It’s time to move and you’ve finally started packing.

As you begin to store things in boxes, you are struck with the sudden realization that you have a lot of stuff.  Where did it all come from?  You don’t even remember when you bought that odd statue of a stag.

You pause and start thinking.

So what do you do?  Do you keep the stuff?  Do you throw it out?  But you don’t want to throw it out.  Then an important question appears.  Are you a pack rat?

In general, people like to keep things they don’t need.  Often these items carry sentimental value or they were bought for a purpose that was never fulfilled.  Other times, they are just things you like to collect like miniature statues of angels.

Moving is the perfect time to figure out what you really need and what you don’t.  It gives you the perfect opportunity to get rid of things that you want to keep, but deep down know you won’t need.  You’re starting over in a new home and you don’t want it cluttered before you get a chance to personalize the space.

The first thing to do is decide what to keep.  Go through everything before you throw them into the packing boxes.  That shirt from five years ago?  You’re never going to wear it again.  The tote bag your sister got you last Christmas?  You don’t use it so why keep it?

Try not to convince yourself that you will use the stuff later.  Most likely you will not and they’ll end up cluttered in the back of your new closet, just like how you found it in your old closet.  Instead, do a good deed and donate it all.  Shoes, clothes, furniture, etc.: just bring them over to your nearest Salvation Army.

Keep the things that are really important to you.

You’ll probably want to keep that bracelet handed down in your family for six generations and the stamp collection you started at age twelve.  Don’t keep things just because they are a gift.  That ugly vase your grandma gave you does not belong anywhere in your house so don’t force yourself you keep it.  There are always excuses when you need them.

Now, after you’ve been through everything once, go through everything again.  You’ll find things that you’ll debate over.  Do you really need it?  Do you really want to keep it?  Really think about these items.  If you have doubts, you’ll probably be better off throwing it out.

If all else fails and you cannot bear to part with your numerous possessions, rent a storage place.  Our company, High Touch Moving, has storage services available in the NY area.  All of our units are fireproof and climate controlled.  Pack up all the things you don’t need immediately and store them away.  Then, when you get to your new home, unpack the necessities and see how it all fits.  Would you be better off getting a new armchair or do you really want to keep the old stained piece from your old home?  You might just find that letting go of isn’t as hard as it seems. Declutter your space and avoid becoming a pack rat in your new home.