By: Karen Boyd, Long & Foster
September has a funny way of making us want to reset. The kids are back to school, summer is winding down, and suddenly those closets, cabinets, garages and basements seem to be calling our names!
And if a move might be somewhere in your future, this is the PERFECT time to do a little purging. Because here is something I’ve learned after years of helping people move: just because you CAN pack it doesn’t mean you SHOULD!
Every box you don’t pack is one you don’t have to carry, pay someone to move, unpack, or wonder six months later why on earth you brought it with you.
NOTE: Contact me if you need the names of fantastic organizations who will do house pick-ups for your donations; or for antique pros who might be interested in your collections/pieces; or for amazing non-profits whose clients can benefit from personal and household items. TheKarenRealtor.com
So now grab a trash bag, a donation box and maybe a little courage! Here are 10 things you definitely do not want to move to your next house!
- The “Someday I’ll Use This” Box: You haven’t opened it since 2007, or maybe since Jimmy Carter was President. “Someday” has officially expired.
- Clothes for Your Former Life: If it doesn’t fit, you don’t love it, or you forgot you owned it… somebody else can enjoy it.
- The Mystery Garage Collection: Half-empty paint cans, mystery screws, broken garden tools and cords belonging to electronics no one remembers.
- Furniture You’ve Been Meaning to Get Rid Of: Moving it costs money. September is the perfect time to donate or sell it.
- The Great Tupperware Experiment: 37 plastic containers. Nine lids. Somehow none of them match.
- Your Kids’ Childhood: Keep the treasures. Photograph some sentimental pieces. But perhaps your 32-year old doesn’t need every worksheet from third grade.
- Expired Everything: Pantry, spices, medicines, cosmetics, cleaning products. You may be amazed at what’s hiding back there.
- Holiday Decorations You Haven’t Used in Years: Before you haul 14 bins to another house, decide which decorations actually deserve the trip.
- The Basement “Deal With It Later” Zone: Because when you are preparing to move, later officially becomes now.
- Anything You Wouldn’t Buy Again Today: My favorite test. Look at an item and ask: “If I saw this in a store today, would I spend money on it?” If the answer is no, why pay to move it?
Thinking about selling in 2027? September is actually a terrific time to start your “Prep Rally” to prepare! Give me a call/text/email for your free ”Home Sellers Guide & Moving Checklist.”
Karen.Boyd@LNF.com | (484) 716-4647 | TheKarenRealtor.com
