Moving can feel like a chore but one way to make it more manageable is to declutter and keep only what’s needed. Not only will this save you time and money during the moving process, but it will also help you start fresh in your new home without unnecessary belongings weighing you down. Sounds refreshing, right? We’ll share some helpful tips for deciding what to keep or throw away before moving, so you can streamline your belongings and make your move smoother.
Start Early
One of the most important tips for deciding what to keep or throw away before moving is to start early. Give yourself time to review your belongings and decide what to keep or toss. Waiting until the last minute to go through your things will only add unnecessary stress to an already hectic time. Starting early will help you stay organized and focused throughout the decluttering process.
Assessing What You Have
The next step in your decluttering journey is to assess your belongings. This might seem overwhelming, but breaking it down room by room can make it more manageable.
Room-by-Room Inventory: Start with one room at a time. Make a list of everything you find. This will give you a clear picture of what you own and help you identify items you no longer need.
Categorize Your Items: As you go through your belongings, create categories such as keep, donate, sell, and toss. This will help you stay organized and make the decision-making process easier. Be honest with yourself about whether or not you really need certain items in your new home.
Reflect on Usage and Value: Consider how often you use each item and its sentimental or monetary value. Ask yourself if you have used it in the past year, if it still holds sentimental value, or if it serves a purpose in your daily life.
Deciding What to Keep
Now that you’ve assessed your belongings, it’s time to decide what to keep. This step is crucial for only bringing valuable and necessary items to your new home.
Evaluate Necessity: Ask yourself if the item is essential. Does it serve a practical purpose in your daily life? If not, it might not be worth keeping.
Sentimental Value: Certain items hold sentimental value and are worth keeping despite their lack of practicality. Consider limiting yourself to one or two sentimental items per category (such as photos, artwork, or keepsakes). Remember that memories are in our hearts, not in our possessions.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on keeping high-quality items that will last. It’s better to have a few durable and functional items than a lot of things that may not withstand the test of time.
What to Throw Away or Donate
Deciding what to throw away or donate can be challenging but is a necessary step in the decluttering process.
Identify Unnecessary Items: Identify items that you no longer use or need. These could be duplicates, outdated gadgets, or clothes that no longer fit.
Consider Donation: Items that are still in good condition can be donated. Local charities, shelters, and thrift stores are great places to give your items a second life.
Proper Disposal: For items that are worn out or broken, proper disposal is key. Look for recycling options or disposal services that can handle these items environmentally.
Consider Your New Space
Another helpful tip for deciding what to keep or throw away before moving is to consider the size and layout of your new home. If you are downsizing, you may not have space for all your belongings. In this case, prioritize items that are essential or hold sentimental value. And consider selling or donating items that won’t fit in your new space. This will help create a more functional living environment in your new home.
Get Everyone Involved
It’s important to involve everyone in the household in the decision-making process. This will help distribute the workload while accounting for everyone’s needs and preferences. Consider setting aside designated times for decluttering sessions where each family member can go through their belongings and decide what they want to keep or let go of.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to seek help if needed. Moving can be overwhelming on its own, so enlisting the support of friends or professional organizers can make the decluttering process much easier. They can offer fresh perspectives on which items to keep and provide emotional support as you let go of belongings that no longer serve you.
By decluttering before your move, you’ll enjoy a lighter load and a simplified moving process. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and start your new chapter with a clean slate. Decluttering is an investment in your future happiness and well-being. Take the time to follow these steps, and you’ll reap the rewards of a smoother, more enjoyable move.
Williams Homes builds new home communities throughout California, Idaho, Montana, and Texas in neighborhoods you’ll love to live. Learn more about our available quick move-in homes and new home communities at WilliamsHomes.com.