what to throw away? 1st apt.

verymegv · February 2012

hi everyone!

H and I just moved into our first real apartment. we're both military so we expect to move around a lot, but we should be in this area for about 2-3 years.

We moved in all our wedding gifts, new china, etc. etc. and I'm having a hard time throwing dumb things away like boxes because I don't know what I'll need when we move again. It sounds crazy, but I'm trying to use our space wisely, and storing empty boxes is killing me.

Can anyone shed some light or advice on my situation? I feel like i need a pep talk on getting rid of this meaningless stuff!!

TYIA

alicat32908 · February 2012

I know it's hard to get rid of something you know you will need again down the road but to me, it's not worth using the space to store boxes for 2 or 3 years when space is already at a premium. Does your apartment have a recycling program that could take the boxes? Or you could always list them on Freecycle.

juno · February 2012

I think Freecycle is a great idea! I always have trouble throwing useful things away, even if I can't use them, so Freecycle has been a God-send for me. Then when you need boxes for a move, just post of Freecyle and see if someone can help you out.

Another option might be to break the boxes down and store them in the back of a closet or under a bed. If they are flat, they take up a lot less space, and you can just tape them back up to re-use. Not the best pep talk for throwing away, I guess

Mrs Acorn Blue · February 2012

If you are going to be moving a lot, I'd invest in more permanent storage solutions that you can use to move things. I have some china protectors that I store my good china in and all I have to do if we move is put them in a box. We use a lot of Rubbermaids for storage because they are sturdy and stack more easily than traditional boxes.

PolarBearFans · February 2012

I wasn't planning staying more than 2-3 years in my last apartment. I broke down the boxes and put them under the bed. Saved a lot of money when I moved again. Boxes are expensive. Retail stores usually have a lot of extra shipping boxes that get thrown away so might also be worth asking for some there too when the time comes.

wejustwant2:) · February 2012

Hi! Congratulations BTW - on your first apt. Iive in the NYC area and have moved several times... I always get rid of the cardboard boxes right away because they can harbor roaches (even new ones can have eggs from the warehouse they came from).

I also am neurotic about paper bags from the grocery store and only use plastic. I'll get one at a time, to hold our paper recycling for the week, and then get rid of that one bag.. Two of my past apartments had roaches. They were there before me... and thankfully my last one didn't. I now live in a house that is (knock on wood) rodent and roach free. Am still neurotic about cardboard and paper bags though. Hate bringing them into my house and don't like to keep them here.

HTH and GL!

mscandyman · February 2012

I agree with the PP and you should get more sturdier storage boxes. We've been married 8 years and have had 5 different addresses. (DH's job) so I know exactly where you are coming from. Wait for them to go on sale (they go on sale a lot at Target and Walmart) then stock up on a few different sizes. I've even saved packing material like bubble wrap or even newspaper and put inside these boxes knowing I would need it down the road. Although the original cardboard boxes seem durable, they do weaken/crease/rip over time.

NariaD · February 2012

wejustwant2:):
I always get rid of the cardboard boxes right away because they can harbor roaches (even new ones can have eggs from the warehouse they came from).

Now that I've thrown up in my mouth and I feel the need to clorox my entire house....

I ditto purchasing rugged storage totes (the ones with the heavy duty plastic sides) when it comes to moving time. They stack easily after you're done with them, and they're virtually indestructible.

guim0014 · February 2012

Recycle every single box. Or use them to store items. Do NOT keep they will probably be soggy or spider-webby one day anyhow so you may not even use.

A second thought, I have been (bit by bit) exchanging out my storage items from cardboard boxes into those plastic tubs/totes over the years. I helped a friend move a few years ago who had ALL plastic tubs and it was awesome to see what was in them, and to stack/store as well.

StatlerWaldorf · March 2012

I wouldn't keep them. We usually get egg boxes for free from the local grocery store when we move. They are kind of small, but it keeps them from getting too heavy and have handles. If you call and talk to someone in dairy, they can usually hold some for you. For things that go in permanent storage, I buy the heavy duty rubbermaid totes.

whitsy · March 2012

Definitely do not keep the cardboard boxes. Write down any pertinent information on the box (like UPC codes or model #s) and trash them. Brown recluses are a big problem in my area, and spiders love cool, dark boxes. Breaking them down is good idea, but just toss them. Getting more boxes is easy (random thought for the future-we got all our boxes for moving from shoe stores! Their shoe boxes come in huge cardboard boxes). Start buying nice plastic containers as needed, and just a suggestion, buy the ones with the lids attached. They seem to be sturdier.

Congrats!

vjcjenn1 · March 2012

Wouldn't the military take care of your moving expenses

RDM1024 · March 2012

the moving company that the military contracts for your move will provide all your boxes and moving supplies; they will pack your entire house for you. check out the military nesties board. a lot of the girls have a button in their siggy which leads you to lots of great information. hth.

what to throw away? 1st apt.

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