Declutter your move: Things to throw out before moving day

February 19, 2014

If you’ve lived somewhere for an extended time, chances are you’ve collected a lot of stuff you don’t need. Deciding what has value and what’s garbage can be a challenge, but don’t stress out before the moving and relocation company arrives. Check out this guide to determining what to move.

Clothing If you still have the pleather pants you wore to the Bon Jovi concert in 1986, for those who are “Livin’ on a Prayer,” your nostalgia may simply be translating into clutter. If you haven’t worn it in several years, you probably won’t again. Donate old garments to a thrift store or organize a clothing exchange party before the van lines arrive.

Electronics Get rid of electronics that no longer work, or those you plan to replace. That Atari console may look vintage on your shelf, but if it doesn’t work, it’s purely decorative at this point. You can keep saying you’re going to get your antique record player fixed, but honestly, if it hasn’t been repaired by now, cut your losses.

Books Although there is sentimentality attached to that copy of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby your first crush gave you, you’ll never crack it open again if it hasn’t been touched since high school. Portable devices such as eReaders make it easy to condense your library, so only hold on to those books you will revisit often. Perhaps even give a loved book as a gift to your friends, local library or relocation movers.

Mismatched items You know that one plate left from the set you bought for your first apartment? It might have been cute when you were younger, but you’re a grown up now: Get rid of it. The same goes for that one brown washcloth, rogue dinette chair and lone champagne flute.

If you find yourself struggling to part with these items, you can ease yourself into the process by making a box labeled Garbage and another marked Maybe Garbage. Reach out to your friends, as they may be happy to recycle your unwanted goods. Additionally, you can keep track of your old junk via emails and phone calls, even if you’re moving out of state.