Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but the process of getting there can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest sources of stress is the sheer volume of "stuff" we accumulate over the years. Packing up every single item, moving it, and then finding a place for it in your new home is a massive undertaking. What if you could make your move significantly easier, cheaper, and less stressful? At Prescott Moving Company, we’ve seen it all. With decades of experience helping families move in and around Prescott, we know that the secret to a smooth move isn't just about expert packing—it starts with smart decluttering . By taking the time to sort through your belongings and get rid of what you no longer need, you can save time, money, and a whole lot of effort. This guide shares our professional tips on how to decide what stays and what goes. The High Cost of Moving Clutter Before diving into the "how," it's important to understand the "why." Why is it so crucial to declutter before you move? Moving clutter costs you in several ways: Money: Professional movers often charge based on the weight of your shipment or the time it takes to load and unload the truck. The more you move, the more you pay. You're also paying for packing materials—boxes, tape, bubble wrap—for items you might not even want. Time: Every item you own must be packed, labeled, loaded, transported, unloaded, and unpacked. A weekend spent packing expired pantry items and old clothes is a weekend you'll never get back. Space: Your new home is a fresh start. Filling it with clutter from your old home immediately makes it feel smaller and more disorganized. Starting with only the things you truly need and love allows you to design your new space with intention. Stress: Facing a mountain of boxes is daunting. The more there is to unpack, the longer it takes to feel settled and comfortable in your new environment. The Prescott Moving Company Method: A Room-by-Room Strategy The thought of decluttering an entire house at once is paralyzing. The key is to break it down into manageable chunks. Tackle one room—or even just one closet—at a time. As you go through each item, use a simple four-category system. Get four large boxes or bins and label them: Keep , Donate , Sell , and Discard . Every single item you touch must go into one of these four boxes. There is no "maybe" pile. If you're struggling to decide, ask yourself these critical questions: Have I used this in the last year? Is it broken? If so, will I realistically fix it before I move? Do I have more than one of these? Do I need a duplicate? Does it fit my new home's style or space? Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation? Would I buy this item today if I saw it in a store? If the answers are "no," it's time to let it go. What You Don’t Need: A Checklist for Decluttering Here are some of the most common items we see people move unnecessarily. Use this as a guide to start identifying what you can get rid of. In the Kitchen The kitchen is a prime spot for clutter. Be ruthless here. Expired Food: Go through your pantry, fridge, and spice rack. Toss anything that is expired. Consider donating unexpired, non-perishable food you don't want to move to a local food bank. Duplicate Utensils and Gadgets: How many wooden spoons, whisks, or can openers do you really need? Keep the best one and donate the rest. The same goes for that single-purpose gadget you used once (we're looking at you, apple corer). Chipped or Stained Dishware: Mismatched and damaged mugs, plates, and bowls take up valuable space. Old Water Bottles and Travel Mugs: Keep your favorites and recycle the rest. In the Closets Clothing is personal, but closets are often filled with items we no longer wear. Clothes That Don't Fit: Be honest. If it hasn't fit in over a year, it's time to donate it. Outdated or Worn-Out Fashion: That bridesmaid dress from a decade ago or those worn-out shoes can go. Unused Accessories: Scarves, belts, and jewelry you never wear are just taking up space. Excess Hangers: Keep enough for the clothes you're taking and get rid of the bent wire ones. In the Bathroom Bathrooms can quickly become a graveyard for half-used products. Expired Medications and Toiletries: Check expiration dates on everything. Most pharmacies have safe disposal programs for old medications. Old Makeup and Sunscreen: These products have a shelf life. If it's old, smells off, or has changed consistency, toss it. Frayed Towels and Linens: Old, stained, or ripped towels can be repurposed as cleaning rags or donated to an animal shelter. In the Office and Living Areas This is where paper, media, and electronics tend to pile up. Old Manuals and Paperwork: Most manuals are available online. Shred old bills and documents you no longer need to keep for tax or legal reasons. Physical Media: DVDs, CDs, and old books you'll never watch or read again can be sold or donated. Consider digitizing old photos and home movies to save space. Outdated Electronics and Cables: That box of random cables for devices you no longer own can be recycled. Many electronics stores have e-waste recycling programs. In the Garage and Storage Areas These spaces are magnets for clutter. Old Paint Cans and Chemicals: These can be hazardous and difficult to move. Check with local waste management for proper disposal guidelines. Broken Tools and Lawn Equipment: If it's beyond repair, it's time to let it go. Unused Hobby Supplies: That project you started five years ago and never finished? It might be time to pass those supplies on to someone who will use them. A Fresh Start Begins Before You Pack Decluttering is about more than just getting rid of junk; it's about making a conscious choice to start fresh in your new home with only the things that serve a purpose or bring you joy. It's the most powerful step you can take to ensure your move is efficient, cost-effective, and low-stress. Once you've sorted through everything, the hard part is over. The team at Prescott Moving Company can then step in to expertly handle the rest. We provide the professional packing, loading, and transport services you need for a seamless transition. By doing the decluttering work upfront, you allow us to move you more quickly and affordably. Ready to make your move a truly fresh start? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free estimate and expert advice on making your next move your best move. Meta Information Meta Title: Moving Decluttering Tips: What Not to Pack | Prescott Moving Meta Description: Save time, money, and stress on your move. Prescott Moving Company shares expert tips on what to declutter before you pack your first box.

