The Importance of Decluttering Before a Move & How to Do It
Summer’s here, and so is moving season! If you’re one of the many people packing up and relocating during this time of year, you know how intense the process can be. But there is a way to lighten the load-literally. Decluttering before the move can significantly reduce the stress that often accompanies the process. So, before you dive into an endless scroll on Zillow, take a few moments to discover why decluttering is essential before a move and how to get started.
Why Decluttering Before a Move is Important
Reduce Stress: Decluttering before a move can significantly ease the entire process. Moving is already a stressful event, filled with numerous tasks and deadlines. When your belongings are minimized and organized, you can focus on what truly matters, resulting in a smoother, more efficient transition to your new home.
Save Money: Many moving companies charge based on the volume or weight of the items being transported. By decluttering, you can lower the overall weight and size of your load, leading to reduced moving costs. Selling or donating unwanted items can even generate some extra funds, which can be particularly useful during a move.
Saves Time: Packing and unpacking are time-consuming tasks. By decluttering before you move, you can significantly reduce the number of items you have to pack and unpack, ultimately saving valuable time and making the transition to your new space much smoother.
Create a Fresh Start: Moving is a great opportunity to start fresh. Decluttering allows you to let go of items that no longer serve you and only bring what you truly need and love to your new home. Embracing this fresh start can make your new house feel like a home from the moment you step through the door.
How to Declutter Before a Move
Start Early: Giving yourself ample time to go through your belongings will prevent last-minute panic and ensure you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to let go. Starting early also allows you to handle unexpected tasks or delays without the pressure of an imminent moving date.
Tackle One Room at a Time: Break down the overwhelming task of decluttering into manageable chunks by focusing on a single room at a time. You will see progress more quickly, which can be motivating. Begin with rooms that are less frequently used, like guest rooms, and gradually move to spaces like the kitchen or bedrooms.
Sort Items: As you go through each room, sort your items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and trash. For each item, ask yourself: Have I used this in the last year? Does it have sentimental value? Is it worth the space it will take up in my new home? Can it be easily replaced if needed? For donations, consider local charities or shelters that can benefit from gently used clothes, furniture, or household items. Items that are in good condition but not needed can be sold through garage sales, online marketplaces, or consignment shops. Lastly, dispose of anything that is broken, worn out, or unusable. For items that can’t be donated or sold, ensure they are disposed of responsibly. Being honest with yourself about what you need and use is key here.
Get Help: Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of friends, family, or professional organizers. A professional organizer can go through your items with you and can offer honest opinions on items you may be on the fence about.
Stay Motivated: Set small goals, like decluttering one room per weekend and treat yourself to a favorite activity or treat once you’ve completed each goal.
Examples of Decluttering in Action
Kitchen: Sort through your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Donate or discard duplicate utensils, gadgets you rarely use, and expired pantry items. If you have three sets of measuring cups but only use one, it’s time to let the extras go.
Closet: Go through your wardrobe and get rid of clothes that no longer fit, are out of style, or that you haven’t worn in the past year. If you need a little more guidance on decluttering your closet, check out last month's blog post.
Living Room: Evaluate your books, DVD’s, and decorative items. Donate books you’ve already read or don’t plan to read, and recycle any old magazines. Only keep decor that fits your new space and style.
Garage/Basement: These areas often become catch-alls for items we think we might need someday. It’s important to be ruthless in this space. Get rid of those broken tools, old paint cans, and the sports equipment you no longer use.
Decluttering before a move is a vital step that can make the entire moving process smoother and more enjoyable. By starting early, staying organized, and making mindful decisions about your belongings, you can reduce stress, save time and money, and embrace a fresh start in your new home. Happy moving!