Moving into a new home is the beginning of an exciting life chapter, but the process can be overwhelming when organizing and executing the relocation at the same time. Still, if prepared well, the move can be both stress-free and budget-friendly. To do so, we have to do some "clutter control" before and during packing. Unnecessary stuff piled in our houses steals precious time and space and can even create health risks if not addressed timely. After exploring different ways to declutter when you move, you'll understand how big of a burden these things can be. The clutter we create is our way of living in the past, and while letting go can be tricky, it's necessary in order to move forward.
The sooner you start, the better!
You can always get rid of unnecessary stuff, but to do it most efficiently, start as soon as you decide to move. That way, you will have time to be thorough and second guess your decisions. Starting early will make this task almost effortless, and you will benefit both mentally and financially. There are many ways to declutter your home, but the most practical one is to make a list of stuff you will be taking with you while getting rid of the rest. Lists are imperative if you want to avoid losing or misplacing any of your precious belongings!
Do the heavy lifting first
Think about the big and heavy stuff in your house that you have no use for anymore. Is there a place for it in your new home? Will it match the rest of the design? If both answers are no, put them on the declutter list. This goes not only for the furniture and appliances but for your attic and garage content as well. Most of us use the garage as a storage unit, and moving all of that into a new household can be costly. By decreasing the weight of your possession, you'll be decreasing the price of your relocation.
Establish a method
There are many ways to declutter when you move, but the one you choose will depend on the time at your disposal. Using the room-by-room method is wise if you plan to purge before packing. That way, you can turn each room into a zone and start clearing things out.
But, if you plan to do it during packing, creating categories might be a better option. Organizing things this way will make unpacking much easier.
You might need help from a friend
Sometimes we have a hard time letting go of things that have sentimental value. If that is the case, a second, objective opinion can be of great help! Call your friends or family members to assist you with the task. That way, decluttering will not only be efficient but fun as well. Run through your old memories, and make a decision. What do you want to bring to your future?
Decide what you want to do with things
There are different ways to declutter your home. Whichever method you choose, you will have to take care of the things that end up in the declutter pile. Here are a few suggestions:
offer them to your friends and family members,
donate to charity,
sell them online,
or simply throw them out.
Still, if you're having second thoughts about getting rid of some stuff forever, consider renting a long-term storage unit. This is an excellent idea if you're struggling with space and have a lot of things that you haven't donated or sold yet. Keeping them safe will make you feel better because you might want to give them another shot someday.
Selling things online is one of the best ways to declutter
If you start re-evaluating your possession early in your moving process, you will have time to put everything up for sale online. No matter how time-consuming this might seem, remember that you will be able to earn some money along the way. You will not have to bargain or underprice your things, like in garage sales, if you take the time to do it right. Be creative while photographing your items. Making the product visually appealing will help you sell it faster and at a higher price.
Naturally, decluttering by selling online is a good option only if you're not tight with time and money at the moment. If you need extra cash right away, you will get less money, but be done with it sooner.
Keep your paperwork tidy at all times
Having order in your home, whether it comes to furniture, cabinets, or paperwork, can save you many inconveniences. Therefore, make sure to keep your essential documents tidy and labeled with easy access to them. Remember, you might need some of them during or after the move. So, keep documentation involved in the process safe and neat, so the entire process is as stress-free as possible.
A word of wisdom
Sometimes we find it hard to keep ourselves and our living space organized. Having chaos in our lives, no matter how small it might seem, could lead to many problems in the future. Hence, finding ways to declutter when you move is crucial for a stress-free and healthy life. You might find it hard to dedicate your time to explore and apply different techniques of organization. But remember - your new home is your new chance for a better and improved life, so make sure to use it!
