If you're among millions of other Americans, you decided that summer was the best time to move. In fact, between 11 and 13 percent of moves take place in summertime. Perhaps it was the flexible schedules, or just the pleasant weather. Regardless, you found a way to stay cool and overcome challenges like heat damage to complete the move before fall rolls in. But now you're faced with one last obstacle: Too much stuff you simply don't have room for. While it's always a good idea to purge your belongings pre-move, there are steps you can take to prevent a crowded home:
Get organized
If you really want to declutter your home after that big summer move, the easiest thing is to downsize your belongings. Just as you might have done before you moved, it's important to decide what you need and what you don't. There are some essentials you can put aside that you know you can't part with like, photo albums and other family memorabilia. From there, it's a good idea to go room to room and decide what you can do without. Haven't worn those pants in a few years? Get rid of them. Do you have old pots and pans you've been holding on to? Those should also go by the wayside. It's important to recognize this process can be trying emotionally, but it will clear up vital space,
Hold a yard sale
Once you've figured out what you want to get rid off, you have a few options in dealing with the remaining pile of goods. One popular choice is to hold a yard sale, and while these can be a great way to sell stuff off, there are a few considerations that go into a successful event. Choose a day a couple weeks in advance, preferably when the weather is expected to be agreeable. That way, you'll have plenty of time to advertise and incentivize folks to stop by. Speaking of advertisements, try using social media and sites like Craigslist to supplement the usual signs. When it comes to the sale itself, you want to make sure everything is properly sorted - kitchen items go together, as does stuff for the bedroom - and that everything is fairly priced.
"Donated items shouldn't be ripped, stained or otherwise damaged."
Donate your items
If you'd prefer not to have a yard sale, you can always just donate your various belongings and household goods. When giving away items, it's important to consider their condition before handing them off. Clothes shouldn't be stained or ripped, and items like bowls and plates should be free of cracks and chips. You might also be surprised about what you can donate - everything from old cell phones and art supplies to kids' shoes and books. Apartment Therapy has a comprehensive list of donation sites and organizations, and it's important to consider what you're giving up and when. For instance, that old snow jacket might be better donated around wintertime than the end of summer.
Store everything
If you want to keep these excess items, but still need to make room in your home, there is always the option of a storage facility. When choosing a storage facility, follow a few important guidelines. Cleanliness is arguably No. 1 as you don't want to store your belongings somewhere filthy or that might compromise their integrity. You also want to consider the customer service; you need a place that not only values security but also has helpful and attentive staff or managers. Lastly, think over elements like 24-hour access and the size of each storage locker.
If you want to go the storage route, Atlas Van Lines can help. With dozens of warehouses across the U.S. and Canada, Atlas can ensure the safest and most reliable storage experience possible.