories to stay organized.
• Use the one-year rule to help decide what to keep; if you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s likely time to let it go.
• Consider the size and functionality of your new space to prioritize essential items and make moving easier.

1. Start With A Plan

Before you even begin packing, a well-thought-out plan is crucial. This initial step may seem time-consuming, but it will save you countless hours and headaches down the road. Breaking down your move into manageable sections such as clothes, furniture, kitchen items, and personal belongings can help keep you organized and prevent last-minute panic.

Create a checklist for each category. This way, you can systematically go through each section, ticking off items as you pack them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a bonus tip is to hire a professional organizer to help streamline the process and provide expert advice on what to keep and what to toss.

Also, gather important documents like birth certificates and tax returns in one secure place. This not only ensures they don’t get lost in the shuffle but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your most important items are accounted for.

2. Take Inventory

One of the best ways to decide what to keep is to take inventory of everything you own. Go room by room and create a detailed list of your possessions. This process helps you visualize the total weight and quantity of items you have, making it easier to categorize and prioritize what to keep.

Listing all your possessions can also help you quickly identify duplicate items or things you no longer need. For example, you might find expired food in the pantry or old clothes that no longer fit. Spotting these items early on allows you to sell or donate them, potentially earning some extra cash while reducing clutter.

3. Consider Your New Space

When planning your move, it’s crucial to think about the size and layout of your new space. If you’re downsizing, certain furniture pieces or large appliances may not fit. Measure your new rooms and plan where your existing items will go. This can help you decide what to keep and what to sell or donate.

Evaluate the storage space available in your new home. Will your current furniture and belongings fit comfortably, or will you need to downsize? Assessing your new space in advance can save you from moving unnecessary items that won’t have a place in your new house.

Visualize your new dining room, living room, and bedroom setups. This mental exercise can help you determine whether your coffee table, dining set, or bedroom furniture will fit seamlessly into your new home. If certain items don’t fit, consider selling them and using the extra money to buy new home decor that suits your new space better.

Additionally, think about the functionality of your new home. If you’re moving to a place with more space, you might need a new broom or additional storage solutions. Planning for these needs in advance helps you avoid unnecessary purchases and ensures a smoother transition.

4. Assess Usage Frequency

Ask yourself how often you use each item as you sort through your belongings. If something has been sitting untouched for over a year, it might be time to part ways with it. This exercise helps identify essential items and those that can be left behind.

Keeping only the things you regularly use or need will save you packing time and space in your new home. For example, if you have kitchen gadgets that you haven’t used in the past year, consider donating them to a local charity. This way, you’ll have less to pack, and someone else can benefit from the items you no longer need.

Remember, the goal is to calculate costs and benefits. Moving fewer items means reduced moving costs and a more streamlined unpacking process. By focusing on frequently used items, you ensure that your new home is filled with things that add value to your daily life.

5. Be Realistic About Sentimental Items

We all have items that hold sentimental value, but moving is the perfect opportunity to reflect on whether they still hold significance. While it’s normal to have emotional attachments to certain items, it’s important to be realistic about what to keep and what to let go.

Keep sentimental items that have a meaningful story or purpose. For example, personal items like family heirlooms or old toys that bring back cherished memories can find a special place in your new home. However, avoid holding onto things just because of guilt or nostalgia.

Old pens, old toys, and other items may not have the same emotional impact they once did. It’s okay to let go of these old stuff and embrace the new chapters of your life. By being selective about what you keep, you make room for new memories and experiences in your new home.

6. Declutter Your Wardrobe

Moving offers the perfect opportunity to go through your wardrobe and declutter. Separate items that no longer fit are out of style or haven’t been worn in the last 12 months. Use this chance to decide what to keep and what to discard.

Donate or recycle the clothes you no longer need. This not only helps you create less waste but also benefits those who might need them. Organize a garage sale to get rid of old clothes and other unused items. This way, you can save money and reduce the clutter in your new home.

Remember, decluttering isn’t just about clothes. Look at your accessories, shoes, and even excess hangers. Wire hangers and old magazines can be recycled or tossed to make room for new, more functional items. Decluttering your wardrobe lets you start fresh in your new home with only pieces you love and wear regularly.

