Published: December 15, 2023

4 Essential Tips for Decluttering Before Moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a daunting task. One of the biggest challenges when moving is dealing with all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Before you start packing up your belongings, it’s a good idea to go through a purging process. Purging not only helps you declutter and simplify your life but also makes the moving process smoother and more efficient. Here are four tips on purging before a move, which can help ensure a successful and stress-free transition.

1. Start Early

Procrastination is your enemy when it comes to purging before a move. People underestimate how much time it takes to go through their belongings, make decisions, and dispose of unwanted items. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, start the purging process as early as possible, ideally a couple of months before your move. Create a timeline that includes specific deadlines for different areas of your home, such as closets, kitchen cabinets, and the garage. Tackling one area at a time will make the process more manageable and less stressful. Starting early gives you the opportunity to carefully evaluate your possessions and make thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.

2. Sort and Categorize

Before can decide what to keep and what to discard, it’s essential to organize your belongings. Start by sorting items into categories, such as:

• Keep: These are items you can’t live without and plan to take with you to your new home.
• Donate or Sell: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve you can be donated or sold. This includes clothing, furniture, electronics, and more.
• Trash: Items that are broken, damaged, or no longer usable should be disposed of properly.
• Recycle: Recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard, glass, and plastics, should be separated for recycling.

Having clear categories will help you make decisions more efficiently and ensure nothing is overlooked. This systematic approach will also make it easier to donate or sell items that can benefit others.

3. Be Ruthless

One of the most challenging aspects of purging is letting go of sentimental items or things you’ve held onto for a long time. It’s essential to be ruthless during this process. Ask yourself questions like:

• When was the last time I used this item?
• Does this item bring me joy or serve a practical purpose in my life?
• Can I easily replace this item if I need it in the future?

If an item doesn’t have a meaningful place in your life or hasn’t been used in years, it may be time to part with it. Remember that letting go of the past can be liberating and make room for new experiences in your new home. By being ruthless, you’ll free yourself from the burden of unnecessary belongings and create a fresh start in your new space.

4. Get Help

Purging before a move can be an emotionally and physically taxing task. Don’t be afraid to seek help from friends or family members. They can provide valuable opinions and support during the decision-making process. Additionally, consider hiring professional organizers or junk removal services to assist with larger items or quantities of clutter. Their expertise can streamline the process and make it less stressful.

Purging before a move is an essential step in simplifying your life and ensuring a smoother transition to your new home. Start early, categorize your belongings, be ruthless in your decisions, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. By following these tips, you’ll not only reduce the stress of moving but also start your new chapter with a fresh and clutter-free space. Taking these steps will ultimately make your moving experience more enjoyable and successful. For more information, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Boise or call (208) 487-6710.