The secret to a stress-free move is simple: downsize before you pack. By clearing out the clutter now, you’ll save time on packing, money on transport, and effort on unpacking at your new place.
1. Audit Your Wardrobe
Go through your closets and pull out anything you haven’t worn in a year, items that no longer fit, or pieces beyond repair.
Action: Sell high-quality items online, host a garage sale, or donate to charity.
2. Eat Your Way Through the Kitchen
Avoid the hassle of transporting heavy cans and leaking bottles.
Action: Check “use-by” dates and toss anything expired. Then, challenge yourself to cook meals using only what’s already in your pantry and freezer.
3. Ditch the “Project” Pile
If it’s broken and you haven’t fixed it in six months, you probably never will. Don’t pay to move items that don’t work.
Action: Recycle broken electronics or offer them to a hobbyist friend who enjoys “fix-it” projects.
That ugly Christmas sweater you got last year? It belongs in storage. Photo: TheUglySweaterShop.com
4. Purge Paperwork and Media
Paper is surprisingly heavy. Shred old documents and recycle outdated newspapers, magazines, and junk mail.
Action: If you’re keeping a whole magazine for one article, clip the page and store it in a single folder or scan it digitally.
5. Downsize Your Library
Large book and DVD collections are bulky and difficult to box.
Action: Be honest about what you’ll actually watch or read again. Donate the rest to a local library or a “Little Free Library” in your neighborhood.
6. Consolidate Electronics
Technology moves fast. There’s no reason to keep cables for phones you no longer own or printers that are obsolete.
Action: Match your cables to your devices and responsibly recycle any “mystery” cords or incompatible hardware.
If it doesn’t work, don’t keep it!
Need a hand with the heavy lifting?
Visit your local Rent A Space to find a great range of storage options and packing materials that will help keep your belongings in good shape during your move. Rent A Space’s free truck and driver move-in will also help make your move easier and less stressful.
Quick Copy Checklist:
- Wardrobe: Donate/sell items not worn in 1 year.
- Kitchen: Toss expired items; eat through pantry.
- Repairs: Ditch or donate broken items.
- Paperwork: Shred old docs; recycle magazines.
- Media: Donate/sell books and DVDs.
- Tech: Recycle old cables and obsolete gadgets.
- Supplies: Get boxes from Rent A Space.
- Logistics: Book the free Rent A Space truck.