Decluttering Before a Move: Tips to Simplify Your Life

Decluttering before a move, or just in general, is a smart decision. Most often, we tend to collect stuff that we really don’t need. They don’t give your life value, so why should they take up space in your new home? As daunting as it may be, decluttering helps give you a fresh start in your new home without the extra baggage.

Get Rid of That Extra Baggage

Here are some tips to help you declutter your home and your life.

1. Start Now

Packing can take a lot of time depending on the amount of things you own, so start decluttering as soon as possible. Declutter before you start packing, so there will be fewer boxes for you or the movers to transport. The fewer belongings you have, the easier it will be to move in terms of money and time.

2. Know Your Options

When you start going through the items in your house, there are several ways to get rid of them. You can donate, sell, or throw them away. If you have objects that are stained, torn, broken, or largely unusable, they should be destined for the garbage bin. If you have old clothes, accumulated knickknacks, extra kitchen supplies, etc., consider donating them so someone else can use them. Bigger items like couches or TVs you can sell. When you’re evaluating your items, have three boxes (donate, sell, garbage) with you.

3. Know How to Decide

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of items, but not everything should go with you. If it’s damaged, you need to throw it out. Don’t kid yourself thinking you can fix it. If it’s been more than six months and you haven’t used it, you won’t miss it when it’s gone. If you have clothes that have sat in the closet for a year or more and haven’t been worn, give them away.

Sentimentality has its place, but if it’s no use to you and doesn’t hold emotional value, part with it. If the item is truly a treasure, you would have it displayed somewhere already in your home. Is it all that special stuffed up in a box in your attic? Sentimental items that bring pain shouldn’t come with you, either. Free yourself and your space at the same time.

4. Be Methodical

When you start to declutter before your relocation, you need to plan where to start. Pick a room, a bulging closet, or even a drawer and go through your things one at a time. By doing so, you won’t feel too overwhelmed at the prospect of doing your entire house, and you can stop anytime.

Conclusion

When you declutter, you make the effort to rid your life of unnecessary and unwanted items. What better time to do it than before a move? Start decluttering now, know your options and how to decide, and have a plan. If you declutter first, you’ll have less to pack, move, and place in your new residence.