If you’ve got a big move on the table for the new year, you know that moving can be a great time to make some big changes. Sure, it can be stressful, and it’s often a bit overwhelming for the people who are in the midst of it. The truth is, though, that moving can be a great vehicle for change, especially when you attack it from a smart, intentional place. If you’re looking for smart ways to purge in the new year, here are some tips and tricks to get you off on the right foot:
Tip 1. Take Small Bites
If you’re going to try and eat an elephant, you do it bite by bite, not all at once. The same thing goes for moving and purging your home for the new year. If you try to do it all at once, you’re going to get overwhelmed. And being overwhelmed will make the job an unpleasant if not impossible one. Instead, take small bites of the project. Break it down into actionable steps and attack them one by one. To get started, develop a timeline and use it to guide the process of going through your items. It doesn’t really matter how long this takes
(so long as you’re giving yourself ample time), as long as it’s getting done. It could even be 20 minutes a day, for a few weeks. No matter what works for you, small bites make it easier and more approachable. To keep yourself accountable for the purging process, schedule the tiny blocks of time into your day and stick to them like you would any meeting or obligation. This ensures you’ll be able to break it down daily and get the job done without a ton of additional stress.
Tip 2. Don’t Create a “Maybe” Pile
When it comes to purging your goods, you can’t afford any “maybes.” The truth is, you can only afford “yes” and “no.” As you put your hands on each item in your home, pay attention to how it makes you feel. If it stresses you out or makes you feel ambivalent, get rid of it.
While purging can be an emotional process, there are a few important things to keep in mind at all times. These include the following:
- If you haven’t already used it, you probably won’t
- “Maybes” are a big reason you’ve accumulated so much stuff
- You can replace this item in the unlikely event that you need it again someday
If you’re struggling to figure out what to keep and give away, consider taking photos. Review the photos later to figure out what you feel attached to and what you can afford to get rid of. If you’re purging high-ticket items, use the photos you’ve taken to list the items for sale.
Tip 3. Hold a Garage Sale
Garage sales are great ways to get rid of items you no longer need or want, and make some additional money. Once you’ve gone through your home, culled the “maybes,” and developed a “no” pile, get everything together and prepare it for a yard sale. If you’ve never sold your stuff at a garage sale, don’t be intimidated. Learning how to have a yard sale is actually pretty simple, and can be a great way to pull in some extra cash. Here are a few tips to make the sale go as well as possible:
- Start preparing for the sale as far in advance as possible. Arrange items in categories, put a price tag on every item, and arrange it so it looks as nice as possible.
- Partner with other families and individuals to improve the turnout of your garage sale and offer more items to customers.
- Advertise the sale via a local newspaper or signs on high-traffic roads. You might consider starting to advertise a few weeks before the sale to drive buzz and get people excited about your offerings.
- Enlist the help of your family and friends. They’ll be essential to helping you arrange, sell, and move items.
Tip 4. Freecycle Items
Have stuff you don’t want to throw away, but which wouldn’t be ultra-valuable on the internet or other platforms? Consider freecycling it. Freecycle is a network that allows users to post items they want to give away. If someone sees and likes your item, they’ll arrange to come pick it up. Not only does this keep your material out of landfills, but it also allows your items to find new life with someone else.
5. Make a Donation Box
Donating your unwanted items is a great way to purge your home in preparation for your move. If you have trouble getting rid of items, donating them can also make the process quite a bit easier. After all, when you know someone else is going to get years of great use out of that great old winter coat of yours, it makes it much easier to give it up. If you intend to donate items, remember that they should follow some specific guidelines. Each item should be in good repair, clean, free of stains, and in a decent quality.
Purging Your Home the Smart Way
If you’re facing a big move this year, don’t forget to purge your home before you go. Ideal for getting rid of items you won’t need in your new place, lightening your load when you go, and helping you clarify what you need and don’t need, purging your home is a fantastic way to reduce your burden, both physically and emotionally, and make your move easier to handle. To learn more about purging your home, or to get the expert help you need to make it work, contact Colonial Van Lines. Our team of professional, long-distance movers is always here to help answer the questions you need, give you the tools and tricks for a smarter move and work with you to create an intelligent and approachable moving process. No matter how far you’re going or what tools you might need to get there, Colonial Van Lines is here to help you get the job done!
