Buying a new home is exciting, and if you have just done so, you're probably very eager to get into that house and get started making it a home. However, before you can get to that part of things, you'll have to get through the moving process. That process will be easier if you spend some time thinning out your stuff before you begin packing it up. Our real estate agents know that, for most of us, this is easier said than done, so if you're not sure just where to start, here are ten ways to purge before you pack:

1. Sort your clothes – Getting prepared for the easiest possible move means biting the bullet and getting rid of clothes that haven't seen daylight for ages. Sort through your closets and dressers and purge anything that hasn't been worn in the past year.
   
   
2. Decide which furniture will fit in your new home – Spend some time imagining how your new home will be furnished. Perhaps some of your furniture just won't work in the new house, whether that is due to issues with size or style. If you will need a smaller table for the dining room or a less clunky sofa, the time to purge the old ones is before you move.
   
   
3. Evaluate appliances and electronics – Why move heavy appliances if they are dated, need repair, or are too large or too small for your new home? Also, now is the time to purge any electronics that are past due for updating, such as older TVs that take up too much space, for instance.
   
   
4. Go through items tucked away in storage areas – Those out of the way storage areas, like attics, basements, and garages, are often the places most in need of thinning out. If you have things in this area that you haven't even thought about, let alone used, in years, its time for them to go.
   
   
5. Sort through papers and books – Boxes full of books and file folders are heavy, so lighten your load by clearing out those you don't need to lug to your new home.
   
   
6. Cast a critical eye towards décor items – Visualize how you will decorate after the move and purge anything that won't fit in with that plan.
   
   
7. Weed out duplicate items – Do you really need more than one toaster or blender? Perhaps you have more dishes than you need or a stockpile of extra towels or bedding. If they don't get used, why cart them along?
   
   
8. Gather hazardous materials for disposal – Things like old paint, pool chemicals, cleaning fluids, and other hazardous materials should be disposed of properly before your move. Your current town or city probably has a disposal site for such items.
   
   
9. Get rid of food that shouldn't travel – Are there canned goods and packaged foods that have been gathering dust in your pantry? Items that have been taking up freezer space for too long? Now is the time to clear them out.
   
   
10. Get rid of unwanted items – Once you have sorted out what you don't need, it's time to move it out. Items that are in great shape can be sold in a yard sale, online or in local consignment shops. Things that are in good shape and non-perishable foods can be donated. Things that have seen better days should be recycled or trashed.

For more tips on purging before you pack or any other issues related to buying a home, contact us. We're always happy to help new or existing homeowners in the communities we serve.