At Ace Moving, we like to think of ourselves as a bit different from most moving companies. Rather than get a quick buck, we know that the best way to build a business is with great customer service. Part of that means helping our customers save money which sometimes means getting rid of stuff.
Obviously, one of the best ways to save money on your move is to move less. It’s a lot cheaper to get rid of stuff than pay to move things, only to get rid of stuff after your move. Here are things you should get rid of before your move:
Things to get rid of from the kitchen
Worn and mismatched items
If you’re anything like me, your kitchen cabinets are filled with stained cookware and potholders, and mismatched dishes and silverware. Don’t toss these if you can’t afford to replace them, but wouldn’t it be nice to start fresh?
Old food
Obviously, you’re going to take the time to clean your refrigerator before you move. If you are moving locally, you can pack the still good food up in a cooler and take it to your new home, but you should either compost or throw out all expired food.
The cupboards might be a different situation, though. You’d think cupboard foods would last a lifetime, and they do last a long time, but there you should check for signs of wear and damage to the packaging. Throw the food out if the can is rusted, swollen or has new dents if the box is damaged.
Some pantry items have surprisingly short shelf lives. Here is a good guide to when you should get rid of your non-canned items, including old herbs and spices. They might not be dangerous, but they won’t taste great either.
Bathroom items
When it comes to shaving money off the cost of your move, the bathroom probably won’t pack a major punch, but why move things that are no good? Makeup and skincare items generally last about two to three years. Liquid eye makeup can give you infections after just six months. Don’t throw away old medicine. Instead, take your expired medications to a disposal site. Find one here.
Bedroom items
Bedding
When I move into a new home, I like to get rid of our old comforter and replace it with something more suitable for our new bedroom. It makes everything in the bedroom feel fresh and new. Get rid of any torn sheets. Donate anything that’s still in good shape.
Clothes
Now is the perfect time to go through all your old clothes and donate all the stuff that doesn’t fit or is no longer in style to a local charity. Turn torn and worn-out clothes into packing materials. If you want to make a few bucks off the old clothes that are still in good shape, hold a garage sale. If you’re trying to get back into your favourite pair of jeans, take those jeans to your new home and try them on once a month or so.
Books
There’s nothing better on a rainy day than a nice cup of tea and a good book. If you’re anything like me, though, you have been hanging on to some books for far too long. Donate your books to a thrift store or a local library. You might look for little libraries around your neighbourhood. Of course, you can always sell books at a garage sale. It’s a lot better than moving them to your new home.
Furniture
Furniture is where you can make a real dent in the cost of your move. Furniture takes up a lot of space and it takes time to protect.
Measure the space in your new home and figure out what will work and what won’t. Then take a look at your furniture. Do you really want to move everything?
Are you still holding onto a college futon? Is your sofa worn and stained? Hold on to a small piece or two that have sentimental value.
Although most local charities and thrift stores no longer take upholstered furniture, most do take tables and wood or metal chairs. Call them before you donate, just to be sure. Of course, you can always include furniture in a pre-moving day garage sale.
How Ace Moving can help
Whether you want to get rid of stuff or move them to your new home, Ace Moving is here to help you on moving day. We’re more than happy to assist you in getting rid of what you no longer need by dropping them off wherever you want to donate them. Ask us to include a drop-off with your moving quote.