Moving should be taken as an opportunity to purge and organize your belongings. There should be three piles you create when you start the moving process. Make donate, trash, and sell piles for each room. In this way you can get rid of the items you no longer want to make life a little easier on you during your long distance move. There is no reason to carry items you no longer need or want along for the trip.
Charities will often come by to pick up the goods you want to donate, especially if you have a large quantity. It is best to arrange a few weeks in advance for the items to be picked up. You do not want to be left holding on to the items the day you are leaving town for your long distance move, or worse still having to drop them off before you can head out.
Outdated documents and junk mail needs to be trashed appropriately. If you do not have a shredder then consider renting one from a business rental store or asking a friend to use theirs. Paper is heavy, and unnecessary paperwork will just cost more to move than disposing of it properly.
As you sort through your items, resist the urge to examine everything you put in the boxes. If you want to keep it, then pack it. After you have relocated you will have plenty of time to examine your belongings and reminisce about old times.
It is probably best to have a moving binder to ensure your move will go smoothly. A binder with plastic sleeves will help you keep important paperwork easily accessible. Furthermore, you will have your checklists and other documents handy for the entire move.
Food is something we tend to bring along with us, as we do not want to buy new unless we have to. This is because we want to make the move as easy as possible. Go through your pantry and decide what truly needs to be moved. If cans are outdated, throw them away. If you have not eaten the canned goods, not because you had several of the same items but because you never seem to eat them, donate them. Whatever you do not use or has expired is not worth moving with you.
When you start to pack, choose items that are going to be out of season or items you do not use as much. For instance, if you are moving in the next two months the chances are that you will not need winter clothing if it is summer or you will not need summer clothing if it is winter.
Additionally, guest room blankets, extra bed sheets, extra towels and other household goods can be packed without disrupting your regular life as you get ready to relocate. Often it is best to pack by zones in each room and throughout the house. This way you are not making extra work for yourself as you go along.
Jon Huser
