Whether you're downsizing or relocating cross-country, clearing out the clutter that is weighing you down before you move will help you make a fresh start. It can be difficult to decide what to keep since many items may possess sentimental value, but remember that it is impractical and potentially costly to bring everything with you to your new home.

Use It or Lose It

The size of your new residence is a key factor in deciding how much of your household you will bring. A good idea to help with your decision is to take note of which items you are actually using on a regular basis. If something has been collecting dust on your countertop for more than a couple of months and you still do not anticipate using it anytime soon, then it is something you can live without.

Out with the Old

While keeping basic necessities will save you money, moving is a great opportunity to get rid of your old belongings to free up space for something new. Clothes that have been kept in the hopes of losing weight should be tossed; you can always buy new clothes later, and it's always best to dress the size you are - not the size you want to be. If old shoes are kept around for gardening or messy tasks, then keep one pair and throw the rest away. This is also a good time to get rid of old televisions that can be bulky and difficult to carry if you don't use them often or there's no room for them in your new place.

If you have children and are not planning to rent a storage unit, don't try to hold onto all the old toys they no longer play with. Choose only a few of their old toys to keep as keepsakes; more than a small box will just create clutter. The same applies to pet toys and blankets; keep one or two of your pet's favorite toys, but throw out any that are looking ragged or beginning to smell.

Try to be objective when deciding what to keep. Once you have decided what you can live without, get rid of these items as soon as possible to prevent over-thinking or second-guessing your decision. You can donate your unwanted items to charity, give them to friends or family who will get more use out of them, or hold a yard sale to make some extra cash. You will be amazed at the amount of relief that can come just from clearing out extra clutter before your move!