Packing everything you own and moving into a new house is not an easy task. But it gives you an excellent opportunity to start over and create a home that you can fully enjoy. To do that, you need to take a good look at all your stuff and decide what deserves to come with you into the next chapter of your life and what you should leave behind. A good moving plan should start with identifying the possessions that really matter.
If you decide to declutter your home before and after the move, you will experience a number of benefits. Let's take a look at some of them.
Immediate Benefits of Decluttering Before the Move
Did you know that people don't use around 80% of things they keep in their homes? So, as you pack your belongings, take the chance to sort through them and set aside everything you don't need, use, or like anymore. That can be, for instance, clothes that are two sizes too small, broken appliances, or your old school books and teen magazines. If you get rid of them before the Connecticut movers arrive, here's what you will gain.
You Will Save Some Money
Less stuff leads to fewer packing supplies, such as boxes, packing wrap, and tape. Also, you will have fewer boxes and furniture to move to your new place. Since movers usually charge by the volume or the time spent, that means you won't have to pay them as much for their services. That way, you will save money on transporting the things you have no use of anyway.
You Can Earn Some Cash
Getting rid of unwanted items doesn't necessarily mean throwing them away. You can organize a yard sale before the moving day, post your things on eBay, and make some extra cash.
You Will Save Time
There are 300,000 items in an average American home, and packing and unpacking every one of them is very time-consuming. But you can cut that time by focusing only on the things you actually cherish and need. Everything else you can simply set aside and deal with as you see fit. That will leave you with more time to prepare for the move and later help you settle in your new home more quickly.
Benefits You Will Experience at Your New Place
You didn't have time to declutter before the moving day? That's okay. Unpacking also gives you a good opportunity to decide what you want to keep and what you don't want with you as you turn a new page. Here's what you'll achieve if you dispose of all the unnecessary belongings at your new place.
You Will Have More Space
According to the US self-storage industry statistics, in 2021, almost 11% of American families rented a storage unit for their excess stuff. Since a national average for the unit price is $89.12 a month, that means they spend more than $1000 a year holding onto things they do not utilize. Another surprising fact is that 25% of people who own two-car garages have so much stuff in them, they don't have enough room to park a car. The point is that all that stuff is taking up your valuable space and cost you money, while you basically get nothing in return.
So, say goodbye to the items you deep down know you will never wear, repair, or use anymore. You'll get an empty space that might inspire you to reorganize your home or start a hobby you always wanted.
Your New House Will Be Better Organized
According to one study, we lose up to nine items every day or 198,743 in a lifetime. Sunglasses, keys, papers, and phones are at the top of the list. At the same time, we spend a total of 3,680 hours or 153 days of our lives looking for those misplaced things. But if you knew where everything in your home was, you could spend those 153 days with your family or doing something you love.
Decluttering your home after the move lets you keep better track of your possessions. That means no more wasting time searching the back of your closet or your drawers for lost items. Also, just imagine how much money you will save on double purchases.
In the Long Run
As you probably already know, removing the excess clutter from your house has many benefits for your physical and mental health as well. Listed below are just a few of them.
Better Focus
Clutter makes it hard to find what you're looking for. It may also distract you from the task at hand. So, getting rid of visual clutter might help you focus better on whatever activity you're working on.
Higher self-esteem
When you struggle to keep your home organized, you may feel out of control. However, clearing out your living area might help you regain a sense of competence and self-respect.
Better Relationships
Conflicts among family members and roommates often arise because someone has difficulty controlling their clutter. Also, when your house is tidy, you may feel more comfortable inviting guests in.
Reduced of Allergies and Asthma
You probably think your home is messy but not dirty. However, it is not easy to clean thoroughly around the piles of possessions. That’s why decluttering can help keep pests at bay and minimize dust, mold, and mildew, all of which can cause asthma and allergies.
Conclusion
When planning your fresh start, begin with decluttering. Take some time to consider all the furniture and belongings you have, which of them are functional and which are just taking up room. Keep only what adds value to your life and donate or sell the rest. It will make moving easier, less costly, and may result in a more quality life in your new house.
