Whether you’re preparing for a big move or downsizing your home, packing up your life into boxes can feel overwhelming. Decluttering first and having a clear plan in place before it’s time to move can help make it a freeing and refreshing process, rather than a stressful one.
Tips to Simplify Your Space & Make Your Transition Easier
Lighten your load and start fresh in your new space with these practical and empathic tips for moving or downsizing.
Start Early & Make a Plan
Leaving the packing to the last minute will only add to your stress. Begin by decluttering as soon as you know you’ll be moving or downsizing and create a realistic timeline with clear goals. Breaking the task into manageable chunks will help prevent last-minute panic, keep you organized throughout the process and allow you to keep only what truly matters.
Find a Method that Works for You
There are tons of decluttering techniques, from the four box and pile methods to the 12-month rule. It doesn’t matter if you go room by room, sort by category or hold each item to see if it sparks joy. What matters is that you find a method that makes sense to you, works for the way you want to organize and pack, and you can stick with it.
Be Honest About What You Need
It can be hard to let go of your belongings. Start with easy items that don’t have a lot of sentimental value and work your way up to harder ones. Ask yourself whether each item is necessary and keep the truly meaningful ones but avoid hanging on things “just in case.” It’s also important to keep the size and layout of your new space in mind to avoid bringing more than you can actually accommodate, especially if you are downsizing.
Digitize When Possible
Piles of paperwork, old photographs, documents and even sentimental belongings can take up a lot of space. Consider scanning important papers, taking photos of items you want to remember, and creating digital backups to reduce the amount of physical clutter you have. This may even make it easier to locate some of these items in the future.
Get Help from Friends or Professionals
If the task feels too daunting or time is becoming an issue, it might be best to enlist a little help. Family, friends and professional organizers or cleaners can offer up a fresh perspective that can make some of the tough decisions a little easier. Plus, an extra set of hands if you are moving heavy furniture and other items never hurts.
Haul Away What You Don’t Need
Once you’ve got a pile of trash or donate, get it out of your way. Take it to your local donation center, haul it off to the dump or recycling center, or call a junk hauling service to handle it for you. This will allow you to keep making progress without the stuff you already decided you don’t need taking up space in your home or your mind.
Celebrate Your Progress
Decluttering for a move is hard work. It can be physically and emotionally draining. Go ahead and reward yourself along the way as you reach milestones and check things off your list.
Clear Out the Clutter with a Couple More Guys
Moving, downsizing and decluttering give you the opportunity to start anew. Let us help you clear the clutter. Whether you need help organizing and sorting, need your boxes or piles of junk hauled away, or are ready to load the moving truck, Couple More Guys™ can help you get it done easier, faster and safer. Our two-person, insured crews are experienced in cleanup, hauling, lifting, moving and organizing—so you can stop stressing about the move and start making room for your next adventure. Schedule a crew today.