Moving to a new home can be a thrilling adventure, but it can also be a bit challenging. There are heaps of things to do before the big day, like packing, organising, and planning. One of the most crucial jobs is decluttering your home. In this article, we’ll talk about why decluttering is so important before a move and share some great tips to make the job easier.
What is decluttering?
Decluttering is when you go through all your stuff and decide what to keep, give away, sell or chuck out. Doing this helps you get rid of unnecessary items in your home, making it simpler to pack and organise everything for the move. Decluttering isn’t just about throwing things away, but also about deciding what items are really important and special to you.
Why is decluttering important before a move?
1. Save money on removalist fees
One of the main reasons to declutter before a move is to save money on removalist fees. The more items you have, the more it’ll cost to move them. By getting rid of things you don’t need, you can save on the cost of hiring a removalist or renting a truck. This can be super helpful if you’re on a tight budget or want to save some cash on moving expenses.
2. Save time and energy during the move
Decluttering before a move can save you heaps of time and energy on the actual moving day. With fewer things to pack, you can finish the packing process much faster and easier. It also means less time spent loading and unloading the truck, making the whole process less tiring and stressful. You can use that extra time and energy to focus on other important tasks, like setting up your new home.
3. Make unpacking and settling into your new home easier
When you declutter before a move, you’ll have fewer things to unpack and organise in your new home. This can make it easier to get settled in your new space and feel more comfortable. Only having the items you really need and love can help you create a cosy and practical living space, making it easier to adjust to your new home.
4. Reduce stress and worry
Moving can be pretty stressful, and having a cluttered home can make it even worse. Decluttering can help to reduce stress by giving you a sense of control and accomplishment. Knowing that you’ve gone through all your belongings and are only taking what is truly necessary can make you feel more relaxed and make the move seem more manageable.
5. Opportunity to donate or sell unwanted items
Decluttering gives you the chance to donate things you don’t need to charity, or sell them to earn some extra money. This can be a rewarding experience, as you know that your things will be put to good use by someone else, and you can potentially make some extra cash to help with your move.
Tips for decluttering before a move
1. Start early
Give yourself plenty of time to declutter before your move. Start at least a few weeks before, so you have time to sort through your things and make thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of.
2. Tackle one room at a time
To make decluttering more manageable, focus on one room at a time. This will help you stay organised and stop you from feeling overwhelmed by the job.
3. Use the four-box method
One helpful method for decluttering is the four-box method. Grab four big boxes and label them as ‘keep’, ‘donate’, ‘sell’, and ‘throw away’. As you go through each room, put items into the right box. This will help you stay organised and make it easier to see how well you’re doing.
4. Be realistic about what you need
When deciding whether to keep, donate, sell or throw away an item, be realistic about whether you’ll actually use it in your new home. If you haven’t used an item in over a year, it might be time to let it go.
5. Get help from friends or family
Decluttering can be a big job, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends or family. They can provide moral support, help you make decisions about what to keep or let go of, and even assist with physically moving items.
6. Set goals and rewards
To stay motivated, set goals for yourself and reward yourself after completing each task. For example, if you finish decluttering the garage, treat yourself to your favourite snack or watch a movie. This will help make the process more enjoyable and keep you focused on the end goal.
Decluttering before a move is a super important step in making your moving experience smoother and less stressful. By reducing the number of items you need to move, you can save money on removalist fees, save time and energy during the move, and make settling into your new home easier. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and organised move. So, before you start packing those boxes, take some time to declutter and make your move a breeze. Your future self will thank you for it!