How to Declutter Before a Move: Simplify, Organize, and Efficiently Pack for Your New Home
How to Declutter Before a Move?
Decluttering before a move is essential to save time, energy, and money.
To start, it is important to give yourself enough time for the process and begin with rooms and items that are used the least.
This could include the basement, attic, or garage.
As you declutter, pack items simultaneously to save time and minimize disruption.
Clean and neatly pack the wanted items to potentially save money on packing materials.
During the decluttering process, it is important to not get stuck on old memories and to separate sorted items into piles such as keep, trash, donate, sell, store, and recycle.
Following the 20/20 rule and involving children in the process can also be helpful.
Additionally, scheduling dedicated time for decluttering each week and considering temporary storage options, such as portable moving and storage containers, like PODS, can make the process smoother.
Hiring a professional organizer is another option to gain assistance in decluttering.
Ultimately, only bring items you love and need to your new home to make the move easier and more efficient.
Key Points:
- Giving yourself enough time for the decluttering process and starting with least used rooms and items
- Packing items simultaneously while decluttering to save time and minimize disruption
- Cleaning and neatly packing wanted items to potentially save money on packing materials
- Separate sorted items into piles (keep, trash, donate, sell, store, and recycle) and avoid getting stuck on old memories
- Follow the 20/20 rule and involve children in the decluttering process
- Consider scheduling dedicated time for decluttering each week and exploring temporary storage options
Did You Know?
1. The average American home contains approximately 300,000 items, highlighting the need for decluttering before a move.
2. The term “decluttering” was popularized by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo, whose book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” became a bestseller worldwide.
3. Studies have shown that decluttering can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress levels and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
4. The act of decluttering can be physically beneficial as well, as it often involves physical activity and movement, leading to increased energy expenditure and potential weight loss.
5. Decluttering not only benefits the individual but also the environment. By donating or recycling unwanted items, less waste is sent to landfills, promoting sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with moving.
The Cost Of Clutter: Save Money By Downsizing Before A Move
Moving can be an expensive endeavor, and one way to mitigate costs is by decluttering before you pack up and go. The more items you have, the more it will cost to move them. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, the size and weight of your belongings will directly impact your moving expenses. By taking the time to declutter and downsize, you can save not only money but also time and energy.
One practical benefit of decluttering before a move is the potential to earn some extra cash. As you go through your belongings, you may find that some items no longer serve a purpose in your life. Rather than throwing them away, consider donating them to a local charity or hosting a garage sale. Not only will you be lightening your load for the move, but you may also generate some much-needed cash to put towards your moving expenses or to invest in new items for your new home. It’s a win-win situation.
- Decluttering before a move can help you save money, time, and energy.
- Consider donating unwanted items to a local charity or hosting a garage sale.
- You have the chance to earn some extra cash by getting rid of unnecessary belongings.
Cash In On Decluttering: Donate Or Sell Your Unwanted Items
To offer expert advice on decluttering before a move, we approached Maija Diethelm, a professional organizer with extensive experience in simplifying and organizing lives. According to Diethelm, decluttering can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, it becomes a manageable and rewarding process.
One tip offered by Diethelm is to start early. Giving yourself ample time to declutter is crucial. Begin with rooms and items that are used the least, such as the basement, attic, or garage. These areas often accumulate clutter over time and can be a great place to start the decluttering process. As you go through your belongings, Diethelm recommends packing items as you declutter. This not only saves time but also minimizes disruption in your daily life. Additionally, cleaning and neatly packing the items you want to bring to your new home can potentially save you money on packing materials.
Another important aspect of decluttering is not getting stuck on old memories. While it’s natural to feel sentimental about certain items, it’s essential to ask yourself if they truly serve a purpose in your life. Diethelm suggests separating sorted items into different piles, including keep, trash, donate, sell, store, and recycle. This system allows you to evaluate each item individually, ensuring that you only bring the items you love and need to your new home.
Expert Tips For An Organized Move: Advice From A Professional Organizer
Incorporating a structured approach to decluttering can make the process more efficient and less overwhelming. One popular guideline to follow is the 20/20 rule for decluttering. The rule states that if an item can be replaced within 20 minutes for $20 or less, it’s better to part ways with it. This rule helps make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of, streamlining the decluttering process.
When it comes to decluttering before a move, it’s essential to involve every member of the household, including children. Teaching kids about the value of decluttering and involving them in the process not only lightens your load but also instills in them useful life skills. Schedule dedicated time for decluttering each week and make it a family activity. This ensures that everyone’s belongings are evaluated and decisions are made collectively.
