So you have decided to relocate to a new place, you’ve already decided on your new house, hired a truck or removal company, and you’re ready to start afresh in a new environment. But are you prepared for the backbreaking task of planning that lies ahead of you? If you’ve ever moved before, then you know how packing all your belongings into cartons and boxes can be a lengthy and tiring process. However, it’s also a perfect opportunity to declutter and dispose of unused or old items. This guide will help you throughout the moving and decluttering process so that you can make the entire process seamless.
Moving and Decluttering
Some moving and decluttering tips include starting early, small, be prepared, hit the kitchen first, and make it a routine to keep on decluttering.
Importance of Decluttering
When moving to a new home, it’s good to see it as a fresh start and get rid of what you don’t use. Decluttering helps to make your move easier, while also creating extra space in your new house. Even if you like to hoard, decluttering before moving is easy if you follow the following simple measures.
1. Start Early
Whether you are planning to move next month, next year, nearby or to another state, or you haven’t even made your decision, the early you begin decluttering, the better. I know it can be tempting to continue telling yourself that you will do it at your new place. But why undergo all the hassle of moving a heavy piece of old furniture when you know you don’t need it? It really doesn’t make sense. When you do it now, you will save a lot of money needed to hire a large truck and buy many many boxes. You’ll also save time and energy needed in hauling unused stuff down the stairs. Lastly, decluttering early will help determine the size of the house or apartment you need at your new place.
2. Start Small
If your house is full of stuff that needs sorting, it can be discouraging to start decluttering. This is why it’s recommended to start small. Start by focusing on areas like your closet, living room cabinets, or bedroom. Don’t attempt to declutter an entire house or room at once unless you have friends to help you. Trying to do a large space with lots of items to sort is not only tiring but also demotivating. Small spaces can be done within a few hours, giving a sense of accomplishment and energy to continue.
3. Be Prepared
Before getting started, ensure you have everything you will need and know when to begin packing up and moving. If you have a lot of stuff to sort, acquire several boxes where you’ll put items to throw away, recycle, and donate. You will also need a shredder for destroying documents and papers with sensitive info, plenty of water, and a collection of your favorite tunes to keep you in high spirits.
4. Hit the Kitchen
Another place that is always full of clutter is the kitchen. Go through your cabinets, shelves, silverware drawer and fridge and get rid of anything that has expired or you don’t need. Pack up the dishes and fragile items first.
Also, dispose of all those cookbooks you haven’t even read and any kitchen gadgets you never use.
5. Keep Going
After you have finished decluttering, don’t stop there, but make it a routine. Set up trash, recycle and donate bin in all your rooms and find at least one thing every day to put in there to always downsize the amount of belongings you own.
Bottom Line
If you follow the above tips, you will not only make your move easier, but also save a lot of money and energy while you’re moving and decluttering. Be sure to always start early and small, and make it a routine to always declutter to make your home more organized.