Moving to a new home can be an exciting feeling. Between the cost of hiring movers, packing materials, and temporary storage, the bills can add up quickly. However, one simple way to reduce moving costs is to declutter before you pack. Let’s take a closer look at how you can cut down on unnecessary packing and storage fees by sorting through your belongings before the big move.

Start Early and Set Aside Time for Sorting

The key to successful decluttering is to start early. Don’t wait until the week before your move to begin sorting through everything. Set aside a few hours each week for sorting and get help from your family or roommates if required. This will allow you to decide what to keep, donate, sell or throw away. 

Sell or Donate Items You Don’t Need

After years of living in one place, it’s easy to accumulate things that you no longer need. Items like old clothes, electronics or furniture that don’t fit in your new home should be discarded. Before you start packing, you can sell your unwanted items online. Not only will you lighten your load, but you’ll also earn some extra cash that can be put toward your moving costs or your new mortgage. If you have items that are still in good condition but you no longer need them, you can donate them to a local charity.

Renting Storage: Only If Necessary

Sometimes, you may need to store some items temporarily before your new home is ready. By decluttering in advance, you can minimize the amount you need to store. For items you absolutely can’t part with, think about whether a smaller storage unit might be enough. You could even ask friends or family if they have any extra space in their garages or basements that you can use for short-term storage.

Consider Selling or Replacing Heavy Furniture

Packing furniture can often be one of the biggest challenges to doing so efficiently. If your furniture is outdated, bulky, or in poor condition, it might be more cost-effective to sell it and buy new pieces once you move into your new home. Shipping heavy furniture can be expensive, especially if you have to rent a large moving truck or pay for extra storage space. If you decide to part with large pieces, you can often find great deals on new or gently used furniture that better suits your new space.

Avoid Packing Items You Don’t Use Regularly

When packing for a move, it’s tempting to pack everything you own, but this often means moving a lot of items that you rarely use. Take a good look at everything in your home and ask yourself if you need to pack and move something you haven’t touched in months or even years. Old books, kitchen gadgets, or holiday decorations might not be worth the effort of packing and storing. Only pack items that you genuinely use and enjoy.

By decluttering before you move, you can save money on packing materials, storage, and even moving costs. Selling or donating items you no longer need can lighten your load and put a little extra money in your pocket. Plus, a more organized move will help make settling into your new home easier and less stressful. So, take the time to declutter and you’ll be surprised at how much smoother and cheaper your move can be!