If you have moved houses at least once in your life, you will understand why it is the most stressful ordeal that some people have to go through. You sort things out, pack, transport, unpack, only to sort them out again. It’s like a cycle that has no end. Of course, there is some considerable excitement when moving into a new space. But the physical and mental stress of moving out could singularly trump whatever ounce of anticipation you have got going.
The next time you hear your friend complain about a cheating boyfriend, tell her she should try moving houses. A 2015 UK research found that 61% placed moving houses at the top of their stress list. Divorce and adjusting to a new job are second. What makes moving so stressful? One survey found that misplaced stuff and furniture not fitting in a space in the new house are driving people crazy. A quarter of the respondents also admits taking weeks before unpacking all boxes.
Moving is especially difficult if you have to downsize. For example, if you used to live in a two-bedroom apartment outside the city and had to move to a smaller condominium, you would really have to leave some things behind. Condo living is all about efficiency and minimalism. Living in a condo community in the Philippines means you should know how to make the most of a 20 sqm. space. Calm your sentimental and messy self because you obviously can’t bring everything with you and you have to seriously de-clutter your life when settling in a condo.
We will help you get organized with this list of 10 things you should leave behind when moving.
Everything built-in
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If it was built-in and nailed to the walls or the ceiling, it is best if they stay put. Okay, you probably spent a month’s worth of salary mounting those kitchen cabinets but you have to let them go. Chances are your condo unit already has built-in storage and organizers. If not, they probably won’t fit or match anyway. If you are selling your old house, you may include the built-in features in the price.
Bulky furniture
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Moving to a condo requires a sense of restraint. Those house models featured in your favorite design magazine are good but you may not have an eight-seater dining table or an expansive couch in a condo or a king-size mattress. You can sell the pieces or include them in the package instead. Use the money to update old and worn-out furniture that will fit your new space and complement whatever theme you have in mind.
Old, Big Appliances
Normally, most appliances are brought to the new home. However, you may want to reassess which appliances you could bring along with you that you actually use. Do you really need a dishwasher? Is it practical to do your own laundry? Will that big refrigerator fit? Isn’t that air-conditioning unit too big for your new bedroom? Are you even seriously thinking about taking that treadmill? Let go of appliances that you don’t use, too big, or too old that they only jack up your electric bill.
Clothes and shoes
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When you’re thinking which things should you leave when you move out, you don’t need to look far away because the answer may just be hiding in your closet. Don’t get too emotional. Those pants are not going to fit you in three years. Moving means change. Not only a change of address but of who you are. By this time, you already have to have an idea of your style. Toss out clothes and shoes that don’t fit, are outdated, and don’t use. Charities will be glad to take care of your pre-loved items.
Kitchen junk
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One of the most problematic areas when moving out and in is the kitchen. Organizing your kitchen will take a lot from you. Do yourself a favor and leave behind all your kitchen junk from your old home. Ditch that a pile of plastic containers, jars, cans, and all those kitchen items you decided before that you could use for something but never did. Don’t bring them to your new home and lie to yourself once more.
Beddings, curtains, and towels
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These three items are bulky and heavy. They are also among the household items that are often neglected and not replaced until they are totally useless and worn out. You might want to leave your old beddings behind and update them with new, comfortable ones. You might also want to shift to drapes and blinds. And please, those towels need to rest too.
Bathroom items
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Are you seriously bringing that old loofah scrub to your new condo? Bathroom items are among the condo essentials worth your budget so don’t bother with that almost empty shampoo bottle. These are the things that you could leave behind and easily replace.
Household knick-knacks
There are a lot of household items that are just gathering dust. Take a good look around and identify the things that only clutter your space. If you have no idea how to repurpose old magazines, discs, lamps, containers, or even old academic books, you have to get rid of them. There are also house decors that won’t look good in your new space that you can put up for sale.
Souvenirs and keepsakes
Filipinos are sentimental. They tend to keep everything. How many souvenir mugs do you have stored somewhere in your kitchen? Tumblers? Pens? How about those cheesy wedding giveaways? You don’t have to bring these all with you if you only intend to store them once again. Just pick the ones that you could actually display in your new home as part of a collection such as keepsakes or photos from your previous travels.
Leave a token
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It would be nice to leave a parting gift or a token to your former landlady or the buyer of your old home. Leave a bottle of wine to wish them well and encourage them to have a celebratory drink upon moving in.
Moving out of your old home and moving to a new one is an important milestone. Don’t spoil it by stressing on a furniture that don’t fit, a décor that don’t match, or a cabinet that won’t accommodate all your clothes. Minimize the baggage of moving by setting your priorities straight, assessing your lifestyle, and embracing change.