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Emballage et jour du déménagement
How to Declutter Before a Move: Sell, Donate, Recycle
How to declutter before moving: a simple room-by-room method to decide what to keep, sell, donate or toss, so you move less and spend less.
Declutter before you pack: go room by room, sort everything into keep, sell, donate and recycle, and be honest about what you have not used in a year. You pay to move every item, in time and money, so the less you carry, the cheaper and easier your move.
Why declutter before a move?
Every box adds packing time, truck space and hours on an hourly quote. Decluttering also means you arrive at the new home with only things you want, rather than unpacking and then sorting.
How do I start?
Begin six to eight weeks before the move, with the rooms you use least: the basement, garage, attic and spare rooms. Work for an hour or two at a time rather than one huge weekend.
What system works?
Use four piles or boxes:
- Keep: things you use or love, and that fit your new home.
- Sell: items of real value, such as furniture, electronics and sports equipment.
- Donate: useful items in good condition.
- Recycle or dispose: broken items, expired products and anything unsafe.
What questions should I ask?
- Have I used this in the past year?
- Does it fit in the new home?
- Would I buy it again today?
- Is it cheaper to replace than to move?
- Does it have sentimental value that is real, not just guilt?
What are the common problem areas?
- Closets and clothes: donate anything that does not fit or suit you.
- Kitchen: duplicates, unused gadgets and mismatched containers.
- Papers: shred old documents and scan what you want to keep.
- Garage and basement: old paint, tools, cords and boxes you never opened. Check what movers will not move for items to dispose of safely.
- Books and media: keep favourites and donate the rest; see how to pack books.
What should I do with it all?
Sell on online marketplaces, donate to local charities and thrift stores, and check municipal programs for recycling and bulk pickup. Arrange pickups early, since many charities book up before month-end.
How much can I save?
On an hourly quote, fewer items means fewer hours. See how to save money on your move. When you are ready, request a free quote for the smaller, lighter move you have created.
