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Decluttering Tips to Make Moving Easier
This guide on decluttering will help you maximize stress relief when moving.
Learn how to interpret what needs to stay and what should be removed.
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Decluttering Tips to Make Moving Easier
When moving, it can be helpful to reduce stress by organizing and decluttering. The key to success is knowing what to keep and what to discard.
To achieve an organized space where you can feel relaxed, determine the planning process you should add and the personal items you should remove.
Follow these four decluttering tips below to get through the chaos and gain control of the moving process.
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1. Set goals and plan
It may seem daunting when you first look at everything you need to declutter. No matter how much needs to be sorted, start by making a plan and setting realistic goals.
This can be a step-by-step process, so start with a little at a time and set a date when you want everything to be complete.
If you know you’re going to move shortly, or if you’re planning around a closing date/lease term, make sure to get a jump start on the process as soon as possible.
It is also essential to invest extra time around other obligations, such as work, school, and kids’ schedules.
With that in mind, be prepared that it could take at least a couple of weeks to declutter properly.
Next, plan your plan and determine how you will complete each task.
Laying out a roadmap and noting what you want to accomplish will help you stay on task and keep your eyes on the prize.
Create a to-do list that includes areas you want to clear out and cleaning and storage supplies you may need.
If you live with family members or roommates, you can divide the tasks and assign each person to a different room.
2. Create a sorting system.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you consider sorting your belongings simultaneously.
Go through each room, one at a time, and set up boxes or storage bins to separate items.
Start by using the well-known three-box method to sift through the clutter and sort your belongings into three categories.
- Keep
- Throw Away
- Give Away
To prevent an additional layer of clutter from forming with these boxes, take time at the end of the day or week to place each one in its proper place.
Bring the donations with you the next time you run errands, put throw-away boxes out with the trash, and place keepsakes in their proper place.
Quick Tip:
- Place the items in clear bins/storage areas and label them appropriately.
- This will keep everything organized and save you time in finding what you need later because you’ll know where everything is located.
- Plus, you can save room by using stackable storage, vacuum-packed bags, and furniture that doubles as storage—such as dressers or lift-top coffee tables.
- Another critical step is defining what clutter means to you. The best way to start sorting through items—deciding whether to keep or toss them—is to ask yourself some key questions.
Consider the following:
- Do you use this item regularly (within the last six months), and is it currently serving a purpose?
- Will you feel guilty or sad if you get rid of it?
- Does the item have sentimental value?
- Does this item fit your lifestyle right now?
- If it’s broken, is it worth fixing?
- Could this space be better used for something else?
Use these questions to help you determine the item’s value and make the right decision.
3. Clear out spaces.
One of the best ways to start clearing the clutter is to start small and gradually move to larger areas. Begin with the smaller spaces and go through drawers and cabinets.
This way, you’ll be able to see progress quickly, which will help keep you motivated and moving forward.
It will also help you get into a groove and practice steps for letting go.
Another quick way to make your space feel calmer is to keep flat surfaces—tables in the bedroom (nightstands), dining room, and living/family room—almost transparent.
It’s okay to display lamps and decorative pieces, but try to keep less than five items out on the surface.
When you’re ready to take the next step into larger home areas, consider tackling your closet next.
One of the biggest challenges of decluttering is that there may be more items in the closet than you think—even forgotten belongings.
Quick Tip:
- If you find an item that’s been buried away, out of sight and out of mind, it is most likely an immediate Throw-Away piece.
- Don’t keep holding onto it if it does not have sentimental value and you haven’t used it in a while.
- For example, go ahead and toss those shoes that no longer fit, toys that haven’t been used, or extra luggage that’s collecting dust.
- It’s helpful to declutter your closet by going from the bottom up.
- Clearing out the mess at the bottom first is more efficient because it will give you more space to work and will provide a greater sense of productivity.
- As you work up to the shelves, clear these off entirely and wipe them down with cleaning spray.
- Remember to ask yourself critical decluttering questions as you rummage through clothes and shoes.
- If it doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye.
- When restocking your closet, organize your clothes by season, occasion, or color. Avoid placing them on shelves where they can get lost behind hangers.
- Finally, after you decide what you want to get rid of, it’s time to figure out how.
- Here are a few ways to dispose of items that can help make more room and a big difference.
- Donate items that are in good enough condition to online and local charities.
- Recycle all glass, plastic, and paper goods at a drop-off location or curbside.
- Host a garage sale or sell online to make a potential profit.
- Rent a dumpster if you have much to eliminate or more oversized household items.
- Hiring a professional junk removal company is recommended for efficient and hassle-free removal of unwanted items.
Quick Tip:
- Incorporate item drop-offs into your moving day agenda.
- Find the closest donation box/store near you or on the way to your new living space.
- This will help save time and hassle.
4. Get into habits and routines.
After clearing out unnecessary items and refreshing your space, it’s essential to maintain it for some time.
The process of decluttering is significant and has the potential to transform your living area (for the better).
Form habits and keep your new space in tip-top shape so you and your guests can enjoy it.
Save yourself time by maintaining cleaning routines.
Make it an ongoing effort to reorganize every so often, keep spaces tidy, and try to get rid of unworn clothes every few months.
It may take time to make this a habit, but soon, you’ll see your space come together like you’ve always imagined—which is the fun part!