How to Declutter Your Home before Moving: 9 Tips to Get Started

How to Declutter Your Home before Moving: 9 Tips to Get Started

How to Declutter Your Home before Moving: 9 Tips to Get Started

April 25, 2023

Hey there, fellow Birmingham, Alabama residents! Are you ready to move to a new place but feeling overwhelmed by the mountains of stuff you’ve accumulated over the years? We feel you! At Home Movers, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you declutter your home before moving day. Follow these nine tips, and you’ll be happy all the way to your new abode!

Get Your Game Face On

First things first, put on your favorite upbeat playlist or crank up the volume on your motivational podcast. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s do this! Psych yourself up by envisioning how fantastic your new, clutter-free home will look. Remind yourself of the benefits of decluttering; it’ll make packing, moving, and unpacking sooooo much easier.

The Three-Box Method

Make sure you have three large boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash.” This tried-and-true method helps you sort items easily and quickly. As you go through your belongings, place them in the appropriate box or bag. Be ruthless! Ask yourself the following questions:

            **Do I use this?
**Do I love this?
**Do I need this?

If the answer is no, let it go. By the time you’ve finished decluttering, you’ll be amazed at how much lighter and more organized your home feels.

One Room at a Time

Begin decluttering one room at a time to prevent feeling overwhelmed. Start with the least-used room, such as the attic, garage, or guest room. Tackle one area of the room at a time, starting with closets and drawers, then moving on to shelves and surfaces. Give yourself a deadline for each room to keep the momentum going. And don’t forget to celebrate your progress – once you’ve finished a room, take a break to admire your hard work before moving on to the next space.

Tackle the “Maybe” Items

Let’s face it; some things aren’t easy to categorize. To avoid endless indecision, set up a “maybe” box. As you come across items you’re unsure about, place them in this box and set it aside. Once you’ve finished decluttering, set a timer for one week. During that time, if you haven’t needed anything from the “maybe” box, consider donating the items. Remember, if you’re on the fence about an item, chances are you can live without it. Free yourself from the burden of excess stuff!

Paper Purge

Dig into that pile of papers you’ve been avoiding for ages. File essential papers, and shred sensitive information. Sort your papers into categories like financial, medical, and personal. Digitize important documents by scanning them and storing them securely in the cloud. Doing so will ensure that you have easy access to essential paperwork in the future.

Sentimental Value Smackdown

We all have items that hold sentimental value but try to keep the “I-might-need-this-someday” items to a minimum. Take photos of things you’d like to remember, then let them go. Consider making a digital or physical scrapbook to preserve memories without holding onto the physical items.

Ask yourself: will my future self truly cherish this item, or will it just gather dust in my new home? Sometimes, you can just share the story behind a sentimental item with a friend or family member before letting it go, as it can give you closure and make it easier to part with the item.

Call in Reinforcements

Are you still fence-sitting on deciding what stays and what goes? Invite a brutally honest friend or family member for a “decluttering party.” Their fresh perspective can help you make tough decisions and keep you on track. Also, having someone by your side can make the process more enjoyable and less lonely. Be sure to reward your friend with a tasty meal or a small gift as a thank-you for their assistance.

Virtual Yard Sale

Selling items you don’t need anymore can be rewarding, both emotionally and financially. Set up a virtual yard sale on social media or online marketplaces, and watch your clutter turn into cash! Take clear, well-lit photos of the items you’re selling, and write detailed descriptions to attract buyers. Be easy on haggling, and keep in mind that the goal is to declutter, not make a fortune. Any extra money you make from your yard sale is a bonus and can help fund your moving expenses or a celebratory dinner in your new home.

Contact Local Charities

Charities and organizations in Birmingham, Alabama, such as Foundry Ministries, King’s Home, and Alabama Goodwill, will gladly accept your donations.

Give them a call, and you’ll not only declutter but also help those in need. Research local charities to find ones that align with your values and will put your donations to good use. Organizations such as King’s Home even offer free pick-up services, making the donation process even easier. Remember, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure – your unwanted items could bring joy to someone else.

Decluttering can be a challenging process, but with these nine tips and the help of Home Movers in Birmingham, Alabama, you’ll be ready to take on your move with confidence. Happy decluttering and happy moving!

Share This Post

Copyright 2024 © All Rights Reserved. Designed By Web Hub Global