De-cluttering before moving can save money, energy, and time. Also, you can donate or sell some of the items and get extra income before you move. But the process of de-cluttering can be daunting, particularly since you also have to plan for the move. Use the following tips to get started.
1. Start With Rarely Used Things and Rooms
Rarely-used rooms include the garage, attic, and basement for most people. When you start with rarely-used rooms, you can quickly identify unnecessary items. You would also be able to store the selected items in bins and boxes within those rooms. Also, this strategy ensures minimal or no disruption to your daily routine.
2. Consider Lifestyle and Function
Your lifestyle may change in the new home. For example, you may plan to host more guests or engage in new activities like stretching and exercising. In addition, the new space might have a different flow and function from your current home. This information helps you to know what items may not be useful in your new home.
3. Start Early
You must take your time to effectively analyze each item in your home and determine its usefulness. Such a task may not be possible if you do things in a rush. You might keep items that you don’t need or throw away important things.
If you start de-cluttering early, this may also help you sell your house more quickly. That is because potential buyers prefer a simple and clutter-free home.
4. Make a List
Create a list of all your large items together with each item’s measurement. For example, know the measurements of furniture items, large collections, sports gear, and luggage. Compare the sizes of these items with the size of available space in your new home. If you won’t find a space to put the item in the new home, get rid of that item.
5. Use Up Consumables
Once you confirm the moving date, start using up consumables and limit the purchase of new consumables. For example, try to get rid of pantry items to reduce the amount of food you will have to move with. Other items that you should use include:
Beauty and personal care items like lotion, body wash, and shampoo
Household products like laundry detergent, paper products, and cleaning supplies
Certain types of books, particularly borrowed books.
The aim is to relocate with as few consumables as possible.
6. Use the Practicality Test
Sometimes, you may not be sure if you should keep or get rid of an item. In this case, set a timeline within which you must use the item. If that timeline expires without using the item, then donate or sell it. For example, if you don’t use certain kitchen utensils within six months, then you likely don’t need those items.
7. Check Expiration Dates
Some items in your home may have seen better days and are no longer useful. Before you start packing, check the expiration date of every item. If you don’t know the expiration date, check the receipt and research the durability of the item. For example, spices can remain useful for many years but will lose potency after a few months.
8. Have a Timeline
If you don’t have many items, you can de-clutter your home in one afternoon or a single weekend. But if you have many items, you will have to do the whole process over a long period. Create a timeline with specific milestones. For example, you can target to de-clutter a room each week.
The success of your move will depend on the professionalism and experience of your chosen moving company. If you select Christofferson Moving & Storage, expect expedited moving services. We offer local and cross-country moving services. Contact us for reliable, grounded, dependable, and trustworthy services.
