10 Tips to help you declutter before you move
Congratulations! You’re taking the next step and made the decision to move house. Of course, it comes with a process not many of us enjoy – packing!
To make the most out of the process, we encourage you to take the opportunity to declutter your spaces, so you arrive at your new home as the freshest version of yourself!
Here are our top 10 tips to help you declutter before you move house.
- Make a plan
Having a plan is the best way to start the packing process. Firstly, take note of the dates you have access to the new home, and when you need to leave your current home. From this plan, create your goals e.g. having the bedrooms packed before the end of the week.
- Start early (even if it’s slow!)
Start slow, don’t stop! Beginning the packing and decluttering process early is essential for a smooth process later on. Even if you have some time before you move, packing your less-used items early will save you stress and a cluttered home in the future.
You don’t need to pack everything all at once – have a goal to declutter one shelf and pack one box per day, or per week depending on your moving timeline. Doing small tasks consistently makes the entire process seem less daunting!
- Start with the places you don’t use often
On that note, it’s a great idea to start with the places and items you don’t use very often! Maybe it’s the tool shed, the Christmas decorations, the basement or the spare bathroom. These spaces are often the places we tend to leave items to collect dust, which means it’s a great opportunity to declutter while you pack!
Keep a garbage bag and donation bin next to you as you declutter, so you’re not tempted to pack the items to want to let go of.
- Consider your new home
Will your new kitchen have more or less storage space? Will you be downgrading from the double garage to a single carport? What are the wardrobe sizes like in the new home? Whatever the case, consider these factors when you’re packing.
For example, if you have less kitchen space in the new home, consider donating any odd cups or mugs you have lying around to save space.
- Consider expiration dates
When you arrive at the kitchen portion of your packing journey, make sure you consider and check expiration dates. Do you really need three duplicates of the same spice? Is the cereal going to stay fresh until after the move? Check all your items, throw away anything that isn’t in date anymore and have your soon-to-expire items within easy access.
- Think about what you’ve used and loved in your current house
We’ve all heard the term “if you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it” (or something thereabouts!). This is a great question to ask yourself when you begin to declutter many areas of your home. Is there a food processor you’ve never used taking up space in your cupboard? Are there items of clothing collecting dust at the back of your wardrobe?
It can be difficult to let go of items that are sentimental to us – but we encourage you to think about how often you’ve used or worn the item in your current house, and whether you can see yourself using it in the new house. If you haven’t, consider passing it on.
- Keep a donation bin and make regular drop-offs (or schedule a pick-up)
One of the best ways to reduce waste and declutter is to donate any unwanted items to your local charity or drop off location. Keep a donation bin handy throughout your home, so you can drop any items in there as you find them. Once a box or bag is full, take it straight to your local drop off or arrange to have somebody come pick it up for you.
- The tidier your pack, the tidier your new home
We’re talking labels and neatly packing your items! When you have clearly labelled boxes, it makes the packing process so much easier. It also means you’re more likely to begin your life in the new house on a clean slate – you’re probably going to neatly put items away when they’re neatly packed!
- Save daily use items for last
This might be an obvious one, but make sure you’re not packing your daily use items such as toiletries or kitchen items too soon! You’re more likely to make a mess when you’re constantly unpacking and repacking things, and it increases the chances of lost items. A great option is to keep a spare box or suitcase ready to pack with daily essentials the night before or morning of the move.
- Do it with LOVE
Moving home is a big decision, and there’s no doubt that it’s often a stressful one. But, it’s a part of life that all of us go through at some point. Make sure you try to savour the decluttering and moving process as much as possible, because you can often make some great memories during the experience!
If you’re ready to take the next step and sell your home, or you’re looking for your dream home, do it with LOVE! Our experienced team are ready to help you with every step of the process. DM us today!
If you’re ready to sell or move, check out our other blogs here.
