Whether it’s across the country or down the street, organizing and decluttering what you take with you is an excellent way to take the pressure off of a big move. The best decluttering process happens over a long period, preferably more than 30 days before your moving date. This gives you plenty of time to pack the things you do want versus wasting time debating on what you don’t want in the moving boxes.
Keeping the decluttering pile to one designated area will also help you keep the rest of the house organized. Watching a growing mountain may inspire you to add more as you begin to experience the sense of liberation. Here are 5 simple ways to help you trim down your belongings before you move.
Begin with Your Wardrobe
If you’re a trendsetter or a minimalist dresser, it’s easy to acquire more clothes and accessories than you need. Wardrobe items are one of the most straightforward areas to downsize when we access our closets every day. Go through everything and free yourself of things that don’t fit, aren’t comfortable, are no longer necessary for your casual or work life, are beyond repair, too much of a bother to repair, or you haven’t worn in 6–12 months.
Take It One Room at a Time
Trying to figure out what to declutter in the entire house in one sitting can be overwhelming, so take it one space at a time. Pick a room, and go through every closet, drawer, shelf, and nook in that one space. Assess large furniture pieces for severe damage, throw out trash, pre-wrap valuable items, and ditch any duplicate clutter you find. It will be easier to identify the need for an item when comparing it to similar ones in the same space.
Sentimental or Just Stuff?
It’s easy for us to attach memories to even the most random and poorly made items in our lives. Keepsakes have their place, but too many can become a problem when taking too many from place to place. Antique items may be more valuable to a collector than they are in your curio. You can also just keep pictures of things you want to associate with memories, instead of keeping the item for no other reason.
Evaluate the Quality
You should actively consider the durability of your possessions before packing begins. Determine if it’s acquired significant wear or damage to help you justify if it should stay around. Staple furniture pieces like sofas, whole dining sets, dressers, and bed frames may have been an expensive investment and worth fixing up when needed over the years. However, items made with cheap materials, out-of-date electronic parts, or clashing decor themes may not be worth the time and stress it takes to move them. If you want, you can always replace those items when you get to your future space.
Take It to the Internet
If you prefer to give your stuff the best chance at a second life, outside of donating it to well-researched charitable organizations, take it straight to the Internet. Post on social media marketplace forums or apps specifically designed to give your used furniture, clothes, and other miscellaneous items to someone who’s been looking for them. Whether you post it for free or try to get back some of your investment, it’s an excellent way to let someone else move an oversized, unwanted item for you or to make a few bucks for the price of a trip to the post office.
If you’ve decluttered everything to your preference and need help moving it all, let Slater Transfer & Storage take care of the remaining details for your next move. For over 40 years, we’ve made sure our customers in Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico never have to worry about the safety and security of their belongings while moving. Whether it’s a local or long-distance moving trip, we’ll take the pressure off what you’re bringing by handling all the heavy lifting and providing the best materials to transport it.
Give us a call to get a quote or to start getting things scheduled. We can’t wait to help you start living your next phase of life as hassle-free as possible!
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