The excitement of moving to a new home in NYC can quickly turn into overwhelm, especially when it comes to packing. While filling box after box might seem like the obvious task, there’s one crucial step that should come first on your moving to-do list: decluttering. Here’s why:
Decluttering not only helps streamline your move but also saves you money on packing supplies. The less you have to pack, the fewer boxes and materials you’ll need. Before you start boxing up your belongings, consider donating or selling items that no longer serve a purpose. Here’s a list of things to declutter, donate, or sell before your move:
1. Furniture You Don’t Need
Unless an item is sentimental or irreplaceable, consider parting with any bulky furniture that you won’t be able to use in your new NYC apartment. Selling or donating these pieces early can make your life a lot easier when moving day comes around. If you’re donating, look for local charities in NYC that offer free pick-up services to make the process more convenient.
Before you donate or sell, remember to measure rooms, doorways, stairways, and other entry points in your new space to ensure furniture fits—especially in those narrow NYC apartment hallways.
2. Kitchen and Pantry Items
Get rid of any broken or duplicate kitchenware, as well as containers with missing lids. Check expiration dates and toss any expired food. Use up as much food as possible before the move, or donate non-perishable items to a local food pantry in NYC. This not only reduces waste but also makes unpacking your new kitchen much easier, especially in smaller NYC kitchens where space is limited.
3. Clothing and Accessories
A move is the perfect time to declutter your wardrobe, especially if you’re moving to a different neighborhood in NYC or switching to a new climate. Part with items that are no longer appropriate for your new lifestyle or location. Don’t take along clothing that no longer fits, is worn-out, or that you haven’t worn in a year. Items needing repairs that you’ve been holding onto for months should also be let go.
Consider packing your clothing and accessories in suitcases to make packing easier and more organized, especially if you’re navigating a NYC apartment with limited space.
4. Books and Magazines
Books can be heavy and costly to move in a city like NYC where space is often at a premium. Take this opportunity to curate your collection by donating or selling books you no longer need or read. Local libraries or schools in NYC are often great places to donate books, especially if you have a large collection. You can also consider selling them online or at secondhand stores.
5. Exercise Equipment
If you have bulky exercise equipment such as a treadmill, stationary bike, or weights, consider whether it’s worth the effort to move in a NYC apartment where space is tight. These items can take up a lot of space and might not even fit in your new home. Instead, explore fitness options in your new neighborhood, such as local gyms or outdoor activities in NYC’s parks, that won’t take up room in your home.
6. Unfinished Craft Projects
Staring at unfinished craft projects can be overwhelming, and moving might be the perfect time to reassess whether you want to continue with them. If you’re not likely to finish a project in the near future, consider leaving the materials behind and starting fresh with only the supplies you truly intend to use in your new NYC apartment.
7. Seasonal Decorations
Bulky holiday decorations—especially outdoor ones—can add unnecessary weight to your move. Unless you have one-of-a-kind items that you can’t bear to part with, you can always replace them later with new decorations that suit your new NYC home. If you’re downsizing, be mindful of the amount of space available for storing these items in your new apartment.
Moving can be stressful, but by decluttering first, you’ll make the packing process smoother, save time, and reduce the overall cost of your move. So take the time to declutter before you pack, and enjoy a fresh start in your new NYC home!
When it comes to moving, decluttering is just one step in the process. At Movers Not Shakers, we understand how overwhelming the entire experience can be in New York City. Ready to make your move easier? Contact us today and let us take care of the rest! Our expert team is here to handle the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. We offer reliable and affordable moving services in NYC, ensuring that your move is smooth and stress-free.
