Decluttering Before the Move: What to Keep, Donate, or Discard

Amidst the excitement, packing, and logistics, a crucial step often gets overlooked – a part of your house moving checklist – decluttering. Before the boxes pile up and the stress mounts, dedicating time to decluttering your belongings offers a multitude of benefits. Not only will it save you money on moving costs, but it will also simplify the moving process and allow you to start fresh in your new space.

Planning Your Decluttering Mission

This blog post will equip you with the tools and strategies to declutter effectively before your move. We'll guide you through a room-by-room approach, provide decision-making criteria, and offer tips to stay organized and motivated. So, grab your boxes, labels, and a determined spirit, and let's embark on a journey towards a clutter-free move!

Setting Goals

Before diving in, take a moment to define your decluttering goals. Do you want to maximize space in your new home? Are you aiming to minimize moving costs? Perhaps you simply desire a clean slate and a fresh start. Having clear goals will keep you focused and motivated throughout the process.

Establishing a Timeline

Don't wait until the last minute. Create a realistic timeline for decluttering each room, considering the size of your space and the volume of your belongings. This will help you avoid the stress of last-minute decisions and ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

Gathering Supplies:

Stock up on essential supplies like sturdy boxes, trash bags, and labelling materials (markers and labels). Having cleaning supplies on hand will also be helpful for keeping your space tidy as you declutter.

A Room-by-Room Decluttering Guide

Let's tackle your home one room at a time:

Living Room:

• Furniture: Assess each piece. Is it comfortable, functional, and suitable for your new space? Consider selling or donating furniture you no longer use or need.
• Electronics: Do you have outdated electronics gathering dust? Recycle or dispose of them properly.
• Décor: Evaluate decorative items. Keep those that bring joy or hold sentimental value. Donate or sell the rest. Declutter books, magazines, and entertainment items, keeping only those you truly enjoy.

Kitchen:

• Appliances: Is every appliance in good working order and necessary? Downsize if you have duplicates or underused appliances.
• Cookware and utensils: Do a ruthless edit. Keep only the items you use regularly and are in good condition.
• Pantry and non-perishables: Check expiration dates and ruthlessly discard anything past its prime. Donate unopened non-perishable items you won't use.

Bedrooms:

• Clothing, accessories, and shoes: Be honest – have you worn it in the past year? If not, consider donating or selling gently used items on sites like eBay, OfferUp, Mercari or by selling on Poshmark. Discard worn-out or damaged clothing.
• Furniture, bedding, and personal items: Apply the same principles as in other rooms. Keep only what you use, love, or need. Store sentimental items carefully.

Bathrooms:

• Toiletries and medications: Discard expired products and unused toiletries. Organize remaining items for easy access.
• Cleaning supplies: Keep only the essentials. Donate or dispose of unused cleaning products safely.

Garage/Basement/Attic:

• Tools and equipment: Do you have duplicate tools or equipment you no longer use? Consider selling or donating them.
• Seasonal items: Rotate seasonal items and store them efficiently. Discard anything broken or no longer needed.

Making Tough Decisions: Keep, Donate, or Discard?

Now that you've sorted through your belongings, let's establish some criteria for making those difficult keep-or-ditch decisions:

What to Keep:

• Sentimental value: Items that hold significant memories or emotional attachment deserve a place in your life.
• Essential and frequently used: Hold onto items you use regularly and are essential for daily living.
• High-quality and irreplaceable: If something is valuable, well-made, or irreplaceable, it might be worth keeping.

What to Donate:

• Gently used items: Clothing, furniture, and household goods in good condition can benefit others.
• Books, toys, and games: Donate items that can spark joy in someone else's life.
• Usable but unneeded items: If something is still useful but you no longer have a need for it, consider donation.

What to Discard:

• Expired products and perishables: Dispose of expired food, medications, and cleaning products safely.
• Items with no use, value, or attachment: Be honest. If something has no purpose, sentimental value, or monetary worth, it's time to let go.

Organizing Donations: Giving Back Made Easy

Donating is a fantastic way to declutter while helping others. Here's how to streamline the process:

• Choosing charitable organizations: Research local charities, thrift stores, or shelters that align with your values. They may have specific guidelines for acceptable donations.
• Scheduling pickups or drop-offs: Contact donation centers to understand their preferred method of receiving donations – pick-up or drop-off. Ensure your donations are clean and presentable for a positive impact.

Proper Disposal Methods: Responsible Decluttering

For items that can't be donated or kept, responsible disposal is crucial:

• Recycling: Electronics, paper, glass, and other recyclables should be recycled according to local guidelines. Find your nearest recycling center and familiarize yourself with their accepted materials.
• Trash disposal: Schedule bulk trash pickup for larger items you can't dispose of in regular trash bins. Remember to properly dispose of hazardous materials like paint, batteries, and chemicals at designated hazardous waste facilities.

Staying Organized and Motivated: Declutter Like a Pro

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but staying organized and motivated is key:

• Creating a decluttering schedule: Break down the process into manageable tasks, tackling one room or category at a time. Set deadlines and celebrate milestones to stay on track.
• Enlisting help: Don't go it alone! Involve family members or friends for support and moral encouragement. Consider hiring professional organizers if you need extra help navigating the decluttering process.
• Maintaining motivation: Decluttering can be tiring. Reward yourself for completing tasks to stay motivated. Visualize the benefits of a clutter-free move and a fresh start in your new home.

Final Steps Before the Move: Sealing the Deal

• Reassessing your 'keep' pile: Before packing, take a final look at your designated "keep" pile. Are there any borderline items you can reconsider donating or discarding? A final edit ensures you move only what you truly need and love.
• Packing efficiently: Pack efficiently using appropriate box sizes and labelling them clearly with contents and the designated room for easy unpacking in your new space.

Wrap Up: A Lighter Load, a Brighter Move

Decluttering before a move offers a multitude of benefits. It reduces moving costs, simplifies the packing process, and allows you to start fresh in a new environment. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this blog, you can approach decluttering with confidence and transform your move into a positive and empowering experience. So, take a deep breath, grab your boxes, and embark on this decluttering journey. You'll be glad you did when you arrive at your new home, surrounded by only the belongings that truly spark joy and enhance your life.

Source: image by freepik.

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.