So, you’re moving. Don’t panic. We have tips and tricks to get you where you need to be-your move date! As soon as you know you will be moving, do yourself a favor and start with these tips outlined below.
1. Get rid of unused, unnecessary items in your home. From the sweater you love but haven’t worn in 2 months to the linen closet with 25 more sets of sheets than you need-GET IT OUT OF YOUR HOUSE. The more items that you eliminate, the less you have to pack up, haul or pay a moving company to transport. A preliminary purge of items in your home is one of the single best tips that we have and it will have a huge impact on the efficiency of your move.
2. Schedule a donation pick up. Look for a local donation center that helps your community. While Goodwill is a great option, they often don’t put any money back into your community. Look for places that help women’s and children’s centers, veterans and the elderly or otherwise vulnerable members of your city or town. In Bozeman, we have Love Inc., Sacks Thrift Stores as well as the HRDC Warming Center. Used towels, bedding and sheets are donated to animal shelters along with pet foods, toys and other necessities. If you can’t arrange for pick up, round up a friend and make a date to drop the items off, you will feel amazing after, I promise.
3. Set items aside that you want to sell. Organize these items, take photos and sell them as soon as possible. There are several options for selling new and used items, you just need to assess what you have. Name brand items have better luck on sites like Ebay, Poshmark and in local consignment stores. Facebook is taking a lead with Facebook Marketplace, a platform linked to your FB page that allows you to sell items locally to your fellow Facebookers! Not only will this free up space, it will pad your pockets with a little bit of cash!
4. Consider gifting items that are “too special” to donate or sell but that you may not have a use for. Does your best friend love fishing and you’ve not been in years? Gift those poles and lures to them. If you have a soft spot for your great grandmother’s china, consider passing them down to your own children, to other siblings or someone who would take special care of them. Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful, too, so let the stuff go.
This should give you a good start on prepping for the big MOVE day! Check back in for more tips, tools and tricks to make moving suck less! As always, please contact us for more information or if you have a suggestion for this list.
