How to Declutter Before a Move
Everyone who has relocated will tell you it is always early enough to begin organising. Disagreement among family members is common during the moving process, and it can be aggravated if too much is left to the last minute. When hiring professional movers, it is generally a good idea to “trim the fat” of your goods before they arrive.
Decluttering before a move is an important step that can save you time, money, and stress. Moving to a new home can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to accumulate unnecessary items over time. However, taking the time to declutter can make the moving process smoother and more manageable. Here are some steps you can follow to declutter before a move
- Start Early: Begin decluttering at least a few weeks before your moving day. This will give you enough time to go through everything thoroughly and decide what to keep and remove.
- Sort Through Your Belongings: Begin by sorting your belongings, including clothes, books, electronics, and furniture. Divide everything into three categories: keep, donate, and throw away.
- Be Ruthless: Don’t hold onto items you haven’t used in years or don’t need or love. If you last used it six months ago, it’s time to donate or discard it.
- Use the “Four-Box Method”: As you sort through your belongings, use the “Four-Box Method.” Label four boxes as Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. Then, as you review each item, could you place it in the appropriate box?
- Consider Your New Home: Consider your new home’s layout and what you need and don’t need. For example, if you’re moving from a larger space to a smaller one, you may need to remove some furniture that won’t fit in your new home.
- Sell Items: Consider selling items in good condition that you no longer need. This can help you make some extra money to put toward your move.
- Donate Items: Donate items that are still in good condition but that you don’t want or need anymore. This will allow someone else to benefit from your unwanted items.
- Get Rid of Hazardous Items: Hazardous items, such as cleaning chemicals or batteries, should be disposed of properly. Check with your local waste management department for information on how to dispose of hazardous materials.
- Recycle: Recycle as much as possible, including paper, plastic, and glass. Check with your local recycling program for guidelines on what can and cannot be recycled.
- Hire a Professional: If you’re overwhelmed or short on time, consider hiring Greater Gold Coast Removals to help you with the moving process.
Following these steps, you can declutter before your move and ensure you only take what you need and love to your new home.