Moving to a new space is one of the best opportunities to declutter. Because, let’s be honest, no one wants to move with things they don’t need or want anymore. Thankfully, there are plenty of options that make it easy to part with your things (and even make a profit doing it!).
Create a System
Start by identifying what items you can do without (and an idea of what you might do with them– more on that later). If you can break down items into basic categories, it’ll help to declutter go a lot smoother. For example, holiday decorations, books you’ll never read again, old toys, kitchen clutter, and outgrown clothes.
Tackling one room (or area!) at a time is a great way to pace yourself and ensure that you’ve decluttered and ready before moving day.
Sort your items into four main categories:
- Donation (any items your want to donate)
- Sale (any items you want to sell)
- Dispose (items that belong in the trash)
- Recycle (anything you can recycle: glass, paper, old batteries, plastic items, etc.. Check out this helpful resource from Green America for more information on what you can and can’t recycle and how to do it).
Okay, So Now What?
So you’ve sorted through your things and you have an idea of what you want to do with them, but where do you go from here?
Have a Tag Sale
This one is an oldie but a goodie. Take a weekend to set up a few tables on your lawn or outside your building to sell your unwanted items. You can even ask neighbors and friends to join in on the fun.
Want to go paperless? Download an app like Venmo (or pick up a Square reader for $10 here) so you can accept payments on the go.
Note: Before you set up, make sure to check with local authorities for rules and regulations beforehand (you might need a sales permit).
Donate
There are plenty of organizations that will accept donations of household wares, old books, clothes, furniture, and more. Some will even pick up your stuff for free! Bonus: You might even be able to get a tax write-off on your donations.
Do some research to find local charities and thrift stores in your area. However, some major charities include with nationwide footprints include:
- The Salvation Army
- Goodwill
- The Vietnam Veterans of America “Pickup Please” Program
For books you’ll never read again, donate them to your local library or find a community book drive. You can even reach out to schools in the area to see if they’re interested.
Use Facebook
Facebook Marketplace is a great resource for selling items in your local area. Simply snap a few pictures, write a description, and set a price. Keep in mind that while Facebook does not charge a fee to list your items, they will take a 5% cut of the final purchase price.
Another option is locating “Free & For Sale” groups in your local area. Be sure to use caution during any transactions (Paypal is a great option for accepting payments).
Marketplace Apps & Websites (eBay, OfferUp, Poshmark, Mercari, etc.)
In the year 2021, technology has made it easier than ever to sell unwanted items. eBay is the oldest and most well-known of the bunch but there are a number of other marketplace options you can download right on your phone. Most apps will allow you to communicate directly with buyers and coordinate with USPS, FedEx, and UPS to provide you with shipping labels making selling your unwanted items a breeze.
Disposal
When you’re sorting through your items there inevitably will be some items that are better off in the trash. Collect these items (you can set them aside in trash bags or unused boxes) and find your local dump or recycling center. If you are unable to transport the items yourself, there are plenty of companies that will arrange a pick-up for you.
Have you become a declutter pro? Let us help you pack up the rest! Contact FlatRate for a quote today.