How to Properly Declutter Before Moving

A general rule of thumb is to do some spring cleaning every year and get rid of things. When it comes to moving, you need to take a different approach. You get a fresh start in a new home and don’t want to take items you no longer need or want.

 

Moving can be very stressful but also exciting at the same time. If you’re relocating to a different city or state, the new surroundings await you. Holding onto unwanted belongings and the past will only weigh you down.

 

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Decluttering before moving will allow you to enjoy your new place and start anew. Unlike spring cleaning, you need to empty your entire home. Decluttering saves you time on packing and money on supplies. You’ll also have less stuff to move, making the transition smoother.

 

Learn how to declutter properly before moving with these practical tips.

 

Plan in Advance

Moving is a long process and can feel hectic at times. You have to expect there may be delays. The right mindset will help you adapt to any surprises. According to Plano moving companies, planning in advance to declutter before moving is a must.

 

When you know that you’re relocating, you need to prepare and pace yourself. Start planning and decluttering a month in advance before moving. If you can begin clearing out your home earlier, do so.

 

Plan to dedicate a few hours every day to declutter, which will set you up for a successful move. By getting ahead, you spare yourself from burning out or feeling overwhelmed. Moving is highly stressful, and planning eases some anxiety.

 

Be Practical About What You Will Keep

When going through your belongings, know that you can’t move everything. As you declutter, sell or donate any clothing you haven’t worn in the past year. Anything that doesn’t fit or is worn out can go.

 

List any furniture you have owned for two years or longer for sale on a local online marketplace. Keep any family heirlooms or meaningful antiques. You can use the money you make from selling to buy new furniture after you move.

 

Use Up Your Extras

We all are guilty of keeping an excess of some items in our homes. Once you know you’re moving, use up as many things as possible. Start with products that have a short shelf life or upcoming expiration date.

 

Using up extra items reduces the stress of having to move things that you can easily replace. Toiletries and shelf-stable food may look small and light, but packing them is tedious. The boxes will be heavy, and you’ll need to spend money on extra supplies when it’s easier to use up the items.

 

If you run out of any everyday necessities, buy smaller quantities or travel sizes until you move. Also, stop ordering or buying items as soon as you know you’re relocating. The more things that come into the home, the more you’ll likely have to move them.

Look for Storage Solutions

If you’re moving into a smaller living space, you may be unable to declutter all your belongings. You can hire a storage company and rent a unit if you’re moving into an apartment. You can place portable containers or pods on your property if you buy a home.

 

There are also plenty of other storage solutions available to set up inside your new home. Invest in bins, shoe racks, closet organizers, and furniture to give you extra room. Storage solutions help keep you more organized and start right.

 

Storing items after moving helps compress the space in your new home. You’ll have more room to enjoy your new place without clutter. Keeping things tidy will give you peace of mind in your new environment.

 

Enjoy Your Clutter-Free Move

It feels gratifying to know that you’re headed for a fresh start with only the things you need. Moving is a tough job and can be emotional as you declutter and pack up your home. The decision-making process of what to keep and get rid of usually starts rough but gets easier.

 

Set a plan in motion and stick to it by devoting time to declutter your belongings. After you finish going through your items, you’ll feel a sense of relief. Decluttering reduces the stress that comes along with moving. By planning, you’re actually freeing up space in your future home.

 

It’s crucial to have a plan in place and begin decluttering at least a month before moving. You also need to approach your belongings sensibly when deciding what to keep. Be sure to start using up any additional products in your home. Packing everyday household items takes up space, time, and money. You can’t move everything, and it’s okay to need storage solutions after decluttering.

 

These practical approaches will ensure a clutter-free move and help you enjoy your new home.

 

This is a contributed post.

 

 

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