Moving is exciting—until you look around at everything that needs to be packed. The sight of it all might make you want to stay put!
You’re not alone; the average American household owns over 300,000 items. That’s a lot to pack!
So, it’s time to declutter your house. But how do you know what to keep and what to discard?
To make your upcoming move easier, let’s look at ways to declutter before moving day arrives.
Start Early and Small
When you know you’re moving, looking around your house at all the stuff can feel overwhelming. That’s why starting early and small is the easiest way to handle such a big project.
As soon as you know you’re moving, start decluttering. The longer you wait, the more daunting the task will seem. Even if the move is six months from now, starting early will be worth it.
Divide your efforts into small, manageable pieces. Don’t focus on decluttering your entire bedroom. Do one area at a time. One day, clean out the closet. Next, tackle the dresser. Focusing on smaller goals will keep you motivated.
If You Don’t Use It, Eliminate It
A good rule of thumb is, if you haven’t used it within the last six months, eliminate it. That’s true with almost everything you own.
But if you’re still having an issue getting rid of something, ask yourself these questions:
- How often do you use it?
- Is it difficult to replace?
- Is it outdated?
- Do you have several similar items?
If you answer these questions truthfully, the decision will become crystal clear.
But if you’re still conflicted, ask yourself, “Is the time and effort of carrying this item into my new home worth keeping it?” If you answer no, let the item go.
Reward a Deep Decluttering
Having several deep decluttering sessions is necessary to go through everything thoroughly. Scheduling this over a weekend will give you the most time to get it all done.
But it doesn’t have to be something you dread. Make it fun! Get the family together or call in a few friends. Turn on some music to get everyone moving and serve plenty of cold drinks.
Then reward everyone’s hard work with a dinner or a movie.
Leave the Mementos for Last
When decluttering before moving, it’s easier to give away an unused old lamp than it is to give away items with sentimental value. So, save reviewing the mementos for last.
Determine if you truly love the item itself or the memory that goes along with it. If it’s just the memory, consider taking a picture of it to keep instead of the item. Perhaps make a small scrapbook of these photos later to keep as one memento.
Consider giving the item to another family member or friend. It may be easier to let go of it if you know it’s going to a good home.
Move with a Fresh Start: Declutter Before Moving
Moving is all about out with the old and on to the new. Decluttering before the move will help provide a fresh start in your new home.
Want to make your move even easier? Contact us today for a free quote! MEYER Household Moving is here to assist with all your moving needs.