If your new home will not have enough storage space for all your belongings, it may be worth considering portable moving and storage containers, such as PODS. These containers provide a convenient solution for temporarily storing items you don’t want to part with but can’t bring with you to your new home immediately. They offer a safe and secure option for keeping your belongings until you have the space to unpack and organize them properly.
- Incorporate a structured approach to decluttering
- Follow the 20/20 rule for decluttering
- Involve every member of the household, including children, in the decluttering process
- Schedule dedicated time each week for decluttering
- Consider portable moving and storage containers, like PODS, if you lack storage space in your new home
Effortless Decluttering: When, Where, And How To Tackle Your Belongings
With so many belongings to sort through, it’s important to have a systematic approach to decluttering. Start early and give yourself enough time to go through every room and item thoroughly. When deciding where to begin, consider starting with rooms and areas that are used the least. This includes spaces like the basement, attic, or garage. These areas often house items that are forgotten or no longer needed. By addressing these spaces first, you’ll have an easier time working through the rest of your home.
Once you start decluttering, don’t forget to tackle every nook and cranny. Open every cabinet, clean out junk drawers, and evaluate your clothing. These areas tend to accumulate clutter over time and often contain items that can easily be let go of. By leaving no stone unturned, you’ll ensure that you’re not bringing unnecessary items to your new home.
Start Early, Not Late: Give Yourself Ample Time To Declutter Before Moving
One of the keys to successful decluttering before a move is to start early. Many individuals underestimate the amount of time it takes to go through their belongings and end up feeling rushed or overwhelmed. By giving yourself ample time, you can approach decluttering in a calm and systematic manner.
To avoid unnecessary stress, set aside dedicated time each week to focus on decluttering. Create a schedule and treat it as a priority. By committing to decluttering sessions, you’ll ensure progress is made consistently, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by a last-minute rush before moving day.
Room By Room: Which Spaces To Begin Decluttering First
When it comes to decluttering, breaking the task down by room can make the process more manageable. Start with spaces that are less frequently used, such as the basement, attic, or garage. These areas tend to become storage spaces for items that are no longer needed or utilized.
Working through these spaces first will provide a sense of accomplishment and momentum as you move on to more lived-in spaces. The kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms can be addressed next. By tackling one room at a time, you can effectively declutter and organize all areas of your current home before the move.
Expert tip: Start early, involve the whole family, and tackle each room with intention.
In conclusion, decluttering before a move is a valuable and practical step to take. Not only does it save time, energy, and money, but it also allows you to start fresh in your new home. By following expert tips from professional organizers and approaching decluttering with a structured plan, you can simplify, organize, and efficiently pack for your new home.
- Start early
- Involve the whole family
- Tackle each room with intention
With a little determination and effort, you can achieve a clutter-free and stress-free move.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start decluttering before moving?
The ideal time to start decluttering before a move is as soon as you have the knowledge that you’ll be relocating. Instead of leaving it until the last minute, it is recommended to begin the process a few months in advance. By distributing the decluttering tasks over time, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and enjoy a more relaxed approach to organizing your belongings. Taking the time to go through each room at a leisurely pace will significantly reduce the stress associated with moving and make the process much more manageable.
What is the 20 rule decluttering?
The 20/20 rule is a practical approach to decluttering that helps individuals make decisions about letting go of items. According to this rule, if an item can be replaced for less than $20 and within a timeframe of 20 minutes or less, it may be worth considering parting ways with it. This rule not only simplifies the decision-making process but also encourages individuals to prioritize functionality and efficiency in their possessions. By applying the 20/20 rule, one can embrace a minimalist mindset and create a more organized living space.
Which room to declutter first?
If you’re looking for an easy room to declutter, consider starting with your entryway. This area usually has limited storage and is often cluttered with items like shoes, coats, and keys that can quickly accumulate. By decluttering your entryway, you’ll create a more inviting and organized space right from the moment you walk through the door.
Another easy room to tackle is the laundry room. With its limited storage space and clear purpose, it’s usually easier to determine which items are essential and which can be eliminated. Clearing out unnecessary detergent bottles or old cleaning supplies will help streamline your laundry routine and make the room feel more functional. Plus, decluttering this space can improve the efficiency of your laundry tasks, saving you time and energy in the long run.
What is the 90 90 rule for decluttering?
The 90 90 rule for decluttering is a simple guideline that helps individuals make decisions about what to keep and what to let go of in their homes. According to this rule, if an item hasn’t been used in the last 90 days and there’s no foreseeable use for it in the next 90 days, it is safe to part ways with it. By following this rule, individuals can effectively declutter their living spaces and create a more organized and serene environment, free from unnecessary possessions that only occupy space without serving a purpose. It encourages individuals to let go of items that no longer bring value or joy into their lives and facilitates a more mindful and intentional approach to the objects we surround ourselves with.
