Are you moving to a new state? You are about to embark on an exciting adventure! One of the biggest decisions to make is whether you’ll keep or sell your belongings. You may feel attached to many of your possessions, but selling everything may be a cost-effective way to start fresh in your new home. Follow this guide for help knowing what to sell before moving to another state and how to sell it.
Deciding Whether to Keep or Sell Your Stuff
Think about these factors when deciding whether to keep or sell certain belongings before a big move:
- Cost-efficiency of moving: Depending on the value of the items and the cost to move them, it might make more sense to sell your belongings and buy new ones once you arrive at your new home.
- Logistics of moving: Fitting everything from your house into a moving truck may not be feasible, especially if you have a large home and a big family. Paring down your belongings can make the move more manageable.
- Size and layout of your new space: If you’re downsizing to a smaller home or the layout is completely different, selling some of your belongings may be necessary to make room.
- Functionality: If an item works flawlessly, it could be worth bringing. However, if it’s old, broken, or must be repaired to work again, the cost of moving the item probably isn’t worth it.
- Sentimental value: Family heirlooms, keepsakes, and gifts from loved ones are sentimental and may be worth keeping, even if they’re not essential. Still, try to limit the number of belongings you keep purely for sentimental reasons.
Things to Keep When Moving
While selling some of your belongings may be necessary, certain items are worth taking with you, including:
- Beloved furnishings: If you love some of your furniture and decorations and expect them to fit well in your new space, consider keeping them.
- Favorite clothes: Assess your closet and bring only the clothes you love and wear often.
- Important documents: Passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, wills, financial records, and any other important legal or personal documents definitely need to come with you when you move.
- Electronics: Televisions, computers, smartphones, and gaming systems that are in good working condition and get regular use are probably worth keeping.
- Kitchenware: If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, it’s often worth holding onto your pots, pans, utensils, and small appliances.
- Books and media: Do you have an extensive collection of books, DVDs, or other media? Keep what you enjoy the most and consider selling any items you no longer want.
- Outdoor equipment: If you have a yard, and your new home does too, consider keeping your lawn mower and gardening supplies, provided they’re in good condition.
Things to Sell Before Moving
While plenty of things are worth keeping, it may be better to replace some of your belongings after you settle into your new home. These items include:
- Surplus linens and towels: Do you have more sheets, pillows, and bath towels than you need? Get rid of them before you move.
- Old appliances: Depending on your situation, you may have the option to take your kitchen and laundry room appliances when you move. If you upgraded them recently, this could be worth the effort and moving costs. Otherwise, sell your appliances before you move, or leave them for the new homeowner.
- Easily replaceable furniture: A big, bulky sofa or bedroom set may be worth selling before you move.
- Clothes you don’t wear: Get rid of anything in your closet that you haven’t worn in a while or that no longer fits
- Nonessentials: If you no longer need or use an item, it may be worth selling it before you move.
Best Way to Sell Your Stuff Before Moving
You may be able to sell items that are in good condition. You can then use the proceeds to buy replacements for your new home. Here are some methods for selling your stuff before you move:
- Garage sale: If the weather is warm, holding a garage sale is a great way to sell many belongings quickly and easily.
- Moving sale: This may look similar to a garage sale, or you can host an online relocation sale where people visit your home over time rather than coming on a single afternoon.
- Apps and online marketplaces: You might choose to sell high-ticket items one at a time through an app or online marketplace like Craigslist, eBay, Letgo, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Consignment shops, pawn shops, or auctions: These can be good options for selling high-end items, antiques, and collectibles.
What About the Items That Don’t Sell?
Chances are you won’t be able to sell everything before moving day arrives. Here’s how to get rid of those last few belongings:
- Donate: You can donate unwanted items to charities or local shelters to give back to the community and help those in need. Your friends and family may also be interested in taking some of your belongings off your hands.
- Recycle: If you have electronics, appliances, and other items that no longer function, look into recycling programs in your area.
- Throw away: Feel free to toss low-ticket items and anything that’s broken, damaged, or no longer usable. Just be sure to dispose of things responsibly.
Move to or from Texas with Help from Firefighting’s Finest Movers & Storage
Following the guidelines above, you can simplify the moving process and start fresh when relocating to another state. For help moving to or from Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, or Houston, turn to Firefighting’s Finest Movers & Storage.
We are ready to tackle your long-distance move with comprehensive solutions like packing services and climate-controlled storage. Quality is important to us, which is reflected in us being ProMover-certified, a Pinnacle Mover, and accredited by the Better Business Bureau. We’re happy to answer any questions you have or provide a free moving estimate, so contact us today at (817) 737-7800 to get started.
