There’s a lot to focus on when moving. So much so that you don’t want to make things more complicated than they have to be.
So, a great first step to a move is to declutter.
Not just tidy up a little either. No, get down to work and reduce the amount of things that need to be moved. Having fewer things to move makes it less likely that you will run into problems during the move or damage anything. It also makes for a faster time getting everything loaded and unloaded.
So, when preparing for a move, decluttering is a crucial first step. It not only streamlines the moving process but also ensures that your new home is a fresh start without unnecessary items.
Here's a quick guide on what to purge and how to kickstart your decluttering journey:
1. Identify what to get rid of:
- Unused Items: Clothes, books, or gadgets that serve no purpose.
- Excess Supplies: Cut down on duplicates, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
- Expired or Worn-Out Items: Discard old spices, worn-out clothes, and outdated possessions.
- Unnecessary Furniture: If downsizing, measure what won't fit in the new space.
2. How to start decluttering:
- Room-by-room approach: Break down your decluttering goals into manageable tasks.
- Kitchen: Tackle the spice cabinet, excess dishes, and check expiration dates.
- Living room: Pare down books, DVDs, and décor that doesn't match your new style.
- Bedrooms: Donate clothes you don't wear, clear nightstand drawers, and declutter knickknacks.
- Bathrooms: Dispose of expired medicines and declutter drawers.
- Home office: Organize filing cabinets, clear desk drawers, and digitize files if possible.
- Garage: Assess holiday decorations and discard leftover items from past projects.
3. Tips for efficient decluttering:
- Start early: Begin the decluttering process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
- One-touch rule: Deal with items immediately to avoid procrastination.
- Yard sale: Consider selling unwanted items in a yard sale to declutter and make some extra cash.
- Measure big items: Determine if furniture or appliances will fit in the new space; sell or donate accordingly.
- Labeling: Clearly label boxes with the destination room and contents for easy unpacking.
- Pack daily use items last: Keep essential items for daily use aside and pack them last to minimize disruption.
4. What to do a month before moving:
- Start packing: Initiate the packing process a month before the move to avoid last-minute chaos.
- DIY sorting: Sorting through your belongings personally helps cut moving expenses and allows a mindful review.
Don’t look at decluttering as a chore. Rather, consider decluttering before a move as an opportunity for a fresh start.
It reduces the hassle of transporting unnecessary items and sets the stage for a more organized and enjoyable living space. Sign up for weekly tips on simplifying and decluttering to make your moving process smoother.
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