Moving to a new home can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter, but it can also feel overhelming, especially if you’ve accumulated a significant amount of clutter over the years. Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, decluttering before the move is essential. In this article, we’ll explore five ways to declutter your home to save time and money and make the moving process less stressful.
Why should you declutter your home before moving?
Decluttering before a move is crucial for avoiding carrying unnecessary items with you to your new home. By decluttering, you can get rid of items you no longer need, use or want and save on transportation costs. It can also be frustrating to arrive at your new home, only to find that there is no space for all your belongings. Decluttering before moving will allow you to settle more quickly into your new home and save you time packing, unpacking and organising your belongings.
5 Ways To Declutter Before Moving
Envision your new home
Before you start decluttering, take some time to visualise your new home, including the layout and how your furniture and belongings will fit. Will you have enough space for everything? Will there be enough storage space? Envisioning your new home will help you determine what items you need to keep and what can be left behind. You should also consider the aesthetic and style of your new home and any furniture or appliances that will already be included.
Be ruthless
When it comes to decluttering, it pays to be ruthless. This means going through your belongings, wardrobe, furniture, decorations and other items and being honest with yourself about what you no longer need or use. It can be challenging to let go of items that have sentimental value, but it’s essential to prioritise. For example, if you haven’t used a particular item in the past year or two, it’s likely you won’t need it in your new home.
Sell, donate or dispose
Once you’ve identified what you no longer need, it’s time to decide what to do with it. Some items may be suitable for selling, such as furniture or electronics. You can also donate items such as clothes, toys or books to charity. It’s important to dispose of items that are broken, damaged or expired responsibly. For example, hazardous items such as batteries or chemicals should be disposed of according to local regulations.
Don’t procrastinate
Decluttering can be a time-consuming and daunting process, and it’s tempting to procrastinate. However, leaving it until the last minute will only add to your stress levels. It’s best to start decluttering as soon as you decide to move. This will give you enough time to go through your belongings thoroughly and make informed decisions about what to keep, sell, donate or dispose.
Start packing non-essential items
Once you have decluttered your home, it’s time to start packing. Begin by packing non-essential items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal clothes, books or decorations. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. This will make unpacking more manageable and organised at your destination.
Additional tips for packing include:
- Invest in high-quality packing supplies, such as sturdy boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape. This will help ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. Caloundra Removals & Storage can supply you with affordable, quality packing materials for convenience.
- Pack strategically by starting with heavier items on the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. This will prevent boxes from becoming too heavy and difficult to move and will also prevent damage to more fragile belongings. Fill empty spaces with packing materials to prevent items from shifting during transit.
- Fragile items such as glassware and electronics should be packed with extra care. Use bubble wrap or packing paper to wrap each item individually and mark the box as fragile.
- Pack a separate box with essential items such as toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes and important documents to ensure you have everything you need on-hand when you arrive at your new home.
Hire a professional company for hassle-free removals!
Finally, hiring a professional removal company can make the moving process less stressful and more efficient. At Caloundra Removals & Storage, we use cutting-edge removal equipment and years of experience to ensure your belongings remain safe and secure during transit. Our team is knowledgeable about the best practices for packing, loading and unloading, which will help prevent damage to your belongings. Additionally, we offer affordable removalist and removal & storage solutions, as well as a range of other services to suit your needs.