"Struggling to Find a Storage Solution in NYC? Check Out This Comprehensive NYC Storage Guide Now!"

Moving is challenging enough, but moving cross-country is an entirely different ball game. It may not surprise anyone who has moved to learn that most people believe moving is more stressful than divorce! Fortunately, there are always means to make your move easier, whether it's hiring a good realtor or a moving company. However, one of the best things you can do is declutter. Let's talk about some things to get rid of before your move and how our NYC storage guide can help you!

Why You Should Declutter Before Moving

To put it simply, decluttering before you move will save you time, energy, and effort. Again, moving is one of the most stressful times of anyone's life, so anything you can do to lighten the load is well worth it. The more you have to carry, the more of a toll it will take on the suspension in your vehicle, your lower back, and your wallet. Also, it will help you manage your unpacking, storage, and decluttering of your next place. It's a win-win!

1. Bulky Furniture

Large tables, seating, dressers, or other furniture are going to be the best bang for your buck. Getting rid of these will save you the most space in your moving vehicle for the least amount of money. If you got any of your large furniture for cheap or for free, it's probably best to dump it or try to resell it. You can always buy secondhand furniture online or through a local thrift store once you arrive at your new location. In most cases, it's a lot cheaper than shipping it to your new home.

2. Unused Sports Gear

If that heading made you think about that old ski equipment or lacrosse gear in your basement, then this one is for you. Common items can include:

• Skiing or snowboarding equipment
• Snowshoes
• Kayaks or paddleboards
• Paddles
• Fishing gear
• Helmets
• Uniforms
• Diving gear
• Rock climbing equipment

The list goes on. We all tend to hoard our old sports equipment because it reminds us of fond memories. However, if you know you aren't going to use it, then it's time to either store it somewhere or ditch it.

3. Books and Magazines

Do you have an old pile of cookbooks, catalogs, or magazines sitting in your home? Whether or not they're confined to the bookshelf, they can quickly add up in weight. So, if you have a lot of books, you can donate them to your local library or even sell them online if you have enough time! It could help you fund your move, provide people with the books they're looking for, and save a lot of weight and space.

4. Kitchen Equipment

We all have plenty of small appliances we never use. Most of us probably also have plenty of dinnerware, large utensils, and untouched spices and sauces in our kitchens. It's best to get rid of these rather than take up more space in your truck and your new kitchen. If you have a lot of non-perishable items in your pantry now, challenge yourself to cook with them before the move. Either way, use them or lose them!

5. Raw Materials

If you have a bunch of scrap wood, metal, or building materials sitting in your basement or garage, don't even question it. Get (or find) a dumpster and toss them or try to sell them. Unless they're rare or precious, they and are not worth the extra space or weight. The same goes for old garden hoses, lawn equipment, or other tools and miscellaneous garage items you don't use or need.

6. Bathroom and Linen Closet Materials

These items tend to be smaller, but they can add up quickly. Go through your linen closet and get rid of those old towels you don't need. From there, check out all of your beauty supplies and specialty items that you never use. While this may only fill up a couple of trash bags, it can still save a fair amount of space for less than 30 minutes of work.

7. Extras

Who doesn't have extras of, well, everything sitting in their closets? Extra lampshades, comforters, sleeping bags, hats, jackets, and more. Nearly half of all households have a room just to hide their junk, so this is a great place to start! We're all guilty of this, but moving is a great time to look through, prioritize, and decide what you don't need. Extra clothing or bedding are also great goods to donate, as they are always in high demand!

Alternatives to Dumping

If you want to keep some of your old memorabilia from your sporting days, some sentimental furniture, or anything else that may take up room, that's okay. You don't have to dump it, and you don't have to bring it with you. Instead, consider investing in moving and storage in NYC. The right NYC moving company can take care of all of your needs, so you don't have to worry about anything. This will help eliminate a lot of the stress of moving, keep your possessions safe from harm, and take plenty of stress off of your back (literally). Check out our storage solutions to learn more.

Hopefully our NYC Storage Guide Helped You!

Now that you know some of the best items to declutter your home, prioritize and save. If you need to keep some of them, consider using the right NYC storage center so you can revisit your prized possessions when you need them. Stay up to date with our latest tips for your move, and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or for help finding the right NYC movers!