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Some people do not realize how much stuff they have until the time comes when they have to pack. Over time, we tend to accumulate material possessions. And most of the time, we also tend to forget we have them in the first place. But at a certain point, we have to decide which are worth keeping and which to let go of. So, why should you get rid of unwanted items before the move? The answer is simple and that is simplicity is the solution to the chaos.

In the process of moving, you probably have plenty of things on your checklist. That spells chaos. If you keep it simple, there will be lesser things to stress about. Here are more reasons why you should get rid of unwanted items before the move.

De-cluttering saves you from stress

It can be quite stressful going over all your stuff and deciding which needs to go. This is why most of us put it off until it becomes absolutely necessary. But de-cluttering can also be a stress saver in the long run.

By eliminating extra and unnecessary baggage, you have lesser things to carry around. You give yourself the benefit of a less troublesome move. Get rid of unnecessary items and you will unload extra stuff that has become inessential. And that is less stress for you not only as you leave your old residence but also as you move into your new home.

You might not have a garage or a shed if you’re moving into an apartment or townhouse. Almost everything in those areas will need to be moved to other rooms, donated, thrown out, or sold. Additionally, these locations may have wonderful products for garage sales or consignment shops; beautiful office furniture and outdoor gear are more desirable than used furniture like couches or mattresses.

Downsizing stuff means saving money

This is probably the most apparent reason why you should de-clutter. Moving companies do calculate fees and charges by the weight of the items. The volume of your possessions is also taken into consideration. Why would you spend extra on the stuff that you no longer need? By getting rid of unwanted items, you save money not only on packing items but also on moving fees.

You may save time and money by performing a thorough trim before you move, but it’s also a fantastic chance to organize your belongings into useful categories that will make packing and unpacking much simpler.

Less stuff means saving time packing and unpacking

If you have to pack all the stuff which you have accumulated over the past 10, 20 or 30 years, imagine how much time it will take you. Now, imagine how much more time you need to unpack those when you reach your new residence. It is a headache.

The good news is you do not have to waste time packing and unpacking unwanted stuff. Save the important and absolutely necessary stuff and get rid of the inessentials. It is as simple as that.

Decluttering saves space

The more stuff you have, the more space it takes. You have to ask yourself whether you want to take such chaos with you to your new location. A new home is supposed to be an opportunity for you and your family to start fresh and new. But old and unwanted stuff gets in the way of that.

If the idea of a simple existence appeals to you, it might be time to downsize. It’s liberating to live in a smaller house. Our homes, which are by far our biggest and most precious assets, are examples of how the more we own, the more our possessions own us. We spend more of ourselves mentally in larger homes. Spend less and let your thoughts wander. You won’t feel as tempted to assemble items you don’t need, and your larger home won’t keep you prisoner.

It is a relief!

More than saving time, money, and space, the reason why you should get rid of unwanted items before the move is to relieve yourself. Do you still remember the last time you were able to breathe and move freely around the house? If it has been such a long time, downsizing your stuff can help bring it back.

Avoiding moving disaster

Whether it’s a local or long-distance move, there are some items you should never put in a moving truck. Make sure to go through the list of dangerous items before the move.

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Written by Margarita Hakobyan
Margarita Hakobyan is the founder and CEO of MoversCorp.com. She has published more than 300 articles about moving, storage, and home organizing, making her a moving specialist since she began writing about the moving industry in 2005. Follow her on LinkedIn and Twitter.