If you are preparing and planning a move in Toronto or the GTA, it is a good idea to take the time and do a pre-move purge. Most of us accumulate a lot of “stuff” from the time we first move into our current homes. Over the years, we notice closets getting fuller, less storage space in the basement, and so on.
Eventually, we have filled up our homes with plenty of “stuff.” Yet, how much of that “stuff” do we still use, want, or need? Instead of spending your time packing and moving “stuff” you no longer use, want, or need, it is better to do a pre-move purge so you have less “stuff” to pack.
Step 1: Work on one room at a time.
It is easy to get overwhelmed when going through your belongings if you try to do the entire house at once. Instead, start with a single hallway closet or bedroom closet. Once you finish the entire closet, move onto the next, and so on. After all the closets are done, then start on the cabinets in bathrooms. Next, move onto the kitchen cabinets and cupboards. Lastly, don’t forget about the garage and basement.
Step 2: Make five piles as you go through your “stuff.”
The first pile should be for the “stuff” you want to keep like photographs, keepsakes, etc. The second pile is for items you want to sell. The third pile is for items you want to donate. The fourth pile is for things you can recycle. The fifth pile is for items that are going in the trash.
As you make your piles, keep them organized in boxes or totes. For the “stuff” you are keeping, if it is something you will not need or use that often, go ahead and pack it into moving boxes. Remember to label the contents on the outside of the boxes too.
Step 3: Have a garage sale or sell items online.
Once you have finished your pre-move purge, a great way to earn money to pay for your move is by having a garage sale. You can also sell big-ticket items online, like if you have electronics, gaming systems, etc.
Step 4: Donate items as you go.
Instead of waiting until you are done purging the home, you may want to donate items several times as boxes get filled up. Ideally, once you have a carload of “stuff” ready, go ahead and get it out of the house to make room.
Step 5: Rent a storage unit if you need to stage your home.
If you need to sell your home before you can move, after doing your pre-move purge, consider renting a storage unit to keep items you want, but don’t need right now to free up space in your home and make it look bigger.
By using these 5 steps, you will find that you have less “stuff” to pack when you are ready to move. As a result, your total moving costs will be less too!
For moving supplies, storage solutions, and professional moving services in Toronto and the GTA from our top-quality movers, please feel free to contact Sueland Moving & Storage at (416) 747-9889 today!
