Moving, whether it be your first time or your 100th, is a stressful time.
It’s filled with excitement, anticipation, and even overwhelm.
One sure way to help with all the anxiety surrounding moving is to commit to decluttering home stuff before you move.
It saves you in many areas.
For example, decluttering home things means you’ll have less to pack (YAY), less to move, and less to find a new home for in your new environment.
In fact, decluttering should be the first thing you do when you decide to move.
It’s a great way to have a clean, fresh start in your new home, and you can skip the move-in cleaning when you have less to clean.
Furthermore, having less “stuff” fosters a more sustainable lifestyle, which can significantly contribute to better mental health.
A calmer, more organized home can do wonders for you! So, let’s start with how to declutter and organize before you move in.
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Benefits of Decluttering Your Home
There are many benefits of decluttering home areas before you move.
It makes it easier for a move-in cleaning and lessens stress levels.
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In addition, decluttering your home can help with focus and concentration as there are fewer visual and physical distractions.
It can maximize available space, look tidier, and make your current home more appealing to potential buyers.
Decluttering home things helps you prioritize what is important and what is “extra” and reduces the amount of storage needed during the moving process.
There aren’t any bad pieces to decluttering your home before you move, so let’s start with how exactly you do that.
How to Declutter Your Home Before You Move In
Plan What You’ll Do With the Things You’ve Decluttered
Decluttering is half the battle. But the other half takes some work, too.
You need to decide what you’ll do with the things you’re getting rid of. If you have the time, consider selling some items.
This can help you make back some money and clear our items quickly. To decide this, consider whether you have the time to commit to selling items, how you’ll go about it, and if it’s worth the effort.
You can list items for sale on online marketplaces, in consignment shops, or host a yard sale. You can also list items for free on different online marketplaces, which helps clear things out very quickly.
Start as Early as Possible
Starting your decluttering journey is best as soon as possible.
This gives you more time to get through your entire house and be more thoughtful and intentional with what you’re getting rid of and what you’re keeping.
In addition, giving yourself plenty of time also leaves you more time if you want to sell items without feeling rushed.
Finally, a decluttered home is easier to sell than one with clutter.
Make a Decluttering Plan
Having a decluttering plan will make the decluttering process much more manageable.
This is because a decluttering plan will remind you of places not to forget, items to keep at the forefront of your mind, and your motivation for why you’re decluttering.
It can also be helpful for organizing where the things you’re getting rid of are going and ensuring that all the decluttering is done before moving day.
Avoid Buying New Things
Buying new things will only add to the stuff you’re trying to declutter.
Even though it’s very tempting to buy new home things when you’re moving, it’s important to wait until after you move to do so.
This will help the decluttering process immensely.
Focus on buying less and instead go through what you have and list what you might need to buy after you move.
Use Up Your Extras
Decluttering is the best time to go through your pantry, closets, and elsewhere you stock up on.
Use your shampoos, conditioners, extra soaps, and paper towels, and eat all those soups you have stocked up on.
Using up your extras will mean less to pack and less to move. Win-win situation!
Use Practical Thinking
Practical thinking can be very handy when it comes to decluttering.
Ask yourself honestly – will I use this, will I wear this again?
Do I really need three of these?
Practical thinking is hugely helpful with decluttering.
It helps you be realistic and intentional with what you keep and get rid of.
Check Expiration Dates
When you’re decluttering, check the expiration dates of everything.
Expiration dates are on shampoos, lotions, makeup, food, things in your fridge, and more.
There’s a good chance you have some things past their expiration date and can be tossed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the journey to a new home is not just a physical transition but an opportunity for a fresh start.
Decluttering and organizing before a move is more than a practical necessity; it’s a transformative process that sets the tone for a harmonious and stress-free living space.
As you sift through belongings, making decisions about what to keep and what to let go, you’re not merely reducing physical clutter but creating mental clarity, reducing stress, and focusing on being mindful about what you’re bringing.
The intentional act of organizing is a gift to your future self, ensuring that when you step into your new home, it welcomes you with open space, purposeful arrangements, and a sense of tranquility.
Embrace the decluttering journey as a chance to curate your surroundings, shedding the unnecessary to make room for the meaningful.
By investing time in this pre-move preparation, you’re not just changing your address but shaping a home that reflects your values, aspirations, and commitment to a more sustainable life.
