How to Decide Which Items to Keep While You Move

Most people look at moving as a chance to downsize. You can get rid of the things you don't need and start fresh with a more curated collection of items when you move into your new home. However, deciding what to bring with you and what to leave behind is not always easy. Here are five questions you can ask yourself about an item to determine whether to keep it.



1. Will It Fit?

If the item is a piece of furniture, then make sure it will fit in your new home before you spend time and money moving it. Visit the new home and measure the dimensions of all doors and rooms. This way, you can quickly measure larger furnishings and determine if they'll fit through the doors and look proportional to your new rooms.

Sell anything that won't fit, this way you can get rid of stuff and make some money which you can use for your moving expenses.

2. Is It Safe to Move?

Some items are not safe to transport in a moving truck. In fact, if you hire a moving company, they won't even permit these items in the truck because hauling them is dangerous. Some of these items include:

• Products in aerosol cans
• Cleaning agents like bleach and ammonia
• Fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and propane
• Guns and ammunition

If you have these items and would like to keep them, then transport them to your new home in your personal vehicle. Otherwise, find a friend who would like them or contact your town to find out where you can dispose of hazardous waste.

 3. Is It Still Your Style?

This is a good question to ask when it comes to clothing, decorations, linens, and more. Just because something still works does not mean you have to keep it when you move. In fact, moving might be a good opportunity to get rid of things you no longer love. If an item does not feel like you anymore, then donate it rather than bringing it to your new home where it will continue to sit unused.

Also, ask whether an item fits the style of your new home. For instance, you might have some wicker planters that look lovely in your current home but would look out of place in a home with a modern design. Our styles can change and evolve with time, and a move can be a great time to reinvent yourself and your style.

Consider the look and feel of your new home so that you can downsize the decorations, clothing, and furniture items that you will not need with the new style you are hoping to create for yourself. This can help you walk into this new and exciting chapter of your life with added confidence and freedom to create the aesthetic that you would like for your new home.

4. When Was the Last Time You Used It?

Sometimes, people have a tendency to hang onto things because they think someday they’ll use the item — but that day never comes. When you come across something you're not sure if you need, ask yourself when you last used it. If you have not used it in the last six months, then you should probably part with it — especially if it would only cost a few dollars to replace.

This can also be a great question to ask yourself because where you may be moving to will not require certain items. For example, if you are moving from a snowy climate to a more balmy one, you will not need to pack snow shovels, winter coats, and the like. You can effectively downsize your amount of items with just a few quick questions. This will save you time, energy, and money for your move.

5. Will Moving It Cost More Than It's Worth?

Some items are simply not worth moving because they are large, yet not valuable. For instance, if you have old, worn out patio furniture, then you may want to leave it behind rather than allowing it to take up room in the moving truck. If needed, you can find a similar set at a garage sale once you move in. Old appliances and extra drapes also fit into this category. 

By getting rid of items you do not need, you ensure everything fits in the moving truck, keep moving expenses down, and minimize the time it takes to unpack.

And by downsizing your amount of items, you can give yourself the breathing room to create the new home of your dreams. Simple and effective downsizing behaviors can save you time and money that you can then devote to creating the living space that you have envisioned for your new chapter of life.

If you are looking for a moving company in the Baton Rouge area, then contact United Moving & Storage. We offer customizable packing plans to suit your specific needs.