If you are planning a big move or relocation in the future, it might be time to let go of old items before you pack up to save you time and energy as well as moving costs. Here are seven ways to purge your loved, but—let’s face it—unneeded belongings to downsize or declutter before moving.

Planning a garage sale is a traditional method to declutter before moving. First, check for local regulations and any necessary permits you may need. Then give yourself plenty of time to get together items you want to sell – think about what items are not worth moving – and then set fair prices, set a date, and advertise locally.

Separate your items into groups (i.e.: clothing, books, electronics, etc.) and make sure that all items are cleaned and presentable for sale. This is an effective way of organizing before a move while benefitting financially from items you no longer use.

Facebook Marketplace takes garage sales online! Be sure to take a clear photo of each item with proper lighting and use multiple angles or, better yet, capture a video of your item, as videos help boost sales on this platform. Write a detailed description of the item, including color, measurements, condition, and anything else noteworthy.

Price the item similar to related items for a fair, yet competitive offer. If you prefer to simply get rid of stuff, mark down the price and consider bundling items together.

Facebook Marketplace and similar online platforms help expand your reach to declutter before moving. This method offers convenience and speed in selling items while avoiding the logistical challenges of a traditional garage sale.

Operating in more than 700 cities across 70 countries, Craigslist enables you to list items for sale or donation within your local area online, just like Facebook Marketplace. It’s a straightforward platform built to connect with buyers interested in purchasing secondhand items at a reduced cost. Craigslist’s wide user base makes it an effective tool for finding new homes for your belongings, simplifying the downsizing process, and ensuring items are repurposed responsibly while helping you effectively declutter before moving.

Similar to Facebook Marketplace, make sure to take clear photos from different angles, and include a description that features dimensions, condition, color, and size. Find reasonable prices and be open to negotiations from customers but set clear expectations of what you are willing to sell the item for.

Used furniture stores, while less common, are also a great place to take items when you want to declutter before moving. Research your neighborhood area for used furniture shops and check their policies to verify that they accept the kind of furniture you want to bring.

Collect all necessary information about the item (such as dimensions, brand, materials, condition, etc.) to present to the store and, if needed, clean and repair items to increase their value. Contact the stores to learn about their buying process and determine if they are appointment-only.

These stores often provide cash or store credit for gently used pieces, offering a convenient option for quickly parting with furniture before your move or finding something new. This approach gets rid of your furniture quickly (if proper steps are taken) and allows you to earn money or credit that can be used toward your moving expenses, or new furnishings for your new home.

Like used furniture stores, consignment stores buy slightly used items from you to resell. However, consignment shops not only buy furniture, but also clothing, accessories, and more. When you consign items, you retain ownership until they sell, and you receive a percentage of the final sale price.

Check company policy on what items they can and cannot accept, their commission rates, and any other requirements, like storage fees. Go through each of your items and evaluate its condition, quality, and how quickly you think it will sell. Make sure to clean and make any repairs to items to enhance their appeal. It is a convenient way to find new homes for nicer, valuable items that may sell for more in-store rather than online.

Antique stores are similar to consignment and used furniture stores in that they will buy items from you; however, antique stores buy collectible items (such as a piece of furniture or work of art) that have a high value because of their considerable age. When decluttering, identify the different antique stores in your area that specialize in what you wish to sell.

Check to see if they have certain preferences on time, style, or type of antique, then make a list of each item including details on its age, condition, and historical significance, if applicable. If needed, clean and repair items to make them attractive to potential buyers.

Getting rid of stuff by making donations is a feel-good way to clear your space and give back to the community. Categorize your items into groups like clothing, household goods, books, and electronics, and make sure the items are in good condition and usable.

Research local charities, shelters, or organizations that take donations. Make sure to check their guidelines on what they accept and where to drop off items. To meet their current needs, you can call the donation center and find out about their acceptance policies, hours, procedures, and tax receipt policies. Clean and organize the items to make sure they are in peak condition.

Altair Global provides our relocating customers this option directly through our Discard and Donate program with our supplier partner, Home Sweet Home. The program allows relocating employees to discard, sell, or donate items before their move, promoting the opportunity to be sustainable rather than trashing or hoarding items. Reach out to us or your relocation provider to see what options are available for you to declutter before moving.

Need assistance with more than just needing to declutter before moving? Declutter your whole move with Altair’s Advantage Program, our affinity program, we provide access to our vetted network of high-quality moving services for any move.

Altair’s Advantage Program can help declutter the logistics of the relocation process by providing Altair-negotiated discounts and/or service enhancements for all moving needs, from buying, selling, or renting a home to shipping autos and household goods, and everything in between.