Moving Tips: What to Do With the Stuff You're Not Taking With You
If you’re downsizing to a smaller space, helping an aging parent move, or simply relocating after many years in a home, you’ll know how easily belongings accumulate over time.
Even though you swore you were going to find a place for that piece of furniture or hem those pants, somehow you just didn’t get around to it, and now you have an attic packed with things you’ve never used.
If you save decluttering until the last minute before you move, you’ll likely end up sending many of these excess belongings to the landfill. However, sorting through unused items a few months before moving day can benefit you and your community. Here’s how:
You’ll minimize your carbon footprint by throwing out less stuff
You might earn some extra cash from selling furniture or other valuables
Last but not least, you’ll reduce your stress on moving day because you have less to transport
However, when approaching the cleaning, sorting, and packing checklist, looking at a cluttered house can feel daunting. So where should you even begin?
We’ve compiled a list of tips for approaching the decluttering process, along with great local resources for donating your unwanted items.
#1: Tackle One Room at a Time
Start with a space you don’t use every day! Think attic, garage, shed, guest room, basement, etc. Working in a space like this will allow you to take your time sorting and discarding items, since they won’t be in your way. Start with the storage areas that have accumulated the most clutter. This way, you’ll be able to take on the smaller decluttering jobs in your main living spaces as you get closer to moving day.
#2: Sort Items Into 3 Categories: Keep, Sell, or Ditch
Keeping your mental buckets simple can help speed up the decluttering process. Ask yourself whether the item has a place in your new home. If not, would it sell on Facebook Marketplace for over $20? If not, it’s probably not worth your time and belongs in the “ditch” pile, which you can organize in the next phase.
Once you’ve packed up your “keep” items and listed your “sell” items online, it’s time to sort your “ditch” items into donate or trash.
#3: Donate Unwanted Items to the Right Places
Charlottesville Thrift Stores
Here in Charlottesville, we have an abundance of second-hand stores that accept used clothing, furniture, and other household items. You can give your belongings a second life while supporting your neighbors by donating to mission-focused thrift stores.
Twice is Nice: Proceeds from every sale are funneled directly back into the community each year through grants to local nonprofits that help seniors live safe, secure, and connected lives.
The Habitat Store: Every purchase and donation directly supports Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build and repair homes in our community.
SPCA Rummage Store: Through the sale of donated goods, the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA helps create a sustainable funding source for its animal shelter.
Charlottesville Non-Profits
There are also several local nonprofits that collect and distribute lightly used items to people and families in need. Before you drop off your unwanted items in bulk at a thrift store, consider whether you might have items that a local organization needs!
Books: Book Baskets is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to give new and lightly used books to those children in our area who might not otherwise have books of their own.
Baby Clothes: Stepping Stone is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide children from newborn to 3 years old from under-resourced families with essentials that support their healthy development and safety.
Art Supplies: The Scrappy Elephant supports local artists and keeps your materials out of the landfill. Your donations also support several local nonprofit organizations through the Scrappy Elephant NonProfit Rewards Program.
Tools: Cville Tool Library provides an extensive inventory of tools for borrowing, hosts skill-building workshops, and fosters a community where members share knowledge and grow together.
Biking Equipment: Charlottesville Community Bikes welcomes donations of all bikes and bike-related items, including pumps, tires, and clothing. This organization donates bikes to children and adults in need, provides repairs, and hosts classes.
Medical Equipment & Supplies: All Blessings Flow accepts medical equipment, including walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and shower chairs, to support low-income families throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia.
Moving requires some serious decluttering and hard decisions about what you own. Ultimately, you’ll feel good settling in your new space with only the belongings that you use and love.
When you work with us here at Charlottesville Moving Solutions, you can cross the landfill trip off your list, and we’ll take your ditch pile to the landfill for an additional fee.
Moving soon? Reach out for a free estimate!
