Moving house is the perfect time to declutter your possessions. It also helps avoid the cost of moving belongings that you don’t want anymore. Knowing how to declutter can make the whole process easier. If you’re planning to move soon or are about to start, here are some tips to help you get the job done.
Start Planning Early
The best time to start decluttering is as soon as you decide to move. Starting early allows you to plan out the move and sort through your home methodically without feeling rushed. It also gives you time to sell and donate any unwanted items. Breaking the process down into manageable chunks is key. Having a decluttering checklist can help you stay focused and on track without getting overwhelmed.
Tackle One Area at a Time
Decluttering your home can feel like a massive task, but it doesn’t have to be. The trick is to go through it one room at a time and tackle it in small, manageable chunks. Once you’ve picked a room, don’t try to declutter the whole space at once. You can break it down even further by only focusing on one section of the room at a time. Just take on your office desk for the day, or the bathroom cupboards, or your bedside cabinet. Declutter that one area, then stop. This helps you finish on a high note after every session.
Sort Through Your Belongings
Moving house offers a unique opportunity to evaluate every item in your home. Before you pack, it’s wise to sort through everything and decide what you really want to take with you. However, don’t feel pressured to assess every single item. If you can’t bear to part with something, bring it with you. Unpacking at your new place can give you a fresh perspective and another opportunity to decide if you truly want to keep it.
Donate and Sell Unwanted Items
As you go through your belongings, separate them into four different piles: keep, donate, sell, or discard. It’s always better to sell or donate your unwanted things where possible. Advertise the items you wish to sell and donate any items that are still in good condition. Knowing that your items are getting a second life can also make the decluttering process easier.
Learn More: Where to Donate After Decluttering
Finish Up Opened Items
A simple way to declutter before moving is to focus on using up any items you’ve already opened. In the weeks leading up to your move, work your way through the frozen and perishable foods, open bathroom supplies and cleaning products. While doing this, check for anything that’s expired or no longer needed. This helps get rid of empty containers and minimises what you have to pack.
Plan Your Unpacking Process
Planning out your unpacking process is key to a thorough declutter ahead of a move. If you understand the layout and storage space of your new home, you’ll know how much you might need to declutter. This ensures your remaining items all have a designated place in the new house. To make unpacking easier, plan where you want items to go and pack your boxes accordingly.
Learn More: How to Unpack Efficiently After Moving
Need Help Moving House?
If you’re short of time or don’t know where to start, consider hiring a professional to declutter your home. Well Organised offers packing and unpacking services for those moving into a new home. Our team will help sort through your belongings before packing and can even project manage your move. Contact us today for an initial consultation.