Prior to moving, it is strongly advised that you de-clutter and purge any items that you no longer use or need. This helps to reduce the number of items that you have to pack and transport to your new home and helps to ensure that you are not cluttering up your new home with items that are no longer of use to you. In some cases, it is easy to determine what can be tossed. In other cases, you may struggle with deciding whether to move it or whether to toss it. Here are three questions to ask yourself if you are on the fence about what to do with an item. 

When Was the Last Time the Item Was Used?

If you are debating whether or not to move something to your new home, one of the first questions to ask yourself is when the last time you used the item was. As a general rule of thumb, if it is something that has not been used or worn for six to 12 months, it can likely be tossed or donated. If you have not used or worn the item in that length of time, it clearly is something you can make due without. 

Is There a Place For the Item in Your New Home?

Another key question to ask yourself is whether or not there is a space in your new home for the item. When you move from one home to another, the layout and set up of the new home may be different. You may have a larger kitchen but a smaller living room, or vice versa. As such, your current furniture may not fit in your new living room or you may not have as much storage space in the kitchen to store dishes and small kitchen appliances. If you don't have the space for it, don't bring it. 

How Much Life Is Left in the Item? 

Lastly, ask yourself how much life the item realistically has left in it. There is no sense moving bed or couch pillows that are already beginning to flatten, patio furniture that is faded and beginning to fall apart or appliances that are nearing the end of their lifespan. If something is going to need to be replaced soon, it may be better to purge it, rather than move it. 

As you prepare to move, it is always advised that you take the time to de-clutter your home and get rid of any items that you no longer need. In addition to helping ensure your new home is not cluttered, de-cluttering can also help to reduce the amount of time it takes you or a moving company to pack up and transport your belongings. If you are considering hiring a mover, de-cluttering before obtaining estimates can help a moving company provide you with the most accurate estimate possible.