Moving is often seen as a great opportunity to declutter before a fresh start. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you cart all your old belongings into a new house.

Electronics

  • Are my things still in proper working order?
  • Is it safe to keep using these old electronics?
  • Can I afford to upgrade?
  • Do I even use my pager/VCR/super outdated electronics anymore?
  • What are the benefits of recycling?

Clothing

  • Do I still wear this?
  • Is it in good condition (i.e., no holes or stains)?
  • Is it comfortable?
  • Does it still fit me?
  • Would someone else benefit from it if I donated it (e.g., if it’s a winter coat that I don’t particularly like and wear very seldom, will the local homeless shelter have better use for it)?

Furniture

  • Does it add to or subtract from the new aesthetic I’m trying to create?
  • Is it in working order (i.e., does the bulky massage chair I’ve been keeping even turn on)?
  • Is it comfortable?

If you know your move will be especially difficult because of all the stuff you own, rest assured that that doesn’t always have to be the case. Use your move as an excuse to improve and streamline your life!

Learn more about hosting a yard sale.
Learn more about moving tons of clothes.