4 Tips for Decluttering Before You Move House
Introduction – 4 Tips for Decluttering Before You Move House
While moving to a new house can be exciting, there are many things you need to do before inviting your friends to a housewarming party. It’s not all about shopping in IKEA or deciding where to put your new sofa.
Packing up your belongings and clearing out your old place forms a big part of the process. Why not use this opportunity to declutter your things and reduce your possessions? It can be overwhelming to decide what to keep and what to discard. You might be tempted to shove everything into boxes and deal with it later.
I don’t believe ignoring your clutter is the answer, and I find it far easier to lighten your possession before you move than afterwards.
Below I will give you four tips for decluttering before you move house:
Start Early
Decluttering is a process that takes time. Don’t wait until the last minute to start decluttering. Give yourself plenty of time to sort through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to let go of. Beginning this process in good time will also help you avoid feeling rushed and stressed as the moving day approaches.
Make a plan of all the areas in your house that you want to declutter, and plan to do an hour of decluttering daily. Remember you still need to go to work, look after your kids, eat and attend to your many other commitments.
Use the Four-Box Method
The four-box method is a popular decluttering technique that involves sorting items into four categories: keep, donate, sell, and trash. As you go through each room, use this method to help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
Items you want to keep should be packed and labelled accordingly with the name of the room they are going to. Labelled boxes make it easier for the movers to place the container in the correct room at the other end. Thus, easier for you to unpack.
You can give items you wish to donate to a charity shop or advertise on Freecycle. For more info, check out my earlier blog, From Clothes to Electronics: Where to Donate Your Unwanted Items.
Items you want to sell can be listed on online marketplaces, such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but beware, selling things is often more hassle than what it’s worth.
Your local council can pick up items you need to recycle for a small fee. Ensure you have all of them ready at the same time and outside your house on the required date. Alternatively, you could take them to the tip yourself if you have a car or rope in a friend if you don’t.
Be Realistic
When decluttering, it’s essential to be realistic about what you need and don’t. Ask yourself if you have used or worn the item in the last six months to a year. If the answer is no, it’s safe to get rid of it. Also, consider whether the item is sentimental or has emotional value. If it does, you may want to keep it; if not, it might be time to let it go.
Budget Dumpster, in a blog post entitled ’51 Things to Get Rid of Before a Move’, divides the house by room and gives detailed suggestions about what to discard. Of course, this is a very personal thing, but his main message is to declutter broken stuff, duplicates and items you no longer use.
Get Help
Decluttering can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can enlist the help of family or friends or hire a professional organizer to assist you. Having someone to help you make decisions and keep you motivated can make the process much easier.
I have helped with multiple house moves, from families decluttering their houses to students wishing t move rooms in halls. Please get in touch with me to discuss your upcoming move. I might be able to help.
Conclusion – 4 Tips for Decluttering Before You Move House
In conclusion, decluttering before you move is an essential task that can help make your move smoother and less stressful.
By starting early, creating a plan, using the four-box method, being realistic, and getting help, you can successfully declutter your home and prepare for your move. Remember, decluttering is not just about getting rid of things but also about creating space for new beginnings.
trabantbettina
Bettina Anna Trabant, Founder of Life Organised, your professional organising and decluttering service in East London. Eco-conscious minimalist and avid tea drinker,