It is definitely that time of year! The “For Sale”signs are popping up all over as people prepare to put their homes on the market. The in-home services I offer have been keeping me busy, and lots of requests for packing and unpacking projects are coming in!
Check out this complete guide for a stress-free move, and wishing you a smooth transition to your new home!
Tips for a stress-free move
Moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. From packing and purging to planning out the new layout, it seems like there are endless tasks to complete before the big day. And if you’re not careful, all that stress can easily carry over into your new home. But with a little bit of preparation and planning, you can make your move go smoothly and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll offer some of the best tips for decluttering and organization so that you can avoid common issues and move without tension.
What Are Decluttering and Organization?
Although decluttering and organization might sound fairly similar, they are somewhat different. Namely, decluttering involves getting rid of unnecessary things. On the other hand, organizing is the action of arranging the remaining stuff systematically. In other words, decluttering helps you make space by removing some belongings, while organization does so by arranging the remaining ones.
Together, decluttering and organization help make your home less jumbled and more spacious. Furthermore, when done before moving, they can help make packing faster and more efficient.
The Benefits of Decluttering and Organizing Before a Move
In general, the main appeal of decluttering and organizing is that they help you free up space in your home. However, when we talk about moving, a whole new set of benefits appears. And by far the most significant one is the possibility of fitting all of your precious belongings in just a few boxes.
In addition, you can save both time and money by bringing less luggage since movers won’t have to send out their heaviest trucks. For example, if you are moving from Hartford to New York, a moving company in Connecticut will offer you much better rates when you pack lightly.
Furthermore, if you are moving with your own car, organizing and decluttering could be even more important. Namely, cars have very limited baggage space, which means you’ll need to adjust your load accordingly. So, without proper organization and decluttering, you won’t be able to bring everything you need in one go.
Finally, carrying out these two actions before a move could make the process of moving in effortless. In fact, by moving in with a limited amount of orderly arranged stuff, you will discover how pleasant and exciting an experience unpacking can be. Otherwise, you might find yourself regretting that you’ve brought so much stuff with you and wondering where it should all go.
Tips for Decluttering and Organizing Your Home
There are many different things you should keep in mind while organizing and decluttering your home before a move, and here are just the most important ones:
Start Early
If you wish to declutter and organize your stuff successfully, you should start at least a month before the moving date. Otherwise, you will have to rush through the whole process the day before, which will make the moving experience dreadful.
Break the Process Down
Instead of trying to do everything at once, take on one smaller project at a time. Otherwise, you might feel overwhelmed and start making mistakes.
Start Small
Declutter and organize smaller rooms first. That way, by the time you get to some of the major projects, you will have the needed experience and be full of useful ideas.
Use One-Year Rule
Decluttering can become impossible when we are reluctant to throw anything away, and that’s where the one-year rule comes in. When you don’t want to get rid of something, ask yourself one simple question: Did I use it the past year? If the answer is no, you should consider throwing it away or donating it.
Take a Deep Breath
Sometimes, the simplest task can be the most annoying one. Instead of getting frustrated, take a moment to relax and collect your thoughts.
Pick up the Trash
Once you declutter a room, don’t forget to take out all the trash immediately. That way, you won’t have any extra clutter to deal with while organizing.
Come Up With a Sorting System
Most people compare organizing to playing Tetris, and for a good reason. Both of them require dexterity and acute space awareness. However, organizing your stuff also requires a well-thought-out sorting system with several easy-to-remember categories.
Label Your Boxes
Even the best sorting system won’t be of help if you don’t label or at least mark your boxes. And while packing without labels won’t be such an issue, unpacking will become more stressful than it needs to be. On the other hand, one simple sticker can let you know what each box holds and where it should go.
Reward Yourself
If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed easily, you might need an occasional little pick-me-up. So, from time to time, treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting for a while. It might help you feel less stressed and even enjoy the moving experience.
Get a Helping Hand
If these tips still didn’t help you achieve stress-free packing, you could get someone to assist you. Ask a tidy friend or professional organizers to help you out and transform moving into a social activity.
Have Fun
Moving is a perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf. With that in mind, you should be able to look on the bright side of things and have some fun. Play your favorite music, listen to a podcast, or simply think back to the magical moments you spent in your old home while preparing for the new one.
Final Thoughts
Despite common opinion, moving doesn’t need to be stressful. And with our simple tips for decluttering and organizing, it probably won’t be. Just make sure to start early, come up with a plan, and most importantly, have fun.