Moving to a new home is an exciting opportunity for a fresh start, but the process of packing and organizing can feel overwhelming. Decluttering before a move is essential to reduce stress, save time, and avoid bringing unnecessary items into your new space. Here are some smart tips to help you declutter with ease:
The Earlier the Better
Don’t wait until you’ve purchased your new home or scheduled the movers to start going through your belongings. As soon as you start thinking about moving, set aside time to declutter. This early start will save you from last-minute scrambling and allow you to focus on packing efficiently when the time comes.
Take Stock
Take inventory of your belongings and identify duplicates—especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Do you really need three can openers, extra coffee mugs, or mismatched Tupperware lids? The answer is likely no. In the bathroom, check for half-used products that have been sitting in cabinets for months (or even years).
Be Ruthless
We all fall into the trap of keeping items “just in case.” However, moving is the perfect time to be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used something in years, chances are you won’t need it in your new home. Holding onto unnecessary items will only add to your moving stress and clutter your new space.
Use the One Year Rule
A simple rule to follow when decluttering is if you haven’t used it in the past year, it’s time to let it go. This applies to clothes, gadgets, tools, and anything else gathering dust. If it’s been sitting in your garage since your last move, don’t bring it along to your next one.
Take Time to Label
As you start sorting and packing, make labeling a habit. If certain items are going into storage or will remain boxed for a while, clearly label those boxes with their contents. This simple step will save you from confusion later on when you’re unpacking or searching for something specific.
Use Logic with the Garage and Closets
Garages and closets tend to become catch-all spaces for things we don’t know what to do with. But before moving, it’s important to ask yourself if you’ll really need these items in your new home. Be honest about their future use. If something has been buried in the back of a closet or a dusty corner of the garage, it’s probably time to part ways with it.
Consider the Floor Plan
Think about how your current belongings will fit into your new home’s floor plan. If you’re downsizing, this is especially important. Will your large sectional fit in the new living room? Do you need that extra side table or oversized dresser? Having a mental picture of your new space will help you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Take a Look at Your Must-Haves
As you declutter, decide what items you know you’ll need in your new home. These “must-haves” can include important documents, everyday kitchen tools, and personal essentials. Once you’ve identified these, consider boxing them up early to avoid misplacing them during the moving process.
Ready to Move
Decluttering done? Time to purchase your new home in Sierra Vista. Come look us over, all that decluttering will be well worth it.
