Preparing for a move involves lots of planning and organizing. From hiring professional movers to making sure you notify all of your utility companies, there’s no shortage or things for you to do. However, as you get caught up in the inevitable frenzy of the moving process, there are some things you can do to make things easier on yourself. Since moving companies charge based on the weight of your household goods, decluttering your space and getting rid of things you don’t need is a smart way to save money and time. Follow these simple tips to successfully declutter your home.
1. Commit to the Process
The first step in successfully decluttering your home is to really want to get rid of things that you no longer need/use. If you’re in love with everything in your home, it’s really hard for you to resist the need to hoard. Stop telling yourself that all of the things you collect will be useful one day. Instead, adjust your mindset and commit to getting rid of some of the clutter. Not only will this save you from having to pack as much as you prep for your move, but it will also help you get off to a good start in your new apartment or home.
2. Form a plan
In order to get rid of the clutter in your home, it’s essential that you have a full proof plan for what you’ll do with the items you’re getting rid of. When it comes to clothing and shoes, consider giving things away to family and friends, selling rarely worn items online to make extra money or donating a box of goods to a local thrift shop or a charity. With electronics and household appliances, you can also try to resell if you have the time, but if you think carefully about your circle, you will likely find someone who needs the items you rarely ever use. Get creative and come up with rules to decide what you should get rid of. For instance, if here’s something you haven’t worn or used in more than two years, you likely won’t miss it. Do yourself a huge favor and get rid of it during this deck utter process.
3. One room at a time
Decluttering can also get overwhelming. The last thing you want to do is have everything all over the floors in your house as you try to figure out what to give away and what to take to your new home. Instead, tackle one room at a time and create a bin for trash and one that you want to donate. As you complete each room, you’ll have a sense of accomplishment and pride when you realize that you’re making your cross country move so much simpler by decluttering before.
4. Get some help
Let’s be completely honest here. Moving can be overwhelming for various reasons. If you have friends and family who are willing to help you handle any aspects of your move, don’t let your pride stop you from accepting help. While a professional moving company like American Van Lines will coordinate your entire move and do all of the heavy lifting, it’s up to you to make sure that you declutter and decide what household goods you want included on your moving inventory. As you search for a new place to live in a new city and tie up loose ends with loved ones, the more help you can get the better.
5. Give Yourself a Reward
Moving projects require bribing yourself sometimes. So, if you’re not particularly excited about this whole plan to declutter, come up with a way to entice yourself. Perhaps your reward can be your favorite cheat meal. How does a large pizza sound? Or perhaps take yourself to your favorite spot before leaving town in celebration. No matter what you come up with, rewarding yourself for the hard work is an excellent way to keep motivated and on target. Remind yourself that eliminating clutter and donating some of your belongings is ultimately a good thing.
