I am sure we all know this, but I will still reiterate it: Moving can be a daunting task!
But with proper planning and organization, you can make the process smoother and more manageable.
Usually, when we are ready to move houses, cities, or even countries, during the packing and moving process, we come across a lot of stuff that we either don’t need or have used in the last few months or simply cannot take with us. The question then arises: What do we do with that stuff?
The answer is simple – Discard or Donate it.
Though I do not like to call it as Junk Removal, but unfortunately that is the term that it is often referred as.
So let me give you the 5-step process that will help you make the moving cleanout process easier and smoother without the overwhelm that you already might have with moving.
Step 1: Plan and Organize
- Set a Date: Choose a specific date for your cleanout, giving yourself enough time to sort through your belongings.
- Gather Supplies: Make sure you have all necessary supplies like boxes, bags, gloves, and tools for dismantling large items.
- Create a Sorting System: Establish clear categories for your items: keep, donate, sell, recycle, and trash.
Step 2: Sort Through Your Belongings
- Room-by-Room Approach: Focus on one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Categorize Items:
- Keep: Items you’ll take to your new place.
- Donate: Good condition items you no longer need.
- Sell: Valuable items that can be sold online or at a garage sale.
- Recycle: Items that can be recycled according to local guidelines.
- Trash: Broken or unusable items for disposal.
Sample Sorting Table
| Category | Description | Action |
| Keep | Items to move with you | Pack and label |
| Donate | Good condition items to give | Drop off or arrange pickup |
| Sell | Valuable items | List online or garage sale |
| Recycle | Recyclable items | Take to recycling center |
| Trash | Broken/unusable items | Rent dumpster/hire service |
Category: Keep
Description: Items to move with you
Action: Pack & Label
Category: Donate
Description: Good condition items to give
Action: Drop off or arrange pickup
Category: Sell
Description: Valuable items
Action: List online or garage sale
Category: Recycle
Description: Recyclable items
Action: Talk to recycling center
Category: Trash
Description: Broken/unusable items
Action: Rent dumpster/hire junk removal service
Step 3: Dispose of Unwanted Items
- Donate: Drop off items at local charities or arrange for a pickup.
- Sell: List valuable items online or hold a garage sale.
- Recycle: Take recyclables to a local recycling center.
- Trash: For items that cannot be recycled or donated, consider renting a dumpster or hiring a junk removal service like City Junk
Step 4: Engage a Junk Removal Service
- Hire a Reputable Service: Research and select a reliable junk removal company or you can simply hire us in Metro Vancouver.
- Schedule Pickup: Arrange a convenient time for the junk removal service.
- Prepare Items: Ensure that items are easily accessible and ready for removal on the scheduled day.
Step 5: Final Clean and Inspection
- Deep Clean: Once the junk is removed, clean the empty spaces thoroughly. This includes dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces. If you are in Metro Vancouver, we recommend Cleanology Ltd. We have had a lot of clients who have been extremely happy with their cleaning services.
- Final Check: Conduct a final walkthrough to ensure nothing important has been left behind.
Here are a few additional Tips:
- Label Boxes Clearly: This helps keep track of your items and their designated categories.
- Stay Organized: Regularly review your progress and adjust your plans as necessary
- Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from friends or family, especially with larger items.
To make things easier for you, here is a downloadable checklist that you can print out and follow. Simply enter your name and email, and we will send you the checklist.
I hope this article and checklist help you prepare for your next move. Please feel free to share this article with your friends and family if you know they might need it in the near future.
Lastly, if you are currently located in Vancouver, North Vancouver or West Vancouver, and are looking to relocate locally or even across the country, feel free to reach out to us at City Junk for junk removal for your moving cleanout. We would be happy to assist you. To keep it simple, our prices start at $85.