According to the American Moving & Storage Association, in 2013 approximately 15.3 million households packed their belongings and moved. Not surprisingly, 40 percent of the moves took place during the summer months, peak moving season. If moving, you likely know it’s one of the most stressful life moments next to marriage and having a baby.

First things first, check out my blog post about moving essentials to stay organized and on track during your move. Next, look at this move as an opportunity to start fresh – what other time in your life can you take full inventory of your belongings and decide what goes and what stays? The big screen TV where you watch your favorite shows? Keep! That 20-year-old mattress that your parents gave you after they had used it for 10 years? Replace! The jeans that have been hanging in your closet for a few years that you swear you will wear one day? Donate!

Here is a handy guide to help you decide what to keep, replace and donate.

KEEP

What are the must-have home items that you want to take when you start fresh? Some may have sentimental value. Others, like appliances, are still fully functioning and will fit perfectly in your new home. Be sure that any large pieces of furniture that you plan to keep fit in your new living space and that you have storage for anything that you want to keep, but may not display right away.

REPLACE

Part of the fun of moving is shopping for your new home! From décor and furniture to curtains and mattresses, there are many household items you might want to update or replace. First, start with a list “must replace” items. For example, did you know if your mattress is 8 years or older, it has accumulated dust, sweat and dust mites over those years? Here’s how you know when to get a new mattress: check your mattress tag to find out how long you’ve had it and if it is over 8, it’s time to replace! Better yet, if you buy a new mattress you can have it delivered to your new home, rather than having to haul it yourself. A comfy bed is the best complement to the new bedding and headboard and it will instantly make your new place feel like home. Once you’ve designated the “must replace” items, make a wish list for items that don’t need to be replaced as urgently, but that you can purchase over time.

DONATE

With all the excitement of shopping for your new home, don’t forget that you can donate or recycle plenty of your old household items. Find organizations in your area that accept furniture, clothing and other items that you don’t want to take with you. Upgrading your mattress? Mattress Firm will haul away your old mattress and recycle it while dropping off your new one. Other organizations will also come by your home and pick up your donations! As you are packing up, place donation boxes around your home for things that you wish to donate and keep a running list of these items for tax purposes.

If you enjoyed this blog post you may want to read my previous post about four common moving fails and how to avoid them!