New Year Home Reset: What to Store, Donate, and Pack for 2026 Moves

Ready to start the year lighter? January is the perfect time to map out a 2026 move and reset your home. Whether you’re staying on the North Shore or heading across the lake to New Orleans or Jefferson Parish, a smart plan now saves time, money, and stress later. At Uncle Sam’s Moving Corps—your veteran-owned movers in Mandeville—we help you decide what to store, donate, and pack early so your next move is as smooth as a parade glide down St. Charles.

Store it smart: Climate and space savers in South Louisiana

Our humidity is no joke. If you’re keeping items you don’t need every day, protect them in climate-controlled storage in Mandeville or Covington to prevent warping, mildew, and rust.

• Store: seasonal décor (hello, Mardi Gras!), heirlooms, photo albums, instruments, fishing gear, small boats/kayaks, archived files, and spare furniture you plan to use post-move.
• Consider storage for renovations: If you’re refreshing floors or painting, short-term storage keeps rooms clear and dust-free.
• Pro tip: Label bins by room and season; note “fragile” and contents on at least two sides.

Our Storage Solutions include climate control, surveillance, and flexible unit sizes for North Shore families.

Donate it: Lighten the load and lift the community

Moving costs often reflect volume and weight. Donating clears space and supports local neighbors in St. Tammany and Jefferson Parish.

• Donate: duplicate kitchen gadgets, clothes you didn’t wear in 2024, toys kids outgrew, mismatched furniture, old décor, and extra linens.
• Where to give: Choose reputable local charities and reuse centers in Mandeville, Covington, New Orleans, and Metairie. Many offer pick-ups—schedule them before spring cleaning kicks into high gear.
• Bonus: Get a receipt for tax purposes and take quick photos to document your donations.

Pack it now for 2026: Box once, label well

You can get a head start months in advance without disrupting daily life.

• Pack early: off-season clothing, holiday décor, books, keepsakes, rarely used small appliances, guest room bedding, and hobby supplies.
• Use sturdy, uniform boxes and high-quality tape; separate “open first” boxes with essentials for your first 48 hours.
• Our Packing & Unpacking service provides professional materials, room-by-room labeling, and careful handling of fragile items.

How far in advance should I start packing for a move?

For local moves in Mandeville, Covington, and New Orleans, begin decluttering 8–12 weeks out and start packing non-essentials 6–8 weeks before move day. For long-distance moves, begin 10–12 weeks out. Planning a 2026 move? Start the storage/donate decisions now, book your exact quote 3–6 months before your target date, and reserve your preferred moving window early—especially around Mardi Gras, summer heat waves, and back-to-school season on the North Shore.

Local timing matters in Southeast Louisiana

• Parade season and road closures: January and February bring Mardi Gras events across Greater New Orleans. If you’re moving near parade routes, we’ll plan load/unload windows and truck access to avoid closures.
• Heat and humidity: Summer moves require extra protection for wood furniture, electronics, and artwork. We use proper padding, stretch wrap, and climate-conscious loading techniques.
• Buildings and HOAs: From historic homes in Uptown to gated communities in Mandeville, our team coordinates elevator reservations, COI requirements, and parking permits to keep your move compliant and efficient.

Why choose Uncle Sam’s Moving Corps

Since 2012, our veteran-led team has delivered exact quotes (not estimates), transparent pricing, and meticulous care. We offer:

• Local and long-distance moving
• Professional packing and unpacking
• Climate-controlled storage solutions
• Furniture assembly/disassembly
• Last-minute and labor-only options

We proudly provide exclusive discounts for veterans, teachers, and first responders.

Start your 2026 move with confidence

Make January your launchpad for a lighter home and a smoother move. Store what matters, donate what no longer serves you, and pack smart—then let Uncle Sam’s Moving Corps handle the heavy lifting. Get your exact quote today and reserve your ideal date in Mandeville, Covington, New Orleans, or Jefferson Parish. Visit unclesamsmovingcorps.com or call to speak with our friendly team and schedule your stress-free move.