Don’t forget to sort through cleaning supplies and unused appliances. Moving with fewer items not only makes the process easier but also ensures that your new home is organized from day one.

7. Evaluate Duplicates

Having multiple versions of the same item is more common than you think. Duplicates of kitchen gadgets, tools, or household items can take up valuable space. Do you really need five coffee mugs or three sets of dinner plates? Probably not.

Pare down your duplicates and keep only the best-quality or most-used ones. This process helps you reduce clutter and pack fewer items, making the move more manageable. For example, if you have multiple sets of silverware, keep the one in the best condition and donate the rest.

Evaluating duplicates is a great way to ensure that your new home is organized and clutter-free. By keeping only what you truly need and use, you make the moving process smoother and start your new chapter with a clean slate.

8. Prioritize Functionality

When deciding what to keep, prioritize functionality. Items that serve a clear, practical purpose in your new home should make the cut. This is especially true for kitchen gadgets, tools, and electronics, where some may be redundant.

Think about the items that you use daily. These are the things that will add value to your new home. For instance, a well-functioning blender or a reliable set of screwdrivers are worth keeping. On the other hand, items that are rarely used or have lost their functionality can be left behind.

Focusing on functionality streamlines the moving process and reduces unnecessary items. This approach ensures that your new home is filled with items that enhance your daily life and make your living space more efficient.

9. Don’t Be Afraid To Let Go Of Large Items

If you’re moving internationally or to a far-off location, transporting large, bulky furniture may not be worth the cost. In some cases, selling or donating large pieces and buying replacements when you arrive could be a more practical solution.

Consider the costs and logistics of moving large items like a king-size bed, sports equipment, or gardening tools. These items can be expensive to transport and may not fit well in your new home. By letting go of these large items, you can reduce moving costs and start fresh with new furniture that suits your new space.

Moving with fewer items also means less stuff to pack, transport, and unpack. This makes the entire moving process more manageable and less stressful. Embrace the opportunity to start fresh by letting go of large items.

10. Use The One-Year Rule

A good rule of thumb is the one-year rule: if you haven’t used an item in over a year, you’re unlikely to need it in your new home. If kitchenware, sporting equipment, or gadgets haven’t been useful in the last 12 months, it’s time to say goodbye.

This rule simplifies the decision-making process. It helps you focus on what’s truly necessary and let go of items that no longer serve a purpose. For example, if you have a bread maker that’s been collecting dust for over a year, it’s probably time to donate it.

Using the one-year rule ensures that your new home is filled with items that add value to your life. It’s a simple yet effective way to declutter and make the moving process more efficient.

UPakWeShip: Handling Your Belongings With Care

When it comes to moving, choosing the right company can make all the difference. UPakWeShip offers a range of shipping containers, including the U-Crate 50, 100, and 200, to accommodate different moving needs.

• U-Crate 50: Ideal for small moves, this crate has a capacity of 50 cubic feet and dimensions of 45″ x 45″ x 45″. It’s perfect for shipping smaller items or a few boxes.
• U-Crate 100: With a capacity of 100 cubic feet and dimensions of 60″ x 45″ x 60″, this crate suits medium-sized moves, providing ample space for larger household items.
• U-Crate 200: This large crate offers a capacity of 200 cubic feet and dimensions of 87″ x 45″ x 87″. It’s designed for substantial moves, accommodating a significant amount of furniture and personal belongings.

Our packing services focus on using high-quality materials to protect delicate items during transit.

Customers can handle their own packing supplies or opt for professional services provided by our team. This flexibility ensures that your belongings are packed with care and arrive safely at your new home.

The company also offers customized shipping solutions for unique moving requirements. Whether you’re moving locally or internationally, UPakWeShip’s expertise and attention to detail can help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Summary

Moving is an opportunity to simplify your life and start fresh. By following these ten tips, you can make smart decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of when moving. From creating a plan and taking inventory to prioritizing functionality and using the one-year rule, each step helps you streamline the moving process and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Embrace the fresh start and enjoy the journey of creating a new space that reflects your current lifestyle and needs. Happy moving!

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