One bright spot connected to moving is that you can go through all your possessions and really decide which things you love and can’t live without and which are now unwanted items. Don’t be surprised when you discover that the further you get into the packing process, the fewer items you want to keep. People often find that they are less sentimental once they become tired of packing.
Deciding what you want to keep and what you want to part with is just one part of the equation. Once you’ve created an assortment of unwanted items, you have to figure out what you want to do with all the stuff.
Good news! There are a few different ways to deal with unwanted items before you move.
Donate to a Food Pantry
Non-perishable food items fall into the category of things most people don’t want to deal with, particularly when they’re embarking on a long move. Rather than trying to figure out how to pack up all those cans of soup you’ve acquired over the years, donate them to a local food pantry. It’s an easy and helpful way to improve the lives of others and also allows you to quickly clean out your pantry.
Another option for unwanted food items is asking your friends if they want anything. While they’ll likely be willing to sort through for the good stuff, when they’ve cleared out, don’t be surprised if they left more than they took.
Yard Sales
Many people decide that the best way to deal with their unwanted items before they move is having a yard sale. They like the idea of using their unwanted items to make some money that will help finance their move. Yard sales can be a great way to generate some income and get rid of unwanted items, but they can also be time-consuming and you rarely sell everything. You also have to be prepared to deal with some weather-related issues.
Thrift Stores
Honestly, the simplest way to get rid of your unwanted items in the months leading up to the move is by donating to thrift stores. You won’t get cash for your unwanted items, but you will get a tax credit that can come in handy. The best thing about donating your unwanted items to thrift stores is that they are usually willing to take everything you bring in.
Some thrift stores might even be willing to help you move any unwanted furniture.
If you do want to make some money without dealing with a yard sale, you can contact some local consignment shops. Just be ready for them to turn some of your stuff away. Consignment shops usually only want to deal with items they’re confident will quickly sell.