Moving… no one really likes to do it. In fact, most of us cringe when we are faced with having to pack up our homes. Even though the thought of a new home is appealing, getting there is a difficult task. You soon realize while wandering the halls and rooms of your home preparing to pack that you have a lot of junk. Yup, that Amazon blender you bought last year during Prime Days is still sitting in the cupboard unused along with the electric knife, the five casserole dishes and all the good company China your great aunt Edna gave you fifteen years ago. But that doesn’t even touch on the large items stuffed in closets, used as a coat rack, or placed in the corner of a room. You know which ones we’re talking about. That keyboard sitting in your basement living room with dust on it and you’re unsure if it even works anymore. Oh, the aspirations you had when you purchased it ten years before with hopes of being the next Elton John. You did try, we’ll give you that, and your rendition of Mary Had a Little Lamb, although a bit slow, you played it pretty damn well… if you’re serenading the neighbour’s cat. Do you toss it in the junk bin or bring it along just in case you hear Tiny Dancer in your sleep and get the urge to dig out those purple sunglasses and boa? Oh, the stress of it all.

All kidding aside we know moving is an overwhelming task that no one looks forward to. And with the act of moving comes decluttering and packing… it’s just the way it is, we don’t make the rules. What’s a family to do? Well, you’re in luck because we have some great tips for you on how to decide whether to pack it or sack it.

Do you really need it? You’re probably going to answer yes because you have attachment issues and that’s okay. We get it. We do too. We love our Batman cup collection, and nobody is going to make us get rid of it…ever! But this doesn’t mean you have to keep everything that you don’t use anymore. Be open to parting with items you’ve not seen or used in a long time.

Is it in good condition? Again, you’re probably going to answer yes, even if it isn’t because, well again attachment issues, but really think about this one for a minute. If it’s something that isn’t usable anymore or hasn’t maintained the aesthetic look it had started with its probably time to sack it. BUT if you really cannot part with the chipped and broken PlayStation that no longer works, just put it aside to be boxed up for storage or the bin. You can decide.

Do I have more than one of these? Please… we know you do so get rid of the casserole dishes and keep two… yes, we said two. That means you can make two lasagnas, two cakes, or a cake and lasagna. Win-Win! See, we are making progress.

How often do you wear it? If it’s been two years and you’ve not worn it, please for the love of fashion get rid of it. Bag it all up. We know you love those t-shirts you’ve had since 1990 that are now riddled with holes and are so thin you can see through them, but they haven’t seen the light of day in years and we’re pretty sure you even forgot you had them up until now. We should probably apologize to your spouse, who will have to watch you parade around the house tonight in that Van Halen t-shirt.

Is the item sentimental or irreplaceable? This one can be a bit touchy, and we will let you decide. We would never stand in the way of your decision to keep crocheted blankets, silverware, guitars, record players etc. that have been handed down and give you fond memories of loved ones. KEEP them ALL!

Is this worth the space it’s taking up? Well, we’re going to say it, even though you’re not. The keyboard. Is it practical anymore? When was the last time you played it? Are you any good? And the nine cats sitting outside your home when you did play don’t count as fans. If it was more than two years ago that your fingers graced the keyboard and annoyed the hell out of your family… yup, you guessed it. Sack it!

See, it’s not so hard. With our list to help guide you while packing and decluttering you’re sure to get rid of a few items you don’t need… or it didn’t in which case we say good for you and wish you many happy Bennie and the Jets nights in your new home.

Cheers,

The Beech Woolger Team!