MOVING GUIDE: What Not to Move and What to Do With the Rest
Introduction
Moving can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, starting fresh in a different city, downsizing to a smaller home, or pursuing new opportunities, careful planning and organization are key.
One crucial aspect of moving is determining what items are worth taking with you and what items are best left behind.
In this Home Team Hauling guide, we will explore the belongings that are better off not making the journey with you, and provide practical suggestions for what to do with the remaining items.
What Not to Move
Bulky and Heavy Furniture: These pieces can be challenging to transport. Evaluate each item and consider its sentimental value, condition, and cost of transportation. It may be more cost-effective to sell or donate furniture and purchase new pieces at your new destination.
Perishable Food: Transporting perishable food items over long distances is not only impractical but also risky. Food items that require refrigeration, such as dairy products and fresh produce, are best consumed or given away before the move.
Appliances: Consider whether it makes sense to take large appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, and washers and dryers, with you. It may be more cost-effective to recycle these locally before you move, then purchase these items at your new location.
Plants: While plants can bring life to any living space, moving them can be challenging. Plants are delicate and can suffer during transportation, especially if the journey involves extreme temperatures or extended periods without sunlight. Consider gifting your plants to friends, family, or neighbors, or find them a new home by donating them to a local garden or plant store.
Outdated Electronics: As technology advances rapidly, it may not be worth moving outdated electronics that no longer serve your needs. Consider recycling these items or donating them to schools, nonprofit organizations, or community centers where they may still be useful.
Outgrown Clothing: Old clothes that you no longer wear or that no longer fit can take up a lot of space in your moving boxes. Consider donating or recycling these items.
Toys: Toys that your children have outgrown or no longer play with can also take up a lot of space. Consider donating or recycling these items as well.
Books: If you have a lot of books that you no longer read, you may want to consider donating them to a library or used bookstore.
Paperwork: Go through your printed paperwork and get rid of any documents that you no longer need. This will help to reduce the weight of your moving boxes and make it easier to find the documents that you do need.
What to Do With the Rest
Inventory and Organize: Start by creating a detailed inventory of all your belongings. Categorize items into essential, sentimental, and replaceable. This process will help you identify what needs to be packed, what can be sold or donated, and what can be replaced at your destination.
Sell or Donate: Consider selling items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose for you. Online platforms, yard sales, or consignment stores are great options for selling furniture, appliances, and other valuable items. Alternatively, donate items to local charities or organizations in need.
Ship It: For items that hold significant sentimental value but are not practical to transport yourself, consider shipping them separately using a reliable shipping service. This way, you can ensure their safety while reducing the burden of transporting them personally.
Storage Solutions: If you’re unsure about what to do with certain items or need temporary storage, renting a storage unit can be a viable option. Storage facilities offer secure and climate-controlled spaces to keep your belongings until you decide their fate.
Pack Efficiently: When packing, make sure to use sturdy boxes, padding, and appropriate wrapping materials to safeguard your belongings during transit. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to, making unpacking at your destination more efficient.
Conclusion
Moving presents a perfect opportunity to declutter, streamline your belongings, and embark on a fresh start. By identifying what not to move and making conscious decisions about what to do with the rest, you can save on moving costs and make it easier to get settled into your new home.
Other Things to Consider Before You Move
Yard Waste: Arrange for yard waste, such as leaves, branches, and old outdoor furniture, to be removed and recycled before you leave the property.
Construction Debris: Have construction debris, such as old drywall, concrete, and wood, removed from the property.
Need help with junk removal and recycling in Contra Costa County before you move? Call on the Home Team! Call or text us at 925-605-6663 for a no-obligation quote.
WE HANDLE: Residential and commercial cleanouts, mattresses, furniture, refrigerators, washers and dryers, televisions, e-waste, exercise equipment, trash, couches, construction debris, concrete, dirt, and so much more!
We guarantee that everything we haul will be delivered to a legal and regulated facility.
