Organizing Your Closet: What to Keep, Store, and Donate Before a Big Move

 

Moving is a big job, and one of the most challenging tasks is sorting through your closet. Whether moving across town or to a new part of New York, organizing your closet before moving can help reduce stress and make packing easier. Without proper organization, you might find yourself packing unnecessary items or cluttering up your new space. In a city like New York, where space is limited, being strategic about what you keep, store, and donate is essential. This post will walk you through the steps to simplify the process and ensure your move goes smoothly.

Assess Your Current Closet Situation

The first step to organizing your closet before a move is to assess what you have. Start by taking everything out of your closet. It might seem overwhelming at first, but this allows you to see every item and decide what stays and what goes. In New York, where closets are often small, maximizing every inch of space is important. Ask yourself: Do I wear this regularly? Does it fit? Does it suit my current lifestyle? If the answer is no, it’s time to consider storing or donating it. You’ll be better positioned to make informed decisions about each item by tackling this step first.

The “Keep” Pile: Things to Hold Onto

Now that you’ve emptied your closet, it’s time to sort. The “keep” pile should consist of clothes you wear regularly, seasonal items, and pieces with sentimental value. For New Yorkers, this means keeping a good balance of clothing for all four seasons. Winter coats, scarves, and boots are essential for those cold months, while lighter clothes are necessary for the hot summer days. Prioritize versatile pieces that work well for different occasions. Try to avoid holding onto too many “just in case” items. If you haven’t worn it in the past year, consider whether it truly needs to take up space in your new home.

The “Store” Pile: What You Can Temporarily Put Away

When deciding what to keep, store, or donate before a big move, storing certain items safely becomes crucial—especially in a space-limited city like New York. While it’s easy to decide what stays and what goes, some items fall into the “store” category because you don’t need them immediately but aren’t ready to part with them. For those moving to or from neighborhoods like Parkchester in the Bronx, renting a storage unit can provide a practical solution. Whether it’s bulky winter coats or formal attire that you only use occasionally, finding a secure place for your items ensures they’re safely stored and easily accessible when needed. Renting storage in Parkchester, Bronx offers peace of mind during your move and prevents clutter from taking over your new home. This solution is especially beneficial if your new space lacks closet storage, a common issue in many New York apartments.

The “Donate” Pile: Let Go of What You Don’t Need

Donating is one of the easiest and most rewarding parts of organizing your closet before moving. Clothes you haven’t worn in the last year or no longer fit should go into the donation pile. New York has many organizations that happily accept gently used clothing, such as Goodwill and Housing Works. If you want to make a difference, donating clothes can help support local communities while lightening your load for the move. Many organizations also offer donation pick-up services, which are convenient when juggling a move. By donating, you’ll feel less weighed down and have more space for items you love.

Organizing Your Closet with Space-Saving Hacks

Once you’ve decided what to keep and store, it’s time to think about how to organize everything efficiently. New York apartments are often small, so maximizing closet space is necessary. Use space-saving hangers, drawer dividers, and stackable storage bins to create more room. Consider vertical storage options like over-the-door organizers or add extra shelves. Rolling clothes instead of folding them can help you fit more into your closet without cluttering. Starting with a well-organized closet before the move will make packing much easier. Plus, when you arrive at your new place, you’ll be able to unpack more efficiently, saving time and stress.

What to Pack Now and What to Leave for Last

Packing is another key part of organizing your closet before moving. Start by packing items you won’t need immediately, such as off-season clothing. This way, you’re left with the most necessary items until moving day. Pack more frequently used items as your move date approaches, but leave out what you’ll need for the last week or two. Consider creating a “first-out” box with outfits for your first few days in your new home. This can include pajamas, workout gear, and a couple of casual outfits. That way, you’ll have what you need without digging through packed boxes.

Timing Your Donations Before the Move

Timing is everything when donating clothes. You don’t want to be stuck with donation bags on a moving day, so aim to donate at least a week or two before your move. If you’re donating in bulk, it’s a good idea to call ahead and schedule a pick-up or drop-off at your chosen donation center. New York’s tight spaces and strict building regulations can make moving day stressful enough, so taking care of donations early is one less thing to worry about. Plus, donating earlier gives you a clearer picture of what’s left to pack.

Prepping for Closet Organization in Your New Space

Finally, once you’ve completed your move, it’s time to think about organizing your closet in your new home. Closet space can be limited in New York, so planning ahead is a must. Invest in tools like hanging organizers, adjustable shelves, and multi-purpose storage bins to make the most of your new space. Label your storage bins and keep similar items together for easy access. Don’t forget to regularly declutter as well, so you can avoid filling your new closet with unnecessary items over time.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to streamline your wardrobe and create a more organized closet. By sorting through what to keep, store, and donate, you’ll organize a smoother transition to your new home. Organizing your closet properly before a move can save time and space, making the process less overwhelming. Take the time to assess your belongings now, and you’ll thank yourself later when settling into your new space.

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