Decluttering Before Your Move: How to Decide What Stays and What Goes

Moving can feel like juggling while riding a bicycle—challenging and a little chaotic. The thought of packing up your entire life can be overwhelming for all you busy folks. But here’s the good news: decluttering before your move can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Let’s dive into some practical decluttering tips to help you decide what stays and what goes!

The Power of Declutter

Decluttering: it’s like spring cleaning on steroids—minus the pollen and with a side of newfound space and freedom! Plus, it has plenty of mental health benefits as well.

Why Decluttering Matters

Before you even think about packing, consider this: decluttering helps you simplify your moving checklist. The fewer items you have to pack, the less time and energy you’ll spend on the whole ordeal.

Plus, who wants to pay extra for a bigger moving truck when you can downsize? A little decluttering can save you time, money, and sanity.

Fresh Start, Fresh Space

Think of your new home as a blank canvas. Starting fresh in a space without unnecessary clutter can work wonders for your mindset. Imagine walking into a home that feels organized and welcoming, instead of feeling like you just moved into a storage unit.

Decluttering sets the stage for a fresh start!

Packing and Sorting: Getting Down to Business

Packing and sorting: This is the stage where your belongings decide who stays and who gets kicked to the curb.

Create Your Decluttering Game Plan

Before you start diving into your stuff, create a game plan for decluttering. Make a list of all the rooms you need to tackle. Grab a clipboard, a notepad, or even an app to keep track of your progress. Having a moving checklist will help you stay organized and focused.

Separately labelled boxes or cartons will also help you put stuff where it belongs.

The Four-Box Method

Here’s a fun and effective way to categorize your belongings: the “Four-Box Method.” Get four boxes and label them Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. This method makes it simple to sort through your items. For example, that old coffee maker you never use? Toss it in the Donate box. Those mismatched socks? Trash them!

Assessing Your Items: Tough Decisions Made Easy

Assessing your items is like a reality show: “Keep it or Leave it”—and no one gets a consolation prize.

When Was the Last Time You Used It?

A great rule of thumb is to ask yourself, “When was the last time I used this?” If it’s been more than a year, it might be time to say goodbye

 We’ve all got those random kitchen gadgets or holiday decorations we keep “just in case.” But if you haven’t touched it in ages, it’s likely just taking up space.

Sentimental Items: The Heart vs. the Clutter

Now, let’s talk about sentimental items. We all have that one box of keepsakes that’s somehow become a mini shrine to our past. Here’s a tip: limit yourself to one memory box. Choose a few meaningful items, like your child’s first drawing or that old concert ticket.

Snap a photo of the rest and let them go. Your memories will still be intact, but your space will be much lighter!

Strategies for Effective Downsizing

Effective downsizing: the ultimate game of “what sparks joy”—minus the confetti, but plus a whole lot of space!

The One-Year Rule

If you haven’t used an item in the last year, it’s a solid candidate for the “let it go” list. That waffle maker you received as a wedding gift? Unless you’re planning a brunch extravaganza, it’s probably time to part ways.

Selling and Donating: The Joy of Giving

Do you have items that are still in great shape? Consider selling them online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. You’ll be amazed at how much you can earn.

If selling feels like too much hassle, local charities are often more than happy to take your gently used items. It’s a win-win—you declutter and help those in need!

Final Touches Before Moving Day

As you’re organizing before moving, remember: last-minute doubts are like surprise guests—uninvited and best ignored. Stick to your plan!

Last-Minute Decisions

As moving day approaches, you might find yourself second-guessing your choices. Did you need to let that old armchair go? Remind yourself why you started decluttering in the first place. Stick to your guns and don’t let last-minute doubts derail your progress.

Essentials Box: The Must-Haves

When packing, create an “essentials box” filled with everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. This could include toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and even your favorite coffee maker (if you can’t live without it!). Having this box easily accessible will make settling in a breeze.

Time to Embrace the Change!

Decluttering before your move isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating a welcoming, organized space for your family to thrive. By following these downsizing tips and practical packing strategies, you can transform your moving experience into something positive and exciting.

Experience an effortless move and a joyful home with LXS Vanlines — See how we can help! 

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