Let’s get Moving! Step 1: Decluttering

Did you know that moving is one of the most stressful events in life? This stress can be eased with careful planning. In our Let’s Get Moving! blog series, we are going to offer tips and tricks to help you get through the entire moving process. Follow these steps and you’ll be moving with ease…

Let’s Get Moving! Step 1: Decluttering

The very first step you need to take to ensure a smooth move is to declutter! And then, work on decluttering  some more! Don’t pack the clutter, purge the clutter!

Moving is a great incentive to clean house and streamline your belongings. Pare down first, as a separate process from packing boxes. Make your move lighter by removing items that you don’t love, need or use. Separate into piles of charity, freecycle, recycle and trash. You can even take items to consignment or sell them on craigslist or ebay, if you have the time. Once the extraneous stuff is farmed out, packing will be faster and easier.

For consumables that you don’t regularly use, institute a ‘use it or lose it’ policy. This might include pantry items, toiletries, desk/office supplies and reading materials (newsletters, etc.). If they do not get ‘consumed’ before the move, it’s not worth moving them. You’ll feel great starting fresh at your new home.

While preparing for a move may not be anyone’s idea of fun, use it as a prime opportunity to review and purge what you own, so you’re left with just what you use, love, and need on the other end – how refreshing would that be?!

So, get out those trash bags and start tossing. We’ll be back with more tips to help you get moving!