How to Declutter Before Moving House

Moving house is already a massive task- the last thing you want is to be wasting time moving junk from A to B which you really dont need. Moving is a chance to start fresh and wipe the slate clean so why not use this as an opportunity to have a huge declutter? Many of us hold onto way too many things that we simply dont need or will ever use again, and that can lead to our homes filling up and becoming less organised. Make yourself a deal that your new home will be more efficient and less cluttered, and that starts with getting rid of things you dont need before you arrive. Here’s how to go about it!

Start Early

Begin decluttering as soon as you know you’re moving. It takes time and can’t be done in a day. Start with wardrobes, paperwork, bedding, toys, and more. You can even start packing boxes as you go. Every drawer and cupboard will need to go through and be sorted so dont underestimate the time this can take and begin as soon as you can. If you’re unsure where to start, try working from top to bottom. Start in the attic as it’s often the most challenging space. Sell, donate, or throw away anything you don’t need. Box up essentials like Christmas decorations and leave them organized in the attic for moving day or use self storage to clear the area completely.

Establish a System

Having an organized plan can make moving much simpler. One idea is to get some big boxes and label them ‘keep,’ ‘trash,’ ‘donate,’ ‘sell,’ and ‘give to friends.’ Go through each room and sort items into these boxes. When the boxes are full, take action. Use platforms like eBay or Facebook to sell items you’ve set aside that are worth any money. The money can help cover moving costs and they can really rack up so anything that can help towards that is a good thing.

Stay Organized Throughout

Keep things organized from start to finish. Keep important papers in one place, like a folder. Make a to-do list for tasks like telling utility companies you’re moving and updating your address. Before you leave your old home, do a final check to make sure everything’s in order. Write lots of lists about items to pack and jobs to do so nothing gets missed. Hire a removals company who will do all of the heavy lifting, loading and unloading so all you need to focus on is getting things decluttered and packed.

Dispose of Hazardous Items Responsibly

Get rid of dangerous things in your home safely- this includes things you might not have considered as being unsafe. Old paint, batteries, electronics and cleaning products amongst other things will mean checking local rules when it comes to disposal. Many places have places where you can drop off these things safely. You can also donate old electronics or chemicals to places that know how to handle them safely.