Before we could pack, we needed to purge. I’m tempted to suggest that people should move every five years or so just to make sure they purge. By “purge,” I mean “go through all of your stuff and throw or give away what you don’t need or want anymore.”  After all, what is the use of packing and transporting stuff you don’t need?  Especially if it costs you money to do so!  We started the purging process before the house went on the market.  Not only did it reduce the stress of packing, it did a lot to help the house show and sell better.

• Garage – we went through all of the boxes that have been sitting in the garage since the last move; some of them had never been opened since they were transported.
• Closets – we went through our clothes and selected everything we haven’t worn in a long time, whatever doesn’t fit, was out of date, or just didn’t excite us anymore.
• Book shelves (and anywhere else you may be stacking books). I read a lot of my books electronically now. So, I’ve kept hardcover copies of my very favorite books, but the paperback books that I have read only once were given away.  Your local library will love you if you donate books in good condition!
• Kitchen – my son actually held up every kitchen tool and asked what it was, what we used it for, and did we already have a better substitute?  We also went through our pots and pans to see if we had too many, or some that we just weren’t using.

While we did throw out a lot of trash, we were also able to give away a lot of very good items. Often, we would work until we had a full load packed up in our Honda Pilot, and then we stopped and drove it all down to our local Salvation Army or Goodwill. We still have items reserved to take to the local Women’s Shelter, and shoes to donate as well (you can donate for Veterans, the homeless, or a variety of other good causes).

We sold some furniture and higher end items on Craig’s List. For example, we were able to sell a 10 gallon aquarium set (with pump, rocks, and decorations), white cabinets (these sold quickly), a wine rack, and an antique clock.  Start selling these early so that you have time to complete the sale before you move.

Another option would have been to hold a garage sale. We probably would have donated less, and thrown away less if we had had a garage sale. But, alas, our Homeowner’s Association would not allow it. It’s a great idea to help with moving expenses!

Finally, don’t hesitate to contact your local waste management company and have them bring you a big trash bin. After 12 years in the same house, 28 years of marriage, and 2 children, we called four times, and filled the bins every time. Just be sure to properly separate what you can give away from what you should throw away.

The purging process continued throughout the move.  I expect we’ll still do a bit as we are unpacking.

(Read more: Moving, Part III: Packing)