A relocation, whether it’s local or cross-country, is always a perfect opportunity for de-cluttering. We always tend to pile up too much stuff over time and then we don’t know what we need and what not anymore. So, when the moving time comes, it serves as a perfect purging time – why carry all this piled up, unnecessary stuff? But sometimes, it’s hard to decide what to toss and what to bring with you to your new place. Some items are just more valuable than the others and should be kept, while other stuff should be tossed. How to decide? There is a little list of things you should consider getting rid of and the ones to surely keep.

‘Toss’ Pile

The items from this list are the ones you most likely won’t need and surely won’t miss.

  • Destroyed stuff

You had this great hair dryer that you wanted to fix, but it got lost in one of the boxes over the years… Same goes for any other broken item. Is it essential? You probably replaced it already, so say goodbye to it. Keeping broken items not only adds unnecessary clutter but can also increase your moving costs. If an item has been sitting around unused or forgotten, it’s time to let it go. Recycling or donating parts of usable items, where possible, is a more sustainable option than tossing everything in the trash.

  • The worn-outs

Whether it’s a sweater, old shoes or a sofa that doesn’t look cute anymore, consider throwing those away. If you decide to keep them and figure what to do with them later, keep in mind that your Chicago movers will charge for relocating those things, too. Worn-out furniture or clothing that no longer serves a purpose can take up valuable space in the moving truck. If something is too damaged to donate, consider responsibly disposing of it before moving day.

  • Garments that are too small or too big

For example, let’s say you have lost a lot of weight (good for you!) and you have some clothes that look too baggy on you. Consider giving these away and treating yourself to new ones. It’ll be fewer clothes to pack. Clothes that no longer fit can be donated to local charities or shelters, where they’ll find a new home with someone in need. This not only lightens your load but also gives your unused items a second life.

  • Items you forgot you have

Extra boxes of some junk in the garage that you don’t even know why you kept (meaningful old photo albums etc. excluded) shouldn’t be charged for in the moving process. Lose those.

‘Keep’ Pile

Sometimes, we get very sentimental about many things we own. They might be silly to keep, but we consider them meaningful for many reasons. Of course, when it comes to relocation, there are some things we will surely bring to a new home and not mix with the ‘toss’ pile.

  • Documents

While you’re going through your drawers and boxes with the documents and receipts, be very mindful of some which you should keep – some important contracts from the bank, birth certificates, etc.Organize important documents in a labeled folder or envelope for easy access. These include passports, medical records, financial documents, and insurance policies. Keep this folder with you during the move to ensure these critical items don’t get lost.

  • ‘Emergency’ bag

There are some essentials that not only you shouldn’t toss, but should be by your side once you relocate – essentials like toiletries, prescribed medications, clothes like pajamas or something to change into later on, etc. This bag, often called a “first-night bag,” should also include phone chargers, snacks, and any special items your family might need, such as baby supplies or pet essentials. Having this bag ready ensures you’re prepared for your first day and night in your new home without rummaging through packed boxes.

  • Jewelry

This one seems like a no-brainer, but since there have been some situations of people not paying attention and accidentally throwing away their small jewelry boxes, it can serve as a useful reminder. Store valuable jewelry in a small, secure container and keep it with you during the move. If you have particularly valuable pieces, consider using a safe or lockbox for added protection.

Extra Help from Professionals

You can always ask the relocation consultants from reputable moving companies (such as STI Movers) for advice about packing and decluttering. Experienced professionals can guide you on what to prioritize and provide tools or services to help streamline the process. If packing and deciding what to keep feels overwhelming, movers can offer practical solutions and make the entire relocation experience less stressful.

Conclusion

Relocating provides a fantastic opportunity to declutter and organize your life. By categorizing items into “toss” and “keep” piles, you can focus on bringing only the essentials and most meaningful possessions to your new home. Letting go of broken, worn-out, or forgotten items not only reduces your moving costs but also gives you a fresh start in your new space. On the other hand, keeping important documents, emergency essentials, and sentimental items ensures you’re ready to settle into your new life comfortably. With these tips and professional help if needed, you can make your move more efficient and stress-free. Happy moving!