When you’re packing up your house, it’s the ideal moment to really look at what you have. Over time people tend to have much more than they realise. Cupboards fill up, garages become over-filled, and spare rooms frequently become a storage facility for seldom-used objects.
Moving without sorting through all of the clutter can be more costly, more time consuming and much more stressful. Preparing for the move by decluttering will help you make the entire relocation process easier and will allow you to start afresh.
The problem is, what should stay, what should be sold and what should be donated.
Begin BEFORE you think!
A lot of people make the same mistake and wait until the last week before they move to clean up.
It takes longer than anticipated to get through the years of belongings. Objects can have memories and decisions can be more difficult when they have them.
Begin several weeks prior to moving day so you do not feel rushed in any of the rooms. It also provides ample time to get rid of the things you don’t need or make donations before the move.
It’s usually a lot less stressful if you take the steps slowly, as opposed to trying to get four rooms of the house done in one weekend.
What should you have in your refrigerator?
One can ask a straightforward question and let it lead you to many decisions: Have you used it in the past year?
Regularly used and have a clear purpose, they are usually worth keeping. Most kitchen utensils, key paperwork, furniture and clothes that are commonly used are part of this group of items.
Valuing sentimental items can be more challenging. Sometimes family photos, personal mementos and gifts that hold special significance can be worth more than their monetary worth.
But, be careful with your choices. It is not the same thing to keep a few favorite items in your hand and it is not the same thing to keep boxes of items that you never look at.
It’s not about eliminating everything. The point is to only relocate what really needs to be in your new space.
What Can You Sell?
When you’re moving, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get rid of a ton of clutter and make extra cash.
Old furniture, out-of-fashion items, obsolete exercise machines or even outdated electronics can be passed on. Most people are amazed at the amount of unused value around their house.
There are marketplace websites available for selling second-hand items which have made the process much easier. Local community groups or classified websites can assist people looking to sell with people in their local communities.
If you sell larger items ahead of moving day, this will decrease the amount of property that needs to be packed and moved.
It’s not uncommon for a few good sales to help recoup some of the moving expenses.
What to give as a Gift?
Not all things are worth selling, but it should not be in the trash bin.
Clothing, household items, books, toys and furniture that are still in good condition are welcome gifts for many charities. These items can mean so much to someone or a family that has need for help and assistance.
While donating, make sure to inspect the items for cleanliness and usability. Charities like it when gifts are made immediately.
Giving away can also make the process of getting rid of more rewarding. You can talk about one of these things by thinking about how you are helping someone else to use something that you no longer need.
Be Honest about “Just in Case” Items
There are lots of boxes in many homes containing items that are “saved for a rainy day”.
This may include old cables, superfluous electronics, double kitchenware and un-used hobby items. Although it is comforting to have them, they are often left unused for years and years.
Ask yourself if something has been stored away for a long time and is not likely to be used in the future.
If you’re realistic about these possessions you can free up some space, and minimize the space that you need to move.
Take advantage of new beginnings
Moving to a new home may seem like a stressful process, but there are benefits to decluttering before you move that last long after moving day.
When there are less possessions, there are less boxes to pack, move and unpack. The house is well organised right from the start and you will know what you have in the house.
People also often find the process very refreshing. Donating unused items frees up space for an organized and efficient home.
You don’t leave behind all those old items from your former house and come with the most important items.
Eliminate the confusion of moving
House moving is enough work without any additional planning and preparation. When you can, taking the time to declutter can take a ton of the stress out of the process and smooth out the transition.
This will help you save time, reduce moving expenses and ensure your next home is cleaner because you have decided what to keep, sell and donate.
When planning a interstate Sydney move, it’s important to have the right support system in place. Professional packing and moving services are offered by Posch & Silva’s North Shore removals service, ensuring homeowners and renters can move with peace of mind. For information on their North Shore moving services, check their website.
