How to Decide What to Throw Out and What Things to Keep When Moving

Published: February 01, 2022

When moving, it can be difficult to decide what to keep and what to throw out. Is it sentimental? Do I use it everyday? Are my belongings in good condition? Here are a few tips from UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Central Iowa to help make the decision easier:

Only hold on to what you use regularly and consider space

Think about what you use on a regular basis. If you don’t use something often, there’s a good chance you can live without it. Consider how much space the item takes up. If you don’t have a lot of space, you’ll likely want to get rid of anything that’s large and takes up a lot of room. Ask yourself: do I really need this? If the answer is no, then get rid of it.

Get organized

Separate your belongings into categories. This will make it easier to decide what to keep and what to throw out. Categories could include: clothes, furniture, dishes, etc. If you have a lot of clothing that you don’t wear anymore then donate it or sell it to a second hand store. Take inventory of your furniture and decide if you can sell some items on-line. If you don’t have space for it in your new place there is no sense spending the money to move it.

Is it useful and in good condition?

Consider the condition of your belongings. If something is damaged or no longer useful, then you should probably get rid of it. For instance, the weather can take a toll on outdoor furniture so take a close look at and decide if it’s time for something new that might fit into your new space a little better.

We hope these tips have helped you figure out what to keep and what to throw out when moving. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

Moving to Central Iowa? Check out these local attractions

Located between the Des Moines and Iowa Rivers, Central Iowa is a region with an abundance of culture, opportunity and diversity. The rolling hillsides of the east and west showcase the wine regions of Cotes du Des Moines and Cote du Iowa. The sprawling metropolitan city of Des Moines rounds out the southern end of this region and boasts a clean, safe, inclusive environment with a buzz-worthy restaurant scene and vibrant arts district. Read on to see some of our favorite attractions in Central Iowa:

Des Moines Arts Center

A museum for modern and contemporary art for all mediums, the Des Moines Arts Center features collections of prints, photographs, paintings, decorative arts, manuscripts, books, videos, textiles and so much more. The museum is free to visitors and has educational programs, a gift shop, on-site restaurants and an outdoor sculpture park.

Blank Park Zoo

The Blank Park Zoo features over 800 exotic creatures. The zoo, with its winding paths through manicured gardens, leads to the wilds of Africa and the Australian Outback attractions. There is also an indoor Discovery Center that will amaze with its mountains and tropical habitats filled with exotic animals, fish, birds and plants. Come out and discover this amazing family friendly attraction!

Read on to find wrapping, packing, and moving supplies in the Central Iowa area to help you with your furniture moving process: 

The Home Depot

4900 SE 14th Street

De Moines, IA 50320

(515) 287-7269

Lowe’s Home Improvement

1700 50th Street

West Des Moines, IA 50266

(515) 267-0300

O’Donnell Ace Hardware

2727 Beaver Ave.

Des Moines, IA 50310

(515) 279-4245