Moving is a highly stressful event. Often people feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks they have to do: scheduling home inspections, decluttering and donating, packing, staging, yard cleanup etcetera. If you are expecting to move in the near future- even if your not sure when that might be- here are a few things you can do to help relieve some of the stress.
Find Out The True Value of Your Valuables
Often people cling to items they think might be worth something: antique furniture, artwork, stamps, coins, sports memorabilia, old books, vintage jewelry and other types of collectibles. These items may have been inherited, purchased, or saved from childhood. Some people want to part with these things, but become worried that they might be giving away a priceless heirloom. If your new home is smaller, it may not be practical to keep all these items. And, sometimes it’s jut time to let go of something you no longer need or want.
To help make letting go easier, get a quick estimate of the object’s value. You may find that it is worth less than you thought, making it easier for you to part with.
◦ Research similar pieces for sale on Craigslist, eBay or Facebook. If you see something languishing unsold for a long time, it’s probably overpriced.
◦ Consult with a local consignment shop. Resale shops have firsthand knowledge of what’s selling and what’s not. You can simply text or email a photo, saving you a trip to the store.
◦ Pay for a professional appraisal or consult with an auction house.
Return Things That Don’t Belong to You
Sometimes we have things in our homes that don’t belong to us, like borrowed books, scarves, jackets, or serving dishes left behind after a party. Start a box for these items, so you can return them the next time you see the owners.
You might also be storing some of your adult children’s belongings. They may be hesitant to reclaim these items, especially, if they live out of the area or don’t have adequate storage in their homes. Let your kids know of your plan to move and have them remove their things in a timely manner, rent a storage locker, or allow you to donate everything to charity.
Clear Out Unused Arts and Crafts Supplies
Many of us hold on to unused arts and crafts supplies: fabric remnants, sewing notions, yarn, scrapbooking and card-making materials, jewelry-making supplies. We also have partially finished projects lying around, that realistically we will probably never complete.
Arts and crafts supplies are expensive, so if you’re motivated, you might be able to sell them. You might also consider donating them to a thrift shop, women’s shelter or rehabilitation centre near you. Packaging the supplies in bags or containers and labeling them is helpful.
Donate/Sell Unused Sports Equipment
Moving is a great time to examine your sports gear and identify what you haven’t used in years. Unused golf clubs, ice hockey gear, camping equipment, kayaks, etcetera can take up a lot of storage space. If you’re unlikely to use the items again, it is time to let them go. If your equipment is in good condition, you might be able to sell it or you can donate it to a local youth program or other charity.
Review Your Party Supplies
Assess your party supplies. Do you have only a handful of leftover plates, napkins and decor, but not enough for another party? Use them yourself, so they don’t go to waste or donate them. Think about the type of entertaining you will be doing in your new space. If you no longer have a back yard, let go of your outdoor supplies. If you have too many serving dishes, maybe it’s time to select only the best.
Cull Your Old Electronics
Who doesn’t have old cellphones, laptops, tablets, printers and televisions- including their boxes- taking up prime storage space. Electronic devices contain toxic chemicals that can leak into groundwater and soil; therefore, take these items to your local recycling centre or see if the manufacturer has a recycling program. There may or may not be a small fee for recycling them. If they are in working order you could donate them to a local charity. Make sure you take off all personal information, photos, files etcetera and wipe the device before recycling or donating it.
Unpack Boxes From Your Last Move
Do you have unopened boxes from your last move? It’s time to dig in and find out what’s actually inside them. You might uncover a long-lost treasure - or you might find you’re ready to donate or toss what is inside. For the items you are going to keep, repack and label the box clearly. After you move, make sure you unpack these boxes.
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