Moving can be a stressful and chaotic time, but one way to make the process smoother and more organized is to declutter before you move. Clutter can accumulate over time in our homes, so taking the time to declutter before a move can save you time, money, and energy in the long run. Here’s the ultimate guide to decluttering before a home move:
Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to start decluttering. Begin the process at least a few weeks before your move so that you have time to go through all of your belongings and make decisions about what to keep, donate, or throw away.
Create a Plan
Before you start decluttering, make a plan of attack. Decide which rooms or areas of your home you will tackle first and set goals for each decluttering session. Having a plan in place will help keep you organized and focused throughout the process.
Sort your Belongings
As you go through each room, sort your belongings into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and throw away. Be honest with yourself about what you truly need and use on a regular basis. If you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, it may be time to let it go.
Purge Unwanted Items
Once you have sorted your belongings, it’s time to purge the items you no longer need or want. Consider hosting a garage sale, donating items to charity, or selling items online to make some extra cash before your move. Getting rid of unwanted items will not only help declutter your home but also lighten the load for your move.
Organize and Pack
After you have decluttered and purged unwanted items, it’s time to organize and pack up your belongings. Invest in storage bins, boxes, and packing materials to keep your items organized and protected during the move. Label each box with the contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking at your new home.
Hire a Professional
If decluttering feels overwhelming or if you simply don’t have the time or energy to do it yourself, consider hiring a professional organizer to help you declutter before your move. A professional organizer can provide guidance, support, and expertise to help you streamline the decluttering process and make your move as seamless as possible.