5 Ideas for Getting Rid of Your Unneeded Belongings Before a Big Move

If you're getting ready for a big move, you probably already have a lot on your schedule. But you want to remember to get rid of all your unwanted belongings before you go. We know it sounds like a hassle, but trust us, it's worth it in the long run.

It will make your move more manageable and give you a chance to declutter your life and start fresh in your new home. So, where do you start? Here at mph.bank, we've put together a helpful guide on dealing with unwanted belongings before a big move. 

Following these tips will make your life a whole lot easier:

1. Donating to Charities

Donating to charities is a great way to get rid of unwanted belongings before a big move. Not only will you declutter your home, but you'll also be helping out a worthy cause. But how do you choose which organizations to support?

When selecting a charity to give to, there are a few things to consider. First, think about what causes you care about most. Charities focus on everything from education to the environment, so find one that aligns with your values. 

Next, research the charity's financial health. You want to make sure your donation will go towards supporting the cause, not towards administrative costs. An excellent way to research a charity's financial health is by looking at their Form 990, which is available online for many organizations.

Finally, consider how much stuff you have to donate. Some charities may only accept large donations, while others may be happy with smaller items. Once you've considered all of these factors, you'll be able to choose the perfect charity for your needs! 

If you want to donate goods, try the Salvation Army. In addition, you may donate furniture, appliances, and anything technological from your possessions by contacting Habitat for Humanity or Cell Phones for Soldiers. It enables worldwide community and troop help, and it's much nicer to give what you think is garbage or useless to someone who could use it!

There is also a worldwide nonprofit organization called Dress for Success which lends business clothes to needy women. It will help provide underprivileged women with the clothing they need to enter the workforce. 

For men's apparel, you can try programs such as Career Gear which supports men. Some individuals cannot afford to buy the clothes they need for a job interview. By donating to charities like this, you help low-income men prepare for job interviews and nudge them toward success.

You may also keep things simple and seek out local shelters, community centers, or religious centers.

2. Yard Sale for Moving Expenses

A yard sale is a great way to make extra money to help with moving expenses. In addition, it can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends or family members helping you move.

Here are a few tips for having a successful yard sale:

1. Plan ahead. Make plenty of time to sort through your things and price them accordingly. This way, you only sell your belongings for what they're worth.
   
   
2. Advertise. Be sure to inform your neighbors about the sale so they can come and check it out. You can also post signs around the neighborhood and list the sale on online classifieds sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
   
   
3. Organize your items. Set up your yard or driveway in an organized fashion so shoppers can easily browse through everything. It will also help you track sold items and what's still available.
   
   
4. Offer deals. To encourage people to buy more, offer deals like buy one, get one free, or half-off on certain items. It will also help you clear out your belongings more quickly.
   
   
5. Be prepared to haggle. Feel free to negotiate with shoppers who are looking for a bargain. Remember, you're trying to get rid of stuff, so be flexible on prices.
   
   
6. Accept different forms of payment. In addition to cash, consider accepting credit cards or PayPal payments so people can buy your items even if they don't have money in their wallets.
   
   
7. Have fun! A yard sale is supposed to be a fun event. So enjoy yourself and socialize with those who come.

3. Let Your Friends and Family Pick Away at It

Giving your loved ones first dibs on your stuff is a great way to get rid of unwanted items before a big move. Not only will they be happy to take some of your things off your hands, but you'll also be helping those close to you who may need them. It's a win-win!

It can be a great way to get rid of items you no longer need or want without going through the hassle of selling them or donating them. This way, you can see your belongings go to good homes where you may even see them again (and maybe even get a few laughs in the process). 

However, be prepared for some items to go unclaimed — it's not personal. It just happens.

4. Repurpose Into Something Useful

If you have items in good condition but no longer need them, consider repurposing them into something useful, like a project from an old piece of furniture. For example, an old dresser repurposed into a TV stand and a changing table for a nursery or a bookshelf for a child's room. 

Mason jars can be great as vases or storage containers, or you could make quilts and pillows from T-shirts. The possibilities are endless! Not only will this help declutter your home, but it will also give you a sense of satisfaction knowing that your creativity was able to put old belongings to good use.

5. Sell Online

Selling online is a great way to rid yourself of unwanted belongings. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Choose the right platform: There are many different platforms available for selling online. Do some research to find the one that best suits your needs.
• Take good photos: Good photos are essential for making a sale. So make sure to take clear, well-lit pictures of your items.
• Clear description: Be sure to write clear and concise explanations of your items. Include all relevant information, such as dimensions, conditions, etc.

Apparel: 

Poshmark – In this online marketplace, you can sell new or used apparel, footwear, and accessories. Add a photo of the item, advertise it on the website, and let customers know about it. A pre-paid shipping label is sent to you when an item sells.

ThredUp – You must request a clean-out bag and send in your unwanted apparel, footwear, and accessories. Then, drop your bag at the post office. They will display accepted items for sale on their website as soon as they get your bag. 

Tradesy – All you need to do is offer your stuff for sale, and once it sells, they will provide you with a pre-paid, pre-addressed shipping package for your items.

Local consignment store – If you're not e-commerce savvy, drop your clothing off at a local brick-and-mortar consignment shop. Pricing and selling your item are all taken care of, but remember that most consignment shops retain a portion of the sale.

Goods:

eBay – You can sell various things, including goods, electronics, computers, and other technology. Create a listing for your items, and when it sells, you may use eBay's pre-made shipping label to send the items to buyers.

Amazon – A great feature about Amazon is they let you sell your items, or you can use their Trade-In Program. The program allows you to trade in items for gift cards. However, it's important to note that they charge a modest fee when you sell through the individual plan.

Taking Care of Your Income With MPH Bank

Now that you know how to get rid of your unneeded belongings before a big move, you can start sorting and getting rid of your belongings. From donations to yard sales and selling online, you can help those in need or earn extra money. Whatever you do, ensure you get rid of anything you don't need to make your relocation as smooth and stress-free as possible.

If you're looking for a safe place to deposit your earnings from e-commerce and yard sales, mph.bank can help. And if you need additional income streams, our referral program is a great way to generate passive income, and we accept accounts from anyone. So, if you're looking for a bank to help you grow with your needs, then join mph.bank.