At Merit Moving Systems, we understand how hard moving can be on our customers. That’s why we provide streamlined relocation solutions at cost-effective prices for our customers—from full-service packing options and pre-move planning, and other services that eliminate the stress and hassle of moving.

After over 50 years of service in the industry, our long-distance movers at Merit Moving Systems know exactly what it takes to make each move a success. In this guide, we’re sharing one of the most important tips we have that will make any type of move a lot lighter, more affordable, and a whole lot easier.

Simplify Your Life (and Your Move) by Getting Rid of More Stuff

It’s simple, really—but it’s true that in moving, the bigger the load, the bigger the project.

In other words, the more things you have to move, the more expensive, time-consuming, and potentially chaotic your relocation will be. The larger your home, and the more stuff you have packed inside its rooms, your storage areas, sheds, and garage, the longer time you should spend planning for your move.

It goes without saying—if you live a more minimalist lifestyle, your move is going to be a lot easier. Additionally, setting up in your new home will be faster and easier as well. If you’re hiring a moving company, you’ll also pay a lot less for your movers to transfer your belongings to your new home.

Getting Started

When it comes to moving, there seem to be two kinds of households: those that hold on to things for far too long, and those that don’t. If you’re the first type, letting go of your unneeded items might be harder for you than for those that don’t attach too much sentimental value to things.

Either way, there’s something to be said about clearing out space and living more simply. Before starting to pack, perform an inventory of your belongings and formulate a plan to revise and sort your items according to what you want and don’t want. Then, you’ll want to make a plan for the items you don’t want to keep—either selling them, giving them away, donating them to charity, or throwing away junk and trash.

While it’s up to you to decide what to keep and what to let go, some people follow a strict set of rules when evaluating their belongings before a move. Here are some helpful rules that you might be able to use to determine what you need and what you can stand to live without:

• Get rid of anything that you haven’t used in the last three to six months, and anything you don’t plan on using for the next three to six months.
• Get rid of clothing you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Throw away the trash, broken items that cannot be repaired, and loose, useless parts to mystery items that you no longer need.
• If it’s outdated, old, deteriorating, or in need of replacement, toss it.
• Donate or sell things you know you won’t need in the future—like old baby’s clothing, toys, and old gym equipment.
• Get rid of things you wouldn’t buy again in the future.

Give Yourself Time to Properly Distribute Your Unwanted Items

The more things you own, the more time you’ll need to properly plan and execute a smooth move. This prep time should also include quite a few days or even weeks to make plans for your items that end up in the unwanted pile. Depending on your things, you might have to make arrangements if you’re selling, donating, or giving away furniture or large items—especially if you’re offering to drive them to their new destination yourself.

If you’re selling things, you should give yourself extra time to arrange sales for them in a garage sale, on a garage sale app, or on a marketplace website like Facebook, Craigslist, or eBay.

You Don’t Have to Say Goodbye For Now

Even if you’re on a very tight timeline, and especially if you are, know that you don’t have to let things go right now. If you’re having trouble getting rid of things—whether it’s because you’re not sure you want to let them go yet, or waiting for them to sell at the price you’re listing them at, consider temporary storage options. Many reputable moving companies offer these options as a part of their relocation packages, so ask your long-distance movers if they offer these with their moving services.

Let Merit Moving Systems Help You Move

Whether your move is large or small, long-distance, or local—Merit Moving Systems can help you make your project as easy and enjoyable as possible. All of our moving services are customized to suit the needs of our customers, with tailored solutions that are carefully chosen to make the moving project smooth, streamlined, and affordable.

If you’d like to learn more about Merit Moving Systems and our local, intrastate, cross-country, and international moving services, give our team a call today to begin discussing your relocation. Or, if you’d like to get started now with a free, in-home pricing estimate with us, fill out our easy online form.