Moving Tips, Resources & Information

Throw It Out.. Before Moving It..

• Use the two year rule

  Attics, closets, basements, garages and storage sheds are notorious traps for stuff you just can't seem to get rid of. Carrying clutter to your new house just makes it like the old one. If you haven't used something, or looked at it for the past two years – get rid of it before you move.

• Clean out the junk drawer(s)

  Every house or apartment has one (or more) – a drawer, shelf, basket or box where the contents of emptied pockets and items that have no other spot have gone to hide.

• Check the expiration date on perishables

  Check the expiration dates on prescriptions, vitamins, and toiletries. Get rid of everything that's past the date. Throw away perishable food in the kitchen – it will probably be useless by the time you move anyway.

• If it's broke – leave it that way - and leave it behind!

  You're bound to have at least one thing that's broken – and probably has been broken for a while. As you clear out your garage and other rooms, ask yourself if you really plan on fixing that broken lawn mower, or other items. If you're not going to fix it, toss it.

• Does it really have value to you?

  Most excess stuff in your house is accumulated for good reason at some point. As you pack the house or apartment to move, question what is still truly valuable to you (sentimentally, aesthetically or monetarily). Decide whether it will be of real use some day or if you're just holding on to it just in case. If you can't see yourself using, wanting or needing it in the future, don't move it to your new home.

• When separating items to keep from items to toss, make sure your discards aren't good for someone else.

  Take items that are in good condition to shelters or other collection facilities. In most cases organizations like Good Will and the Salvation Army will pick it up for you, and you may even get a tax deduction!.