The best ways to declutter for a move

You have finally closed on your dream home! Now, it is time to start packing to move into your new home. The only problem is that you have so many things it's hard to know where to start. 

Relocating is hard enough. Why do you need to carry items you have never used to your new house? One smart solution that our donation pick up Omaha team suggests is decluttering before you make a big move. 

WHY SHOULD YOU DECLUTTER BEFORE MOVING? 

Moving may be expensive and time-consuming. The Consumers Affairs estimates that a local move may cost you $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers. How much your total cost for using movers depends on how many items you have to move. The movers will be loading and unloading the truck.

BEST WAYS TO DECLUTTER BEFORE A MOVE

Create a game plan

Not knowing where to start decluttering can be frustrating. Should you start in your garage, shed or basement? Save yourself those overwhelming feelings and create a plan. 

Began by spacing out the days you are going to declutter each room. This will ease up your workload without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it will set deadlines for when you should have everything ready for your move. 

Start sorting your things

Now that you know which room you are going to tackle each day begin sorting out your things. One of the best ways to declutter before a move is by categorizing your items into four piles: keep, donate, recycle and toss. 

WHAT TO KEEP?

Things you should place in the keep file are everyday or seasonal items. Ask yourself when the last time you used that item was? If they are clothes, when was the last time you wore them or do they still fit? 

WHAT TO DONATE?

Items that should go into the donate pile should be useful, but you have rarely or never used them. When deciding if an item should be donated or tossed, a good rule of thumb is if it is still in good condition and works properly. 

WHAT TO RECYCLE?

Things that should be recycled are things that are made of paper, glass or plastic. This is a good time to sort through your collection of mail, newspapers and magazines. Do not forget those old batteries, broken appliances and electronics can also be recycled. Find a local recycling center to take those items to. 

WHAT TO TOSS?

Items that should be tossed are items that cannot be recycled or donated. This should be your last resort to help avoid items from ending up in landfills. Some examples of items that should be tossed include expired foods and used towels. 

Pack the items you are going to keep

Instead of placing your items back where you found them, use this time to pack them. This will save extra time when you start packing all your items. You will need boxes, bubble wrap, tape and labels. 

You want to box like items together in one box. For example, breakable items, kitchen things and clothes should all go together. This will save you the hassle of having to move items into specific rooms in your new space. Before sealing the box, be sure to label it by room and its content. 

Arrange a donation pick-up

Next, it is time to tackle your donation pile. Save yourself the hassle and time of having to load your car and drive to the nearest donation bin by calling for a donation pickup. 

Check with your local thrift store to see if they offer at-home donation pick-ups. At Thrift World, we do offer at-home donation pick up Omaha services for free. However, we do recommend that you have all items boxed or bagged to make pick-ups easier. 

NEED TO SCHEDULE A DONATION PICK UP IN OMAHA?

Let Thrift World do it! We do donation pick-ups in the Omaha, Council Bluffs and Kansas City area. Also, our donation pick-up helps support local nonprofits. Check out our website to schedule your donation pick-up.