Moving Tip #2: Be Ruthless

Moving can be a pain! That's why I am writing a little series of Moving Tips to help you through some of the challenges.

If you missed the first Moving Tip, catch up here: http://everdaysurrender.blogspot.com/2015/09/moving-tip-1-where-to-find-boxes.html




Moving Tip #2: Be Ruthless

One of the worst realizations when preparing to move is discovering that you have too much stuff. Like, way too much stuff. Well, now you have a golden opportunity. Get rid of your stuff before your move. Why take it with you? The reality is if you weren't using in one home, you probably won't use it in your new home.

Keep in mind that you want to start fresh in your new home, without the baggage of your old home. Go through each drawer, bin, closet and decide what you should keep and what you should get rid of.

If you haven't used in a year, get rid of it.

If you haven't seen it in a year, definitely get rid of it.

If it is broken, get rid of it.

Or damaged.

Or missing pieces.

Or aged and you were planning on replacing it soon anyway.

If it doesn't fit, or is strained, or a duplicate, or a triplicate, or any other logical reason, get rid of it!  It's not worth carting around.

Let's put it this way... You have a drawer of old sweatshirts from high school, your college days, and spring vacations. You don't ever open that drawer, but you have been holding on to the sweatshirts for years. You have since discovered that a great sweater, or blazer, or jacket solves the cold issue but in style. Why keep the sweatshirts? I know they have sentimental value, but you probably won't miss them. In fact, you might really enjoy having the extra drawer space (or closet space, or pantry space, or bin) for things that you need and use regularly.

Another example... The cup cabinet... I know you have one too. I have seen this cabinet in every home that I have ever been in. There are thirty extra cups. Some are from your college days, his college days, a football game, souvenirs from a road trip or gas station, the one that leaks, one that is so faded you don't remember what it is from, and the cute ones that you nabbed at Target for fifty cents. Now do you really need thirty cups? No, of course not. Pair down to the minimum that you need and regularly use. Make sure you are keeping the ones in best condition.

Be just as ruthless to your tupperware drawer, spice cabinet, beach towels, movie and CD collections, jewelry, everything.

Chances are you won't miss the items that you have either thrown away or donated. You might actually enjoy the freedom of fewer items to pack and unpack and the extra space in your new home.



If you have missed any posts from the series, catch up here:

Moving Tip: Intro

http://everdaysurrender.blogspot.com/2015/09/moving-tip-intro.html

Moving Tip #1: Where to Find Boxes

http://everdaysurrender.blogspot.com/2015/09/moving-tip-1-where-to-find-boxes.html