Moving is the perfect time to declutter your home! Not only will it save you from having to move unnecessary items, it will make your new home feel orderly and fresh. Decluttering is especially essential if you’re going to be downsizing.
Here are some great decluttering tips:
Be Thoughtful About What to Keep
There are bound to be many items in your home that have sentimental value but that are also cluttering your space. Mentally, it can be difficult to rid yourself of these possessions, even if you’re not using them or even looking at them.
It’s important to recognize when you’ve attached sentimentality to an item. Think about the last time you used the item and if it would enrich your life in your new home. It may be helpful to compile your favourite sentimental items into a memory box or album, and then get rid of the rest.
Work Section-by-Section
Moving is a daunting task in and of itself, but decluttering your home before moving carries its own stresses and can be overwhelming. To make decluttering more manageable, work in one section at a time (e.g. kitchen, closet, bathroom, etc.).
Once you’ve finished that section, then you can move on to the next. This will not only make the process smoother, but it will help you see a noticeable difference as you work.
Organize into Categories
While decluttering, organize your items into different categories. A keep category, a donate category, and a trash category. Many of your things can find new homes when donated, so hand off lightly-used items to your local thrift store.
Sell Unwanted Items
If you’re up to it, you can sell your unwanted items in order to make a bit of extra money before you move. Have a yard sale or list items online like Facebook Marketplace.
Go Digital
Digitize items such as receipts and important documents and get rid of the original, if possible. This a great way to ensure you’ll always have access to important files. You can also digitize sentimental items such as cards and letters, which can pile up over the years.
One In, One Out
Begin implementing the one in, one out rule: when you buy something new, get rid of something old. For example, if you buy a new article of clothing, get rid of an old piece of clothing that you’re not wearing anymore.
This method is especially helpful for when you’ve actually moved—you don’t want to re-clutter a new house!
Organize What You Keep
When you have moved in to a new house, organize what you’ve decided to keep efficiently by installing storage solutions throughout the house. This can include racks in your closet, magnetic shelving for your fridge in the kitchen, and bins or boxes for seasonal items.
When your home is organized it’s also easier to recognize when something is going unused, thus helping you declutter more in the future.
Less is More Mindset
A big part of decluttering is changing your mentality. If you’re someone who has trouble getting rid of things, consider the real value those items bring to your life. Once you actually have decluttered, assess how you feel with fewer items around and remember the feeling for your next declutter.
Decluttering your life not only makes for a tidier home, but a cleaner mind!
