What to Replace When Moving to a New Home

Moving into a new place gives you the opportunity to cut down on some of your older possessions and upgrade. After purchasing a new home, you may have to make a number of difficult decisions when deciding what to sell, give away or throw out to make way for the new. Below are a few tips to help you evaluate your most substantial and valuable possessions and decide whether you need to buy newer items:

Your Beloved Sofa

There are few pieces of furniture that can stimulate such an emotional response in an owner. You might remember the day you bargained for your sofa, the night you spent sprawled across the couch studying for the Bar exam or the small wine stain on the left cushion from when you told your sister you were getting married. No matter the memories, moving to a new house means you have to decide whether or not to keep this piece of furniture that has been through it all.

A sofa is one of your larger furniture-related purchases. Realtor.com noted that knowing whether to get rid of your couch is contingent upon a number of factors. Remember that you have invested in a new home and if your couch does not match the layout and design of the house, it may be time to buy furniture that works with the new space. Consider selling the piece on Craigslist and using the money toward the purchase of your new sofa.

If you are hesitant to give your sofa up, you may be able to repurpose it for another space in your new home or reupholster the couch.

"Only older pieces are worth upholstering," Fred Fritsch, a fifth-generation upholsterer told Realtor.com. "Upholstered furniture takes different stresses. They carry dynamic loads—people move around and twist on them — so they've got to have more structural integrity."

TV Guide

Moving into a new house may be the perfect excuse to invest in a new TV. If you own an older unit that is particularly heavy, it may save you energy and resources to get rid of it before you move. Just plan on purchasing a new one after you get settled.

When you decide whether to throw out, donate or sell your TV, you should consider more than just the size. You may want to think about purchasing another television if your picture is fuzzy or does not receive all channels regularly.

If you have recently purchased a streaming device, it may not be conducive to your current television set. Consider upgrading if you find that your television will no longer meet your technological needs.

Time to Say Goodnight to Your Old Mattress?

Your mattress is another item that may require replacement. It is crucial that you are able to go to bed comfortably and wake up well-rested and without pain. According to Sleep City, if you are waking up sore or find that you are constantly sneezing, it may be time to invest in a new mattress. Consider keeping a sleep log to monitor how you feel in the morning and whether you are waking up constantly in the middle of the night. This can help you determine whether it is time for a replacement.

If you find that you need to purchase a new mattress, Spine-health recommended trying mattresses out and laying on each for at least 10 minutes. This can help you determine whether it is a good fit for your body. When you select a product, ask whether the store will provide you with a comfort guarantee to make sure you can return the mattress if you are not fully satisfied. With a purchase this large, you want to know you are comfortable with your investment.

You may want to do a little research before going to the store and enlisting the help of a professional. Make sure you shop where mattresses are the specialty. Do not hesitate to ask any questions. Remember, your back health is crucial to your overall well-being.

Clean House

Throughout your life, you have collected a number of memorabilia and possessions. Some hold sentimental value and others are just items you never threw out. Moving can be quite the headache. Cutting down on the number of possessions you own can help alleviate some of the stress associated with the process. While deciding to get rid of larger items that can be replaced when you move helps, tossing or selling smaller possessions you have collected through the years will also be beneficial. You may be surprised how many possessions you won't wind up even noticing are gone.

Apartment Therapy recommended asking yourself where an item will go in your new house. If you cannot think of a suitable place or purpose, it may be time to say goodbye.

Moving to a new house is an exciting experience. Don't let moving large, unnecessary and old items more stressful by getting rid of certain possessions and making way for new upgrades.