De-Clutter or Move, These tips will help!
Who couldn’t use a little de-cluttering? If in doubt you only need to walk through a couple of models and you’ll immediately recognize the difference. It is amazing how much “stuff” one accumulates.
Pack up books. Let’s face it, if you haven’t read them or touched them in several years it’s unlikely you will in the next decade either. Okay, so you can’t bear to get rid of them so compromise with yourself and download at least half of them. The ones you plan to keep you can place in a box, tuck it away and reconsider in a few months. Remember to pack books into small boxes to avoid becoming too heavy.
Go through all glassware, china, dishes and pot/pans. Donate those you just don’t use. I for one have old china that my great aunts treasured but I’ll never use. My plans are to re-purpose it and have a table top made that I can enjoy for years to come. If that doesn’t sound appealing, box them up, label the boxes and stash. You may feel better about getting rid of it over time.
You know, the same applies to everything in your closet. Look at your clothes closely and try to remember the last time you wore it. Two years or more should be pretty automatic. Donate or take to a consignment shop. Yes, even those timeless treasures. With all the great boutiques and consignment shops, surely you can find a replacement should the occasion arise that you misjudge. If you are moving into a smaller place, this is even more important. As a rule, you can leave clothes in dresser drawers as long as the move is from and to a first floor dwelling. Don’t forget to remove any breakables, valuables and liquids beforehand.
Medications really eat up the bathroom space. Flagler Hospital accepts all old medications to avoid the practice of flushing down the toilet. Go through every drawer and cabinet. You’ll be amazed at what you find in tucked away. Discard old towels you’ll not use but don’t forget the pet shelters. They can always use old bed and bath linens. You will be responsible for moving all medications. A good policy since anything can be lost in transition.
Is it time to purge the pantry? Expired – toss it? Not in your diet any longer? The food pantry can always use it. Movers will not haul Perishables or open containers of food.
Cleaning supplies really multiply in my house. It’s amazing how many opened and partially used containers of the same product I found in my laundry room. Consolidating rids you of many duplicates. Movers won’t accept cleaning supplies or flammables.
Is it time for a party? Maybe a friend has invited you to their place for one. Go through the liquor cabinet. Maybe it’s time to rid yourself of the old liquor. Beer and wine can be opened and immediately discarded if no longer good. Movers will not accept liquor anyway so if you wait until the last minute, it’ll just go in the garbage.
“Your Papers Please”. Yes, it’s time to go through all tax returns and discard anything greater than 5 years (more if your accountant advises). Make sure to shred personal information. Moving companies recommend you remove all valuables and documents prior to their arrival.
Other items movers will not assist with are plants, firearms, weapons of any kind, ammo and fuel. Another handy tip for packing is to use different colored tape or markings for different rooms. It will make identification easier and unloading faster.
Last but not least is to evaluate insurance needs. Take photos before you pack valuables and of the box they are in after securely marking. Place in a secure place that will not be mixed with items for donation. If moving, place in the truck of your car to avoid confusion. If hiring a professional moving company, Florida law requires all moving companies give their clients some coverage for anything that goes on the truck. This is the limit for damage repair unless you purchase full value replacement coverage. What I didn’t know is that the law applies regardless of who packed the product. Of course, a moving company may debate anything you pack yourself. Get it in writing!
