5 Ways You Can Declutter Your Home for A Lighter Load

We often fill our homes with things we don't use. Attics are packed with dusty holiday decorations, garages with camping equipment, basements with old furniture, and heirlooms are scattered everywhere. Most of us don't think about all the stuff we've accumulated until it's time to move. Then, in the days before the move, we're faced with overwhelming to-do lists and a mountain of clutter.

However, a little change in perspective can make moving much easier. Consider moving as a rare opportunity to clear out old toys, collectibles, and items that no longer serve a purpose. Decluttering can be emotionally challenging, but it can also feel great to donate your old stuff and make someone else happy. Plus, it allows you to start life in your new place with a clean slate and fresh perspective.

Here's how you can declutter your home and pack lighter when you move:

1. Acknowledge the Emotional Baggage

Decluttering is tough because many of your belongings have emotional value. You might have multiple versions of the same item because they make you feel safe, or perhaps you feel guilty about getting rid of a hand-me-down from your mother. The golden rule of decluttering is to recognize that stuff is more than just stuff. Nearly everything holds some emotional significance.

Evaluate what matters most, which memories you want to take with you, and which can stay alive without material objects. It's okay to take your time. Set aside these items while you prepare for other aspects of the move.

2. Sort Your Stuff

Once you decide what to keep and what to let go, sorting becomes an essential step in the moving process. If you haven’t used something in over six months, consider giving it away. This includes kitchen utensils, technical gadgets, clothes that no longer fit, or shoes you haven't worn in the past year. These items can easily be replaced if needed in the future.

3. More Stuff = Longer Packing Time

Think about how much time you're wasting if you decide to take everything with you. Every object requires time for dusting, maintenance, and protection during the move. Consider each item as a time commitment. If it's not worth the extra time, it’s time to say goodbye.

4. Pack Easy Stuff First

Procrastination can make the decluttering process overwhelming. Start early and ease yourself into it by sorting through easy items like old mail or laundry. Separate your belongings into three piles: to keep, to toss, and to donate. Once sorted, immediately send these items to the trash or a donation center. Renting a portable storage container, like a BigSteelBox, allows you to take your time sorting and packing, and acts as secure storage during the process.

To ease yourself into it, sort through your old mail or go through a laundry basket. As you work, make sure to separate your stuff into three piles: to keep, to toss, to donate. Once you've sorted everything, send these items to the trash can or a donation centre immediately. Plan for which items you'll approach next and work accordingly.

5. Gifts are Great — But They aren’t Obligations

Your friend gifted you that bright glittery "BEST FRIENDS" wall ornament, but you don't really put it anywhere. Just donate it! Just because someone gave you a gift, it doesn't mean you have to hang onto it forever.

To help you let go of your emotional attachment, write down in your journal or somewhere what your friend or family member gave you. That way, you're able to honour your relationships by remembering the thought behind each gift without keeping the clutter.

Need more expert advice for your upcoming move? Get in touch with our team. You can also ask us for storage services if you have nowhere to put your extra belongings.