Decluttering is one major task you do when moving. When you decide to declutter, it means you will pack fewer items, purchase fewer boxes, and save money and time when moving. Also, if you have items you do not use but are in good condition; you can sell them and make money.
If you plan to declutter, here are a few tips to consider.
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Eight Tips On How To Declutter Before Relocating
1. Declutter As Early As You Can
When you realize you are moving to a new home, you need to start decluttering. This is a process that may take a few days or weeks. Hence, you need enough time to get rid of things you do not use.
Start with one room before moving to the next one. By starting early, you will sort out all the items, prepare for a garage sale, or donate some of the items. Moreover, you will be able to budget for the packing materials.
2. Do Away With Unwanted Things
Decluttering will help you know things you do not need in the new home or items you no longer use. This is a great chance to do away with them. Whether they are vital items but not using them, do not pack or move them to the new home.
You can organize a garage sale to sell items in good condition or sell them online. Items such as books, toys, utensils, and electronics can be donated to friends or relatives. But for the damaged items, you can throw them away.
3. Create A Plan
Decluttering is not a simple process. If you do not have a plan, you may not have a smooth process. So, create a plan on where you want to begin. For example, you can start with the children’s bedroom or the kitchen before moving to other rooms.
When planning, consider the new house area size and the items you are moving. This will help you know the items to keep and get rid of. If you are relocating to a smaller apartment, do away with things you do not need.
4. Sort Out Your Belongings
With a plan, you can sort out your belongings in a proper manner. Have boxes where you put items to move to the new home, things to sell, items to donate, and those to throw away.
Based on the size of your house and your needs, you may have more boxes for items to keep. But other items will be based on whether you use them or need them in the new apartment.
5. Move From Analog To Digital
To save space, time, and money, you can move some items from physical copies to digital copies. For instance, you can transfer your movies, files, pictures, and others to digital copies. By scanning them, you will save a copy on your physical computer.
But it is important to have a backup of the files. You do not want to lose them in case your personal computer is stolen or damaged.
6. Seek Help
Although decluttering is something you can handle on your own, seeking help is vital. If you do not have time or the items to declutter are many, you can involve friends, relatives or professional movers.
Happily, commercial movers understand the process and can work with you to sort out your belongings. Moreover, they will help you pack, move, and unpack in the new home. In addition, they will help you disassemble large furniture pieces and move bulky boxes.
7. Involve Your Family Members
Apart from engaging professionals, it is important to involve all the family members. For example, it might not be a good idea to get rid of your spouse’s clothes or books without involving him or her.
Also, if you want to do away with some books or toys, make sure you involve your children. They will be happy and feel appreciated when you involve them in matters concerning them.
8. Sell Some Items
If you have things in good condition but do not want to move them, the best strategy is to sell them. You can have a yard sale, sell them online, or sell them to friends. Even though you will get money through the sale, it is a process that needs a lot of planning.
Therefore, plan early on how to sell the items. If you are planning to have a yard sale, you can have posters or advertise in local newspapers.
Final Word
Decluttering is a process that requires a lot of mental and physical strength. If you are decluttering for the first time, make sure you follow the above tips. Nevertheless, make sure you start early to have enough time for a yard sale.
When moving, hiring a professional moving company is the better option. NYC movers are experienced, trained, and better equipped to help you pack and move your belongings.