There is nothing more formidable than the prospect of packing up a houseful of possessions. Below are some proven tips for decluttering your life before moving!
1. Get the supplies you need to get started.
Being organized will make it easier to start the decluttering process without wasting time. Go to the store and pick up trash bags, moving boxes, markers, bubble wrap, packing tape, and cleaning supplies. Mark a box for packing and another one for donations. It is also essential to always have trash bags available as your third option.
2. Start the decluttering process as soon as possible.
Whether you are planning to move next month or in a year, it is never too early to start decluttering. Putting off this task is likely to make it psychologically and practically more difficult. U.S. News & World Report recommends that people planning a move get rid of as much stuff as possible. By taking the necessary time to sort through your possessions, you can dump a lot of belongings and start fresh.
3. Set a goal of packing three to four boxes per day.
By packing a minimum of three or four boxes a day and starting the process as early as is practically possible, you can be confident of doing a thorough job. Nourishing Minimalism recommends going room by room, finishing up each area before moving on to the next one.
4. Decide how you will determine which items to move and which ones to trash or give away.
There are several guidelines you can use to decide what to keep and what to throw away. Some people donate any utilitarian item if they haven’t used it in the past 12 months. It applies to kitchen items, toys, clothes, tools, books, appliances, entertainment gear, office supplies, sporting equipment, and holiday decorations.
You also need to evaluate decorative and sentimental keepsakes such as artwork, furniture, photos, and decorations that used to create a cozy home. Now is the right time to consider the size and style of your current home versus your new home so that you can leave things behind that don’t make sense. For example, the full-sized pool table in your basement won’t fit in your new home.
5. Declutter storage spaces first.
The Mindful Decluttering and Organizing blog recommends starting your packing in your storage unit. Anything that has been sitting in your storage unit is typically not a possession that you use often. Getting rid of this excess junk is an excellent way to start eliminating impractical belongings.
Another benefit to clearing out the storage unit first is that you can use it to store the items you’ve packed up and labeled for your move. By getting things out of the house as you go, you can appreciate your progress and gain some extra momentum for finishing the job.
6. Get rid of items moving companies cannot move.
Certain items such as plants, guns, and flammables are some items that moving companies won’t move. This rule is to uphold the safety of the movers and you as the client, as well as to comply with Federal guidelines.
If you need any of these items, transport them in your vehicle safely to your new home. There’s also the option of having family or friends hold the products for you, and you can always pick it up later once you’ve settled at your new residence.
7. Continually declutter until moving day.
It’s a good idea to declutter until moving day. As you pack up a category of items, you can go through them and see what you don’t need. Get rid of any multiples in each category that you are packing. For example, if you have 12 types of potholders, choose 3 or 4 to keep and donate the rest.
If a possession doesn’t bring you joy or if you don’t wear it anymore, donate to someone, so the item gets a new life. As they say, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”
Decluttering as you go saves time. Don’t just throw everything into a box and handle it later at your new home. You’ll have enough work on your hands – arranging furniture and room layouts. Having all of your possessions decluttered thoroughly will be a clean slate and less for you to worry about when unpacking.
Conclusion
Especially with moving long distances, it is crucial to keep a cap on what you take with you, so you have fewer trips to take back to your old home to clean it out thoroughly. Lessen the stress of your long-distance move by decluttering your possessions and keeping them organized into categorized boxes for a more effortless unpacking experience.