How To Declutter Effectively Before Moving (5 Strategies)

Decluttering is an important part of the moving process. It lessens the time and trouble of packing and unpacking, saves money on moving costs, thus helps settling into your new life a lot easier.

In this blog post, based on my personal experience, I will share 5 strategies that will help you declutter effectively before your move.

My personal experience

Before my family made the big move from Asia to the US in 2020, we embarked on a series of decluttering sessions several years in advance. By the time we finally settled in the United States, we had managed to declutter over 95% of our belongings.

Our “extreme decluttering” process wasn’t always smooth. I had a strong attachment to my stuff; they were like little pieces of my life story, making it very hard to part with them.

There were moments when I seriously considered ditching the whole decluttering idea and just throwing everything into the moving boxes.

Drawing from my own experience, here are some tips on how to effectively declutter your home before a move.

Tip #1: Start Practicing Mindful Consumption

Start paying attention to the stuff you bring into the home the moment you know you are moving, regardless of how far away the moving date is.

Think about the fate of the item you are about to purchase: Will you pack it and move it to your new home, or will you get rid of it before your move.

The following questions can help you make rational decision when you think about buying something:

• Will I continue using it in my new home?
• Is it worth the moving costs? (ie. price, how easily replaceable…etc)
• If I won’t move it to my new home, will I feel bad decluttering this perfectly functional item? Or can I think of someone else who I can give this item to?
• If I only need it now, but not in the future home, are there any alternative to buying it? (ex. borrowing from a friend/neighbor; buy second-hand…etc).

Tip#2: Find out the cost of moving

Whether you are just moving to the building next door, or moving overseas like I did, it’s always good to do some research in advance to find out the moving options and their costs.

When you know your options and costs of moving, you become more logical when making decluttering decisions. You can also allocate the appropriate moving budget so that you have a limit of how much to move.

Once you know the cost of moving certain items (especially large pieces like furniture), evaluate whether or not it’s worth keeping them—if the cost outweighs their value or usefulness in your new home, then it may be best just let them go!

For example, after I found out the cost of moving from Asia to the US, I understood that it wasn’t worth the costs to move items that were easily replaceable. So I knew I needed to declutter most of our stuff and only move items that had sentimental values.

Tip#3: use the “YES Mindset” to declutter

Typically, when we declutter, we tend to use the “NO Mindset” approach. In other words, we eliminate things that are “not suitable, not liked, or not in use,” leaving behind what we want to keep.

However, I believe that adopting the “YES” mindset is more efficient for decluttering before moving.

Why, you ask?

You’ve probably heard of people who, even though they’ve been in their new homes for a while (sometimes even years), still have many items from their old homes that remain unopened and piled up in storage.

Rather than attributing it to lack of time or laziness, maybe we can assume that these items were ‘not needed’.

You surely don’t want the things you spent money and effort to move to your new home to merely occupy precious space, right?

So why not think in reverse, considering the items to take with you from the perspective of your future in the new home?

First, imagine the future you, embracing a new life in your new home. What kind of clothes are in your new wardrobe? What kitchen utensils are in your new kitchen? Which of your favorite books sit on the bookshelf? What decorations adorn your living room?

With this mindset, select the items from your current possessions that are suitable to bring to your new home.

I personally used the ‘YES’ mindset when decluttering my home before moving. Even though it was tough at the times, strangely, after saying goodbye, I felt as if I had undergone a transformation, becoming more proactive in facing my new life and more willing to accept challenges.

This move and decluttering process held extraordinary significance for me. Therefore, I recommend you give it a try, change your thinking, pick out the “YES items,” and let go of the rest.

Tip#4: Plan ahead for Selling and giving away your stuff

If you have items that you don’t want to bring along, but are still in good condition, you might consider selling them or giving them to friends or family members who could use them.

However, it’s important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to make arrangements.

Selling your unwanted items can be a great way to earn some extra money, but it does require a bit of effort on your part. You’ll need to take the time to list your items, whether it be online or in person, and communicate with potential buyers about pricing, pick up or delivery options, and any other details.

To make the process as smooth as possible, it’s best to start early and be organized. Consider setting a timeline for yourself that allows you enough time to sell all of the items you want to part with.

Alternatively, if you have friends or family members who could use the items you no longer need, giving them away can be a great option.

Just be sure to coordinate with your friends or family members well in advance of your move to make sure they have plenty of time to arrange for pickup.

Tip #5: Have a forward-thinking mindset

Decluttering with a forward-thinking mindset can help you make more intentional choices about what to keep and what to let go of.

It can be tempting to hold on to items that have sentimental value or that remind you of the past. However, it’s important to keep in mind that moving to a new home is an opportunity for a fresh start.

Take this as an opportunity to let go of the items that no longer serve a purpose in your life, and instead focus on the things that will be meaningful and useful in your new home.

As you sort through your belongings, ask yourself whether you truly need each item in your new home. By focusing on your new life and needs, you can create a fresh start in your new home and avoid the burden of excess clutter.

Conclusion:

Decluttering is an essential aspect of moving. It not only helps you minimize your load, but it also ensures that you are only bringing items that are necessary and meaningful to your new home.

With the five tips outlined above, you can make the decluttering process easier, more organized, and less stressful.

By practicing mindful consumption, researching moving options, making a list of what you ‘must’ bring, planning ahead for selling or giving away your stuff, and being forward-thinking when decluttering, you can make the most of your move and start fresh in your new home with a clutter-free space.

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