In our two recent posts on how to prepare for a move, we covered purging your closet, your kitchen and your bookcases. This is part three of that series, focused on decluttering your home before moving day.
Why decluttering actually helps your move
There are at least three real benefits to sorting through your things before the truck shows up:
- Time and stress: fewer items to pack, move, and unpack on the other end
- Charity: donating usable items to causes you care about
- Money: selling items can offset moving costs, and charitable donations may qualify for a tax deduction
What do you do with old electronics?
If your electronics still work, you have real options. You can donate them to charity, or sell them through a garage sale, yard sale, or flea market.
If something no longer functions, do not put it in the household trash. Many electronics contain toxic materials like lead or mercury, and they also hold valuable materials that can be recovered and reused. You can find recycling options here.
Whether you are selling, donating, or recycling: wipe all personal data from computers and cell phones before they leave your hands. Sensitive information can be pulled from a device even after you think you are done with it.
What about furniture you no longer want?
The same options apply to furniture: donate or sell what is still in good shape. One thing worth knowing is that not all charitable organizations accept donated mattresses (read more about your options here).
Most furniture is too large for regular household trash pickup. Cities and communities typically offer separate disposal options for large items, sorted by state and city, so check with your local municipality before moving day.
How should you handle old papers and files?
Paper generally goes in the recycling bin, but do not toss documents that contain your Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive data without making them unreadable first.
A small office shredder handles most of that. If you are sitting on a large volume of confidential files, a professional shredding service is worth the cost. It is a straightforward step that protects you long after the move is over.
What has worked for you when decluttering before a move? If you have tips to add, let us know.
