Everyone loves a new home, whether it is a new house, apartment or a new neighborhood, but the process of moving is always a challenge and this is made even more challenging by the fact that it involves packing all the belongings.
To reduce the level of stress during the moving process, you should consider cleaning the house before you move.
This way, you will not only save time and effort but also start a new chapter of your life in a new home.
The Reasons Why There is a Need for Decluttering
Everyone loves to relocate, but, as you know, there are also some challenges with it.
One of the biggest challenges you are going to meet will be the challenge of packing and choosing what to pack. This is where decluttering comes into play. Reputable residential movers can also help you with this.
1. Reduces Moving Costs
Clutter can add up to moving expenses, and therefore, reducing clutter can help reduce moving costs.
Most movers work under the policy that they will be paid according to the volume and weight of the items being moved.
This is because moving companies charge their clients by the amount of items to be transported and therefore, by discarding items that are no longer needed, one is likely to save on the amount of money to be spent on moving.
This can help you save money for some other aspects you may think are crucial during your move.
2. Saves Time and Energy
Packing and unpacking are activities that require a substantial amount of time.
The fewer items one needs to pack, the easier and faster the exercise becomes.
This will help you to reduce the time that you will take to sort out your items before moving and the time that you will spend after moving to sort out your items.
This also minimizes the amount of effort in terms of physical and emotional strength that is used to handle these items.
3. Creates a Fresh Start
It is always good to start afresh, and this is why moving to a new home is always a good idea.
It creates space by removing things that are no longer used or desired, and new things and memories may be made in your new home.
A clean and uncluttered home will also help to promote a sense of peace and organization in your new surroundings.
Tips to Follow For Decluttering Your Home Before a Move
1. Start Early and Create a Plan
Laziness is the biggest foe when it comes to a stress-free move. It is recommended that you begin cleaning as early as possible to avoid the situation when you run out of time and do not know what to do.
Having a decluttering checklist is important in order to have structure and avoid a chaotic environment. Subdivide the task into smaller and more workable segments and then schedule them.
For instance, you can set the rule that you clean one room or sort out one type of things during the week, for example, clothes on Monday, books on Tuesday, kitchenware on Wednesday, and so on.
To kickstart your plan, sort items into four categories: maintain, give to charity, sell, and discard. This will give you a clear map to follow and help you avoid getting lost in the process or missing important details.
2. Determine the Relative Importance of Every Single Item
When going through your belongings, ask yourself the following questions: When was the last time I used this, and what was the occasion? Does it help me achieve a goal or bring happiness into my life?
If I did not currently own this item, would I go out and purchase it again? Such questions can assist you in making the decision as to whether such an item is valuable or useful.
If it does not make you happy or if you do not use it, then it should not be with you. Anyway, sometimes it is essential to get rid of things to make room for new impressions and new memories in a new house.
3. Take on One Space at a Time
It is always easier to sort through and declutter an entire house, but it is advisable to do it one room at a time.
This way, the task becomes easier to handle, and you will feel a sense of achievement as you move from one room to the next.
It is advised to begin with rooms which are less likely to contain significant sentimental value, for example a bathroom or a laundry room and then proceed to places that contain items that are likely to be more sentimental, for example, the bedroom or the living room.
4. Pay Special Attention to Personal Items
Personalized items are often the hardest things to discard. These are items that have sentimental values and personal significance, and, therefore, it can be challenging to discard them.
When it comes to sentimental belongings, allow yourself to keep a few items that you love but avoid holding on to all of them.
5. Use the “One-Year Rule”
The “one-year rule” is a very basic rule of thumb for cleaning out items. If you have not used a certain item of clothing for the last year, then you probably will not use it in the coming year.
This rule applies to clothing, kitchen utensils, and other random household items that do not fit any specific category.
6. Give Away or Sell Items That Are No Longer Needed
Among the most significant benefits of decluttering is that unwanted items can be given to someone who will benefit from them.
Clothes, furniture, and any household items that are still wearable should be given to charities, shelters, or thrift stores.
You will be offering your help to those in need, and at the same time, you will be minimizing the amount of waste generated and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products.
7. Dispose of Items Responsibly
During the cleaning process, there are always items that are no longer useful or of any use to you.
Because of this, it is necessary to practice proper disposal methods on such items to reduce the effects on the environment.
Reuse items like newspapers, magazines, bottles, jars, and containers made from specific plastic materials.
These materials can be taken to many of the local recycling programs or to a recycling drop-off center.
8. Pack a “Moving Essentials” Box
When you are packing, make sure you pack what will be needed first in the new home in a separate box.
Essential items to be placed in this box include documents, medicines, towels, toothpaste, utensils, spare clothes, and anything else that might be required. Label this box and ensure it is well placed within reach during the moving process.
Book AFA Movers for a Seamless Moving Experience
Decluttering your home before a move can be a transformative experience, setting the stage for a fresh start in your new space.
However, once you have pared down your belongings, the next crucial step is ensuring they are transported safely and efficiently to your new home. This is where AFA Movers comes in.
AFA Movers is dedicated to providing a hassle-free moving experience. With a team of experienced professionals, we offer a range of services tailored to meet your unique needs. Contact us today and book your next move.
