One of the biggest hassles of moving to a new apartment is packing, and unpacking-- your belongings. While its tempting to just throw everything in any box, packing isnt that straight-forward. Breakables and odd-sized items positive need to be protected, boxes positive need to be light enough to lift and carry and items that are housed in various rooms absolutely need to travel together.

One terrific way to generate packing and unpacking much easier (and save funds on your moving costs) is to clean house and clear out the clutter before you even start to pack. Theres simply no reason to go on storing things you will really never make use of , especially when youre investing the time and money to move those things to your new home.

Disposal options are many and add giving things to family, friends and neighbors, donating things to charitable organizations and selling things at a yard or garage sale. The garage sale is a popular choice because it brings in some more cash for any unanticipated moving expenses.

Place an classified advertisement announcing the garage sale in your local newspaper, open your event early in the morning and be prepared to sell your belongings for much less than you paid for them. People will buy just about anything at a yard sale, but they usually expect a hefty discount on stuff thats been used. The items for sale should be cleaned, reasonably priced (make use of small round stickers) and attractively displayed.

If you want to price things right and get the most money for your stuff, visit a few other sales in your neighborhood before you hold your own. Ask the many people holding the sale how they determined their prices and how well various categories of goods (e.g., books, clothing, toys) are selling. Then price your own items accordingly.

If you want to dispose of expensive electronic gear, sporting equipment or recent-year designer clothing, ponder offering the items at a consignment store. These stores have become more up-scale in recent decades and they offer a neat way to sell your more valuable but used belongings at a fair price. Check the telephone directory for consignment shops in your area.

Other tips and reminders:

# Get receipts for your donations, so you can take an income taxation deduction.

# Take all hazardous wastes (e.g., motor oil, leftover paint, spent batteries) to the designated drop-off area in your community.

# Do not stock up on groceries or personal care items right before you move. Instead, make use of up your canned goods, frozen foods and spare boxes of tissues, so you will not have to move them to your new home. Then restock after youve moved and unpacked.

# Many professional movers do not handle open liquor bottles, so youll have to give those away to your neighbors, transport them yourself (be mindful of vehicle code rules on this one) or have a party.

# If you really cant bear to part with your unused belongings, consider a storage facility. Be sure to inquire of about access hours, key control, lighting, climate control and security at the storage site.