7 Decluttering Tips Before a Move
If you have resided in your current home for a while, you have likely accumulated a lot of stuff. As you soon discover during your move, too much clutter makes the relocation process harder. So, declutter as much as possible to save money and effort. Explore some downsizing tips below.
1. Start Early
If you are a seasoned procrastinator, you may wait until days before movers arrive to declutter. However, rushing the downsizing process is overwhelming, so start as soon as you set the moving date. Depending on your home's size, you can start as early as six months before the move. If you have kids, starting early also gives them the chance to get involved as you break the relocation news.
2. Make a Plan
Many homeowners put off the decluttering process because they don't know where to start, while others lose motivation along the way. A downsizing plan is the answer to these woes, as it identifies what you need to clutter and allocates time for the process. For instance, you may set aside an hour every Friday and Saturday to declutter.
3. Start With the Least-Used Rooms and Storage Areas
Lofts, basements, and garages are common dumping grounds for stuff that people rarely use. When you start the decluttering process in these areas, you make quick progress as you don't think too hard about keeping things you seldom use. If your home is on the market, store the packed boxes in the garage, attic, and basement as you show your home.
Once you clear the storage areas, move on to underused rooms like the guest bedroom. By the time you get to busy places like the kitchen and living room, you have perfected the art of decluttering, and the process will be largely painless.
4. Declutter by Category
You can either declutter by room or category, where you gather all like items together regardless of the rooms they live in. The latter method can be better, as it gives you a clear picture of the number of similar items in your home. For instance, when you gather all books, toys, towels, and other items in one place, you can see the duplicates, and you find it easier to get rid of things that your family no longer needs.
5. Use Piles
When you work in a room, have several piles to sort what you want to keep, throw away, donate, shred, and recycle. The sell pile holds items in good condition, which you can sell in a garage sale or on online platforms. Donate things that aren't worth selling, like old toys, clothes, kitchenware, and furniture. You can label bags or boxes with these categories for easier sorting.
6. Be Ruthless
Your possessions are part of fond memories, and you may want to keep everything in your home. However, bringing along things you no longer need only adds up to your moving costs. For every item, ask yourself if you have used it in the past year and determine its place in your new home. With kitchenware, beddings, and towels, eliminate duplicates and anything worn-out. Ensure that every item you keep is worth the hassle of moving it to your new place.
7. Keep Essential Items Separate
In the heat of the decluttering process, you may pack essential items like your wallet, medication, and chargers in packing boxes. Set aside an essentials bag that holds basic toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, keys, and other items that you require on moving day. Keep this bag away from other packing materials to prevent another person from moving it to the van.
The key to successful downsizing is to set your emotions aside and eliminate duplicates and anything you don't need. Contact us at Door to Door Movers & Apartment Movers today for all your moving needs.