Moving day is a complex puzzle, and some of the largest, heaviest, and most awkward pieces are your household appliances. The refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, and stove are essential to your daily life, but they present a unique challenge during a move. These items are not just heavy; they are also complex machines with delicate components, electrical wiring, and water lines. Attempting to move them without the right knowledge and equipment can lead to personal injury, damage to your home, and costly harm to the appliances themselves. At Prescott Moving Company, we understand that moving appliances is a job for professionals. We have the expertise, specialized equipment, and meticulous process required to handle these valuable items with the care they deserve. Our team is trained to manage everything from disconnection and preparation to safe transport and placement in your new home. This guide explains why professional appliance moving is so important and how our services ensure your essential machines arrive safely and ready for action. The Risks of a DIY Appliance Move It can be tempting to think of appliance moving as just a matter of muscle. However, the risks go far beyond simply dropping a heavy object. Without proper training and equipment, you can face a host of serious problems. Personal Injury: Appliances are notoriously heavy and unwieldy. A washing machine can weigh over 200 pounds, and a large refrigerator can easily exceed 300 pounds. Attempting to lift or maneuver these items without proper technique can lead to severe back strain, muscle tears, or crushed fingers and toes. Damage to the Appliance: Modern appliances contain sensitive electronics, compressors, and precisely balanced drums. Tilting a refrigerator improperly can cause oil to enter the cooling lines, ruining the compressor. Failing to secure a washing machine's drum can lead to damage to the suspension system during transit. Damage to Your Home: Scraping a heavy appliance along hardwood floors can leave deep, permanent gouges. Bumping one against a door frame can chip paint and dent drywall. These seemingly minor incidents can lead to expensive repairs in both your old and new homes. Improper Disconnection and Reconnection: Appliances are connected to your home's electrical, water, and gas systems. Incorrectly disconnecting a gas dryer can create a dangerous gas leak. Failing to drain a washing machine completely can result in a messy, damaging water spill in the moving truck. Hiring professionals eliminates these risks. It's an investment in the safety of yourself, your home, and your valuable appliances. The Prescott Moving Company Appliance Moving Process Our approach to moving appliances is built on a foundation of careful planning, specialized equipment, and expert execution. We have a detailed process for each type of appliance to ensure it is prepared, moved, and delivered without a scratch. 1. Pre-Move Planning and Preparation A successful appliance move begins long before the heavy lifting starts. Our team coordinates with you to ensure each appliance is properly prepared for transport. Refrigerators and Freezers: We advise clients to empty, clean, and thoroughly defrost their refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours before moving day. This prevents water leakage and mildew growth during transit. Our team will then secure all loose shelving and drawers and ensure the doors are securely shut and taped. Washing Machines: Proper preparation is critical for washing machines. We ensure the appliance is disconnected from the water supply and that all water has been drained from the hoses and the machine itself. Most importantly, we install shipping bolts (also known as transit bolts) to secure the drum. This critical step prevents the drum from moving and damaging the suspension system during the move. Dryers: For electric dryers, we handle the disconnection of the heavy-duty electrical cord. For gas dryers, we strongly recommend a licensed plumber perform the disconnection to ensure safety. Once disconnected, we clean out the lint trap and secure the drum and door. Ovens and Stoves: We make sure the appliance is clean and that all racks and loose parts are removed and packed separately to prevent rattling and damage. We secure the oven door and take extra care with delicate glass cooktops. 2. Specialized Equipment for Safe Handling Moving a 300-pound refrigerator is not a two-person job with a simple dolly. Prescott Moving Company invests in specialized equipment designed specifically for handling heavy and awkward items safely. Appliance Dollies: These are not standard hand trucks. Appliance dollies are taller, more robust, and equipped with straps to securely fasten the appliance. They also have stair climbers—a system of rolling belts that allows our movers to navigate stairs smoothly and safely, reducing the risk of bumps and drops. Furniture Pads and Blankets: Every appliance is wrapped in thick, padded moving blankets before it is moved. This provides a crucial layer of protection against scratches, dents, and dings to both the appliance and your home's walls and floors. Floor Runners and Protection: We lay down protective floor runners on hardwood, tile, and carpeted surfaces. This creates a safe pathway for moving heavy items, preventing any scuffs, scratches, or damage to your flooring. Lift Gates and Ramps: Our moving trucks are equipped with hydraulic lift gates or heavy-duty ramps. This allows us to load and unload heavy appliances smoothly and mechanically, avoiding the dangerous jostling that can occur when manually lifting items into a truck. 3. Expert Loading and Secure Transport Once an appliance is on the truck, its placement and security are vital. Our experienced crew knows how to load the truck for maximum stability. Strategic Placement: Appliances are loaded to be level and are braced against the truck's walls to prevent shifting. We ensure they are positioned in a way that minimizes vibration and movement during transit. Secure Strapping: Using high-quality logistic straps, we secure each appliance firmly in place. Refrigerators and freezers are always kept upright to protect their compressors. Every item is anchored to prevent it from tipping or sliding into other belongings. This meticulous attention to detail inside the truck is just as important as the care we take moving the item out of your house. Peace of Mind on Moving Day When you entrust your appliances to Prescott Moving Company, you are not just hiring movers; you are hiring a team of logistical experts dedicated to protecting your property. Our professional service provides you with invaluable peace of mind. You can focus on the other countless details of your move, confident that your most expensive and essential household items are being handled with the highest level of care. Don't risk injury or costly damage by trying to move appliances yourself. Let the trained and equipped professionals at Prescott Moving Company manage the heavy lifting. Ready to ensure your appliances arrive at your new home safely? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free estimate and learn more about our professional appliance moving services! Meta Information Meta Title: Safe Appliance Moving | Prescott Moving Company Meta Description: Prescott Moving Co. specializes in safely moving refrigerators, washers, and other appliances. Our experts use specialized equipment to prevent damage.