To Move or Not to Move? What to Keep, Donate, Recycle, or Trash

April 28, 2021

You never realize how many belongings you've collected over the years until you have to pack them all up.


Moving usually means an exciting new stage in life, and an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and ideas into a new home. At the same time, these new ideas need space to grow, which means other things have to be left behind. This can be emotional, and frustrating, but by following the suggested steps below, you can organize your thoughts and feelings productively. Let's get started!

Taking Inventory

Before you take out the bags and boxes and start tearing apart your home, choose a single room to begin. Within that room, choose a category of items:


  • Clothing
  • Accessories
  • Paper
  • Plastic
  • Books
  • Sentimental Items


There are dozens of other categories you can use to help simplify the process. We suggest dealing with trash last, as there will always be more trash to find in the cleaning process. Once you have chosen a room and a category, it's time to gather the items and take the next step.

Sorting

After piling up the like-items, it's time to sort them. We use 4 categories for the sorting process:


  • Keep: These are the items that are still useful, in good condition, add to your quality of life, and fit into your vision for your new home and new stage of life.
  • Donate: These items might still be useful, in good condition, and retail some sort of value for you, but you have several of the same object, and it doesn't fit into the future you want for yourself. You might want to resell rather than donate.
  • Recycle: If it's not fit to resell of donate, but it's made from specific materials, recycle it!
  • Trash: Finally, if there's no value, use, or ability to recycle, it's time to throw it out.

Moving It Out

Collecting the objects, sorting them and clearing out each room takes time and energy. When it comes time to clear out, you'll need transportation, and not just for the things you've chosen to keep. 

We Can Help You Sort It Out

Residents of the Greater Raleigh area in Central North Carolina have access to a junk removal service that uses sustainable practices for any and all of the items you're ready to part with, including the trickier objects like appliances, hot tubs, and electronics.Contact us today to schedule your pick-up!

frequently asked questions

  • What are some effective sorting strategies?

    One popular method is the "Four-Box Method": Get four boxes labeled as keep, donate/sell, trash, and relocate. As you go through each item, place it in the appropriate box based on its value and usefulness. This approach helps streamline decision-making.

  • How do I decide what to keep and what to let go of?

    Ask yourself if an item is genuinely useful or if it brings you joy. Consider its frequency of use, sentimental value, and whether it aligns with your current lifestyle. If an item hasn't been used or appreciated for a long time, it may be time to part with it.

  • What should I do with items I no longer want?

    Depending on their condition, you can donate usable items to local charities, sell them online or at garage sales, or give them to friends and family. For damaged or non-functional items, our professional junk removal team can help you recycle or dispose of them responsibly. 

  • How can I prevent clutter from building up again?

    Adopt habits like regular cleaning and organizing sessions to stay on top of clutter. Consider implementing the "one in, one out" rule, where for every new item you bring in, you remove an old one. Practice mindful purchasing and avoid acquiring unnecessary items.