Getting rid of unwanted items – a nightmare or a fun review of your memories? When moving it is a necessity. Unless of course you want to pay for the shipping of things you don’t or can’t use. And of course there’s the problem of emotional attachment also. Sometimes it is hard to let go but believe it or not once you do you will feel more free. If leaving behind some of your possessions makes you feel uncomfortable, know that this is only temporary. The satisfaction that you will afterwards will be stronger. Maybe you are not sure how to deal with it – every item in your home has a story attached to it but even still surely you are tired of a lot of stuff that are just hanging around your house not serving anyone. And these are the things that should go. If you have your favorite items or things that are of great value to you – keep them. There are many ways in which you can free yourself of unwanted things. Here are some of the best way:
Giving away
Think about your friends and family. May be some of them like the things you want to get rid of and will be happy to look after them – clothes, statuettes and souvenirs, little porcelain figures that (for you) only collect the dust on the shelves, etc. There are surely people who would be happy to have them and will value them. Just remember that before you decide to give or sell anything it must be in a good condition so that it can be used more and you should also clean it first.
Give it to the kids
If you have kids surely there are clothes and shoes that don’t fit them any longer. Children grow up quick and almost always the things they leave things that look like new. You can give them to other families with children that can use them. The same goes for toys. Kids tend to get tired of some toys quickly while adhering strong to others as their favorite. That should direct you which toys to give away. Those that are broken can just go to the garbage. This should make your moving with children a bit more easier.
Where else?
Freecycle is one place that is really easy to use.You just list what you want to give. Whoever wants it will get back to you by e-mail and come by to pick it up. In the same way you can look for things you may need for your moving like packing supplies. At Craigslist, eBay and Amazon you can sell things. You can do that also at a moving sale. Why not donating? There are many charity organizations you can give away to or non-profit organizations you can turn to depending on the area where you live. The American Institute of Philanthropy gives a list of charities. So, you can sell things or donate – what you prefer to do is up to you.
Your books and computer can go to the local schools or community centers. Contact the ones in your area.
Throw away. Recycle.
Things that are broken, used up, worn out and can’t do any work any more can go to the garbage. Also remember that you can do something for the planet and add an extra green idea to your moving. You can easily recycle electronics like cell phones, batteries and more here or send them to one of the companies listed on this link. You can sell your books at a bookstore. You can ask at the local schools and daycare if they would accept the books and magazine you don’t need any more provided that they are with content that is appropriate for the kids’ age there. Electronic equipment like computers can also go to schools. Additionally, you can phone the local community centers and ask them if they need any. Of course, this means the computer should be in a good condition and cleaned from any personal information, remembered passwords or confidential data must be deleted for your own security. Find a recycling center near you.
After the moving
After you have moved you will have left moving supplies like boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap. The tips above should help you find someone who needs them and give them away also.
Additional useful reading:
How to Get Rid of Top 10 Unwanted Items
Saying goodbye to things that you once had may be a bit sad but don’t leave it this way. Remember the fun you have had with the movies or CD’s you no longer watch or listen to, the books you have read but will never open again and think about all the new excitements that are waiting for you at your new home. It is going to be a fresh new start and an opportunity to make new things happen in your life for you and your family!
Giving to charity is a great idea. My family and I moved about three months ago. We decided to give some children’s clothes and toys that are in good shape and can be still used to charity. We relocate to a smaller house and it just felt right.