Moving is one of the greatest motivators when it comes to cleaning out your home. It isn’t until you start boxing up your belongings that you start asking “Do I really need this?” Here are some tips on getting rid of the things you don’t need.

Give it new life. One big issue for most people when it comes to holding onto things is the fact that “it’s still good!” Sure, that basketball isn’t flat, but do you even have a hoop? Or play basketball? Yes, that waffle maker does still work, but you hate cleaning it out so much, that you haven’t used it in 2 years. If an item is still good, then find a place to donate it. Your can always takes things to your local Goodwill store, or find a domestic abuse shelter that helps families start over. Doing good for others and for yourself is a win-win.

Streamline those precious memories. Raise your hand if this sounds familiar: You have every single report card/piece of art work/ book report your child did during their time in school. It just seems wrong to part with such important memories. Why not make a scrapbook? You don’t have to get fancy, get a 3-ring binder with plastic sheet protectors and stick all of your favorite pieces in there. Take school documents (ie. report cards) and put those in a file with your child’s other important documents. You will still have the memories, but not the 3 boxes of papers to cart around.

Don’t be afraid to toss it. It may have been your child’s favorite blanket, but now it’s a holy scrap that hasn’t moved from the corner in the garage. That t-shirt from college was your favorite thing to wear back in the day, but it has so many holes now, you can’t tell where to put your arms. Your great aunt gave you her old coffee pot, but it hasn’t worked in 10 years and it takes up prime kitchen shelf real estate. It is OKAY to throw stuff out. You will always find a reason to keep everything. But when there is no longer a practical use for it, or if it is damaged beyond repair, it’s time to let it go.

Cleaning out stuff before your move boils down to one simple question “Will I use this in the new place?” If the answer is no, then let it go. Don’t cart the old baggage to your new home and your fresh start.

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