How to Declutter Your Home

You’ve snagged that dream home (or apartment!), and visions of unpacking in a fresh, organized space dance in your head. But before the bubble wrap and packing tape take center stage, a not-so-glamorous but crucial step awaits: decluttering.  Facing overflowing closets and forgotten boxes can feel daunting, but don’t worry. With movers in Atlanta, Alpharetta, and numerous cities in Georgia, USA Family Moving offers an expert guide on how to declutter before a move to prevent stress from overshadowing the excitement of this process. We’ll equip you with practical strategies, tips, and a healthy dose of motivation to help you streamline your belongings, embrace a minimalist mindset, and ultimately, step into your new space feeling lighter and more organized. 

Benefits of Decluttering For A Move

Taking the time to clean out your house before moving day can help streamline the packing process along with several other advantages. Here are a few major reasons why you should declutter before moving. 

You’ll Save Money

Decluttering before your move means you’ll have fewer items to pack and transport, ultimately leading to cheaper moving costs. 

You’ll Save Time

Decluttering before a move also saves you valuable time by reducing the number of unnecessary items to sort through when packing. With fewer belongings to worry about, you can complete the moving process more efficiently and dedicate your time to what matters. 

You’ll Be Better Organized

Decluttering also encourages organization by forcing you to look through every (or most) item you own and decide whether it’s worth keeping. This process ensures that everything you bring with you to your new home is something you love, rather than something that just takes up space. 

You’ll Save More Space

Downsizing on the number of things you own also means you’ll save space in your new home for new things you love. Decluttering before a move is especially helpful if you’re downsizing. 

You’ll Feel Better Mentally

A clutter-free environment has a positive impact on the mind, reducing stress – you can use all the peace you can get when moving. For this reason, we encourage you to declutter your home of things that aren’t benefitting you or your family. 

You’ll Help The Planet and Others 

Decluttering and donating your belongings reduces waste and minimizes your environmental footprint. It also allows you to grant others the opportunity to enjoy the things that you cherish but no longer need. 

How To Start To Declutter Before A Move

Decluttering before a move can feel like a monumental task, but with a strategic approach, it can be surprisingly manageable and even rewarding. Here are some actionable steps to get you started on your pre-move decluttering journey:

Schedule a Time to Declutter

Treat decluttering like any important appointment. Block out dedicated time slots in your calendar, factoring in the size of each room or area you want to tackle. Be realistic; start with smaller chunks of time (e.g., 30 minutes) and gradually increase them as you gain momentum.

Gather Your Supplies

Equip yourself with the supplies you need to move. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large trash bags: For items you’re discarding
• Boxes or bins: Label these for donation, selling, or storage (if applicable)
• Cleaning cloths and surface disinfectant: To wipe down shelves and surfaces as you declutter
• Markers: To label boxes clearly

Choose Your Decluttering Method

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering. Experiment and find a method that resonates with you:

• The Room-by-Room Approach: This is a classic strategy, allowing you to focus on one space at a time and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with a less-used room like a guest bedroom or storage space and work your way through the house.
• The “Touch It” Method: Pick up each item and ask yourself: “Have I used this in the past year?” If not, consider letting it go. Be honest with yourself about how likely you are to use the item again in the future.
• The “Spark Joy” Method (inspired by Marie Kondo): Hold each item and ask yourself if it sparks joy. If not, thank it for its service and let it go. This method encourages an emotional connection with your belongings and can be particularly helpful for sentimental items.

Start with Low-Hanging Fruit

Don’t dive straight into the sentimental stuff! Begin with easy-to-decipher categories like expired food, unused toiletries, or clothes that no longer fit. Tackling these no-brainers builds momentum and creates a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to keep going.

Create Piles for Sorting

As you declutter, categorize items into designated piles:

• Keep: For items you use regularly and plan to bring to your new home.
• Donate: Consider donating items in good condition (that you no longer need or use) to charities, shelters, or local thrift stores.
• Sell: Online marketplaces or consignment shops can be good options for items of value that you’re willing to part with.
• Trash: Broken, unusable, or expired items should be discarded responsibly.

Embrace the Power of “Maybe”

For items you’re unsure about, create a separate “maybe” pile. Come back to these later with a fresh perspective, or consider placing them in temporary storage to see if you miss them.

Remember: Decluttering is a journey, not a race. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the process of creating a lighter, more organized space for your new home! In the next section, we’ll explore strategies for dealing with sentimental items, a common decluttering hurdle for many.

In addition to tips for decluttering before a move, our Georgia moving company also offers a wide range of relocation services that can make your move as smooth as possible. From packing services and labor-only help to long-distance relocations, our movers do it all. Call us today at 770-573-1919 to get a free moving quote!

Best Way To Declutter Before A Move: Step-By-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to decluttering before your move, transforming it from a daunting task into a chance for a fresh start.

1. Embrace the Early Bird: Don’t wait until the packing frenzy begins. Give yourself ample time to declutter – ideally, weeks or even months in advance. This allows for thoughtful decision-making and avoids last-minute stress.
2. Conquer by Room: Divide and conquer! Instead of tackling your entire house at once, focus on individual rooms. This makes the process feel less overwhelming and allows you to see progress quickly.
3. The Ruthless Sort: For each item, ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? Does it bring me joy? Be honest! If the answer is no to both, it’s time to let go. Create separate piles for donating, selling, recycling, and trash.
4. The Sentimentality Trap: Ah, memories! Sentimental items can be the trickiest. Consider taking photos or scanning documents to preserve the memories without keeping the physical item. For truly irreplaceable keepsakes, curate a smaller collection you can truly cherish in your new space.
5. Don’t Forget the Lurkers: Those forgotten corners and hidden compartments are havens for clutter. Open closets, cabinets, and drawers with a critical eye. Clear out expired medications, unused small appliances, and anything else that’s past its prime.
6. The “Maybe” Pile: Feeling conflicted? Create a designated “maybe” pile, but be honest with yourself. If it’s still there by moving day, it’s probably a no.
7. The Farewell Fiesta: Letting go can be tough. If it helps you detach, host a giveaway or donation drive for unwanted items.

By following these steps, you’ll not only pack lighter but also arrive in your new home feeling refreshed and ready for a clutter-free new beginning. Happy decluttering!

Ready to Move with Less Stress (and Less Stuff)?

Decluttering before your move can feel like a daunting task, but with a little planning and our step-by-step guide, you can tackle it with confidence. Remember, decluttering isn’t just about packing lighter; it’s about creating a fresh start in your new home.

So, are you ready to say goodbye to clutter and hello to a smoother move? Contact USA Family Moving today for a free moving quote! We’ll handle the logistics of your move while you focus on the exciting part – planning your new chapter. Happy decluttering and happy moving!