How to Declutter Before a Big Move
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Moving is already stressful, so clutter will only make it worse. Just think of having to waste time packing things you don’t need, then you need to unpack them and you end up wondering why you even bothered taking them with you in the first place. Every box you have to move needs effort/energy to move, not to mention money, and it will take up more space in your new home, so isn’t it better to declutter first?
We all own stuff we don’t use. We hang onto some “just in case,” and then we forget we even have some others. But in the end, our houses are filled with excess things and if there’s ever a perfect time to get rid of it all, it would be before moving.
It’s a lot, I know, but I’m here to make it easier on you, so keep reading and I’ll share my best tips to declutter like a pro and have a fresh start when you move.
Decluttering Room by Room
If it was me that was moving, how would I start my moving process? Well firstly, I wouldn’t do it by myself. If you can afford it, I’d recommend hiring a moving company to do all the boxing and heavy lifting for you. How much will that set you back depends entirely on where you live.
If you hire a moving company in New York, you’ll spend on average 1,010 USD for a local move (within 50 miles), while long-distance (up to 500 miles) will cost you almost 4000 USD.
Movers Atlanta residents hire charge about 20% less for a local move, but are more expensive when it comes to long-distance jobs. Chicago movers will, compared to NYC, charge about 40% more.
This is why I can't really tell you exactly how much it’ll cost you. Just ring up a few local movers and see what they might charge – the prices might surprise you (positively or negatively; let’s hope for positive).
It’s far easier to do all that packing and heavy carrying without having to lift a finger, right? But going this route is (obviously) also more expensive, so I’d make sure to take only what I need and love with me.
How? Easy. First, you start with the areas you don’t use as much because that’s where the bulk of the clutter is. The attic, basement, and garage is where you start. Clear them out first and you’ll get about half the work done. Then, you go to your common areas, like the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. I bet you’ll find at least one broken appliance, decor that was last trendy in the 90s, and duplicates of household items that you no longer have a use for. The rule is: unless you use it on a regular basis, get rid of it.
Next, bedrooms and closets. I’m not unreasonable and I know some things have sentimental value. Of course, you’ll want to keep it, but make sure you’re realistic. If it’s just collecting dust, how much sentiment is really connected to it? If it has no purpose and it doesn’t bring you joy, there’s really no reason to have it.
Decluttering Checklist
While getting rid of some things from your home, you should also think about what you may want to do with them. Don’t just blindly throw things away. If it’s in good condition, donate it because someone might be able to use it. Of course, recycle whatever you can, sell anything that still has value, and then what’s left needs to be disposed of responsibly.
1. Things to Keep
You only want things you actually need, use, or love in your new home. Obviously, that means clothes, cookware, important documents, and toiletries will make the cut. Those sentimental trinkets belong here, too, but again – be reasonable and be selective about it. Keep what truly has meaning, you don’t need to hold onto things out of habit.
You likely want all your furniture and appliances have to come with you (especially if it’s brand new), but not unless they fit in your new home. Otherwise, you’ll more likely get annoyed by trying to fit something in your new space if it happens to be bigger, older, or just ill-fitted for the new space.
2. Things to Donate
Clothes, shoes, and accessories that are in a good condition could mean the world to someone else because all are still usable. If you have a duplicate of kitchen wares (a pot, utensils, small appliances, etc.), please share it with another person in need. It’s a small deed, with great, blissful consequences. It’s just good karma.
And linens, blankets, and towels; if you have above what you need, consider sending it to shelters or charities.
3. Things to Sell
It’s time to sell the things that have some value but which you no longer need. Sell electronics, furniture, and appliances that still work but don't fit your new space. Whatever you have, list it as quickly as possible. You never know, someone who can utilize it might be willing to pay for some items that are just kept posting dust in your house.
4. Things to Throw Away
Some things are just not worth the trouble they bring, so they need to go. Like, for good. Expired items in your pantry, medications, and beauty products that have been sitting for too long need to be disposed of. And it’s the same with worn out, broken furniture, old appliances, and generally things that aren’t worth the trouble to be hauled into your new home.
If you have anything containing sensitive information, shred it before you toss it into recycling.
Conclusion
I’m not saying moving will be easy, but if you declutter, it will be quicker, simpler, and cheaper. And that’s really anyone can hope for because moving is stressful and that won’t change.
Be brutal, get rid of anything you don’t need or doesn’t make you happy and you’ll be surprised at how much more space you’ll have in your new house.
