Are you looking to reduce the amount of stuff you must transport during your upcoming household move? Or do you just want to start fresh with less clutter in your new place? Regardless, it’s a good idea to declutter your belongings before you start packing. You’ll be set up for a smoother and less stressful move from there!
Where do you begin when it comes to decluttering before your move? We’ve got a few tried-and-true tips for you to keep in mind.
1. Give Yourself Time
First, ensure you’re giving yourself enough time to tackle decluttering. Preparing for a move is time-consuming, so you might only have a little extra time to sort through all your belongings if you wait until the last minute.
It’s best to start with your decluttering early in the process (weeks or even months ahead of your move), so you have plenty of time to get through it all without rushing.
2. Move From Room to Room
Many people find that the easiest way to get started with decluttering is to simply work on one room at a time. Start with the room in your home with the most stuff, whether it be a spare bedroom or kids’ toy room. From there, you can gradually move on to other spaces, closets, garages, sheds, and basements (where applicable).
Working on one room at a time can help the process feel more manageable while preventing less productive “jumping around” from one area to the next.
3. Get Family Members Involved
If others are living in your home, get them involved in the process whenever possible. Children can decide which toys to eliminate, which books to donate, etc. Spouses or partners can also help sort through belongings, allowing you to accomplish more in a smaller amount of time.
In some cases, you might even call in outside help from friends or more distant relatives to assist you in boxing up and getting rid of things you no longer need.
4. Hold a Yard Sale
One of the best things about decluttering your home before a move is that you can sell some items you no longer need in a pre-move yard sale. The proceeds from this yard sale can help cover some of your moving expenses. Anything you don’t sell during the yard sale can be easily donated or trashed/recycled.
5. Remember the 20/20 Rule
The “20/20 Rule” of decluttering states that if you’re on the fence about getting rid of something and it’s something you could replace for less than $20, and in less than 20 minutes, you should get rid of it. Following this rule as you de-clutter can make your decision-making more manageable and save time.
Get More Help With Your Move
Getting rid of your unwanted belongings before you move can save you a lot of time, stress, and hassle down the road—and with these practical tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to decluttering with ease.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more assistance with your upcoming move, a team of professional movers can make all the difference. Contact us today to start your free moving quote!
