How to Declutter Before You Move: What to Keep and What to Toss

Introduction

Moving can be a daunting task, requiring you to pack up your entire life and transport it to a new location. One of the most important steps in the moving process is decluttering. Decluttering before you move will not only save you time and money but also ensure that you start fresh in your new space. In this article, we will discuss what to keep and what to toss when decluttering before a move.

Assess Your Belongings

Before you start packing, take a thorough inventory of your belongings. This will help you determine what items are essential and what can be discarded. Ask yourself if you have used the item in the past year or if it holds sentimental value. Be honest with yourself and consider whether you really need to keep that item in your new home.

• Make a list of each room in your current home
• Sort through each room and create separate piles for items you want to keep, donate, sell, or toss
• Consider the size and layout of your new space when deciding what to keep

What to Keep

When deciding what to keep, focus on items that are essential or hold significant value to you. These items should serve a purpose in your new home or bring you joy. Consider the practicality of each item and whether you have space for it in your new living environment.

• Essential furniture pieces such as beds, sofas, and dining tables
• Valuables like jewelry, important documents, and family heirlooms
• Items that bring you happiness or have sentimental value

What to Toss

Letting go of belongings can be challenging, but it is necessary to streamline your move and prevent clutter in your new space. Items that are broken, outdated, or no longer serve a purpose should be discarded. Be ruthless in decluttering to ensure a fresh start in your new home.

• Broken or damaged items that cannot be repaired
• Outdated electronics or appliances that you no longer use
• Clothing that no longer fits or is out of style

Donating and Selling

Instead of throwing away items that are in good condition but no longer serve you, consider donating or selling them. Donating gently used items to local charities or shelters can benefit those in need. Hosting a garage sale or selling items online can also be a great way to declutter while making some extra cash.

• Local charities that accept donations of furniture, clothing, and household items
• Online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for selling items
• Organizing a garage sale to clear out unwanted belongings

Organizing and Packing

Once you have decluttered and decided what to keep, it’s time to organize and pack your belongings. Invest in quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and moving blankets to protect your items during transit. Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to for easy unpacking in your new home.

• Use color-coded labels to identify boxes belonging to each room
• Pack items by category to make unpacking easier (e.g., kitchen items together, clothes together)
• Take inventory of your packed boxes to ensure nothing gets lost during the move

Seeking Professional Help

If the thought of decluttering and moving is overwhelming, consider hiring a professional moving company to assist you. Professional movers have experience in handling delicate items, packing efficiently, and transporting your belongings safely to your new home. They can also provide additional services such as packing and unpacking to make your move stress-free.

• Research reputable moving companies in your area
• Get quotes from multiple movers to compare prices and services
• Inquire about additional services such as packing, unpacking, and storage options

Conclusion

Decluttering before a move is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation. By assessing your belongings, determining what to keep and what to toss, and organizing and packing efficiently, you can streamline the moving process and start fresh in your new home. Remember that decluttering is not just about getting rid of things; it’s about creating a space that reflects your lifestyle and brings you joy.