How to Sort and Get Rid of Stuff Before You Move

Before moving, it's a good idea to sort through your things so you don't end up moving stuff that you don't need and have never really used. While this is a huge task and may seem overwhelming, there are some key questions you can ask yourself to help you decide what should stay and what should go. If you haven't used an item in over a year, if you don't love it, and if you have no reasons to hang onto it other than sentimental ones, it may be time to let it go.

Now that you've sorted your items into what you want to keep and what you can part with, you'll have to decide how to get rid of stuff before moving to your new home. If you have a lot of items that you no longer want and they're in good condition, consider organizing a garage sale. It can be gratifying to see your old things in the hands of people who will use and cherish them. It's also a great way to make a little extra money to put towards your moving expenses.

Maybe you don't have the time for a garage sale. In that case, selling your things online might be the way to go. Local buy/sell/trade groups are a terrific option if you don't want to bother packing your items and paying for shipping, but there's an abundance of resale websites for people who don't mind taking trips to the post office to sell their stuff.

Once you've sold what you can, plan on donating most of the rest. Make sure each piece can be used, that it's in good condition, and that it's been well cleaned. Make a list of everything you're donating for tax purposes, then find a local charity that can use the items.

Rather than throwing everything you can't sell or donate in the trash, take the time to separate out recyclables. Old magazines and newspapers can be recycled curbside in most locations; you may also be able to find local drop-off sites to recycle fabric, old electronics, carpet, batteries, and other items that are no longer useful.