Moving is so much fun, right? Not convinced? Oh well. Even so, moving can be a lot simpler and more affordable if you get rid of the extra baggage. By that we mean ridding your home of the useless junk that’s piled up over the years. Sure, it can be hard to let go, and most of us admit to being a bit of a hoarder. Regardless of how difficult it can be, when it comes to preparing for a relocation, you’ll be glad you did some much-needed spring cleaning!

Three Reasons to Discard Clutter Before Your Move

Why not just take everything with you? After-all, you worked hard to earn what you have, and your home just would not be the same without all the personalized touches. We’re not suggesting you divest yourself of valuable items, but if you’ve held onto things because you “might need it someday,” then now might be the time to reconsider. Here’s why:

Moving is Expensive

According to the American Moving and Storage Association, long-distance relocation services can cost between $2,000-$5,000 depending on distance and the amount of items being moved. Because of this, homeowners often find themselves scrambling at the last minute trying to lessen the load by a few pounds. Why not get started now?

It’s Money Back in Your Pocket

Not only will you save money on the cost of relocation by doing some pre-move spring cleaning, you can also make a few dollars if you sell the items. That might come in handy when you want some extra coffee or snacks during the move, stop to do some sight-seeing, or celebrate your new home with a new decorative item.

Less to Pack. Less to Load.

If you’re packing and/or loading your items yourself, then you might end up throwing things out even if you did not plan to at first. Packing is a pain. Loading is a bigger pain. Less to deal with means less stress—it’s as simple as that!

How to Decide What Gets Thrown Out

It’s easy to form emotional attachments to our belongings, even if we don’t really need them anymore. There’s always room for nostalgia, however it’s not reasonable to keep everything. If you’re on the fence about what goes with you and what gets tossed out, here is a simple questionnaire that might help you out.

·  Have you used this item in the last year?

·  Do you have duplicates of this item?

·  Is this outdated or dysfunctional?

·  Have you outgrown the item?

·  Is it really worth the hassle?

How to Get Rid of the Excess

You’ve done the hard part and decided which items are on the moving ban list. Now what? How do you get rid of all those excess items? Depending on your time, whether you want to make some money, or if you have a soft-spot in your heart for those in need, there are few different options to consider:

·  Have a moving garage or yard sell.

·  Sell your items online.

·  Give things away to loved ones.

·  Donate to local churches, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other charities.

We Make Long-Distance Moving Simple and Affordable

After all this work, do you really want to go solo when relocating? Why not hire a professional? After-all, you might be able to afford it now!

If you’re looking for full-service movers that will guide you through the entire relocation for a stress-free and affordable move, 495 Movers is here to help! We offer comprehensive household storage and moving solutions, including specialized moving for those high-value items you just can’t part with!