Moving House
Packing up your house to move is a massive undertaking, especially if you have lived there for several years. Over time we tend to accumulate items that become clutter and are things we may not need or want to take to our next home. By taking the time to declutter before you start packing, you can reduce your stress and the number of boxes you’ll have to load into a truck! Here are some tips to get you started.
Start Decluttering Early
If you know your move is approaching in the next month or two, starting your decluttering process as early as possible can take a lot of the stress off your shoulders as moving day nears. You may want to be able to take your time sorting through items and allow yourself enough time to put some items up for sale.
Deciding What You Will Keep Before Packing Up Your House
For some people, it can be challenging to decide whether or not they want to keep an item. For those who are sentimental or like to collect things, it can be stressful and emotionally taxing to make these choices. Try not to take too many trips down memory lane. As you sort through things, ask yourself these questions to help you decide:
- Have I used this item in the last 1-2 years?
- Do I have more of this item than I need?
- Could someone else benefit from or enjoy this item more than I am?
- Will I have room for this item in my new home or somewhere to store it?
Plan To Sell, Donate, Recycle or Throw Away
Once you’ve decided that an item can go, it’s a great idea to create four separate categories for what you will do with it; sell it, donate it, recycle it, or throw it away. Ideally, selling or donating as many items as possible will reduce waste and give things a second life, but some items may not be fit for sale or donation. If you plan to recycle items, be sure they are on the list of things your municipality will recycle. If the item doesn’t fit into the other 3 categories, you can throw it away. Grab a large trash bag for the “throw away” items, a recycling bag for recyclables, and a box for “donate” items and “sell” items.
Tips for selling and donating: Be sure clothing items you plan to sell or donate are clean. Go ahead and fold them up and place them neatly in a box. If you have both men’s and women’s clothes, use separate boxes and label them accordingly. Many organizations that accept clothing donations prefer taking clothing items this way.
Tackle One Room At A Time
It can feel overwhelming to think about all of the items in your entire house that you will be leaving behind. Start with the rooms that you use the least, like the attic, basement, or garage. This will help you get much of the decluttering out of the way on the front end. Then make your way through the entire house. Plan out a day that you will go through each bedroom, the kitchen, playroom, etc. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of other family members. The extra hands can make things go quicker and they will likely want a say in what items they keep and which they don’t.
Schedule Time For Decluttering
When you’re packing up your house to move, you will have your moving dates scheduled. So why not plan your declutter days too! This way, you are more likely to get it done. For some people, this isn’t the most fun activity, so find 2-3 hours of time per week to declutter and add it to your schedule.
Organize Moving Dates
Organizing moving dates is crucial when planning a move, as it can impact many aspects of the process, from the availability of moving services to the logistics of packing and transportation. Here are some reasons why organizing moving dates is important:
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Availability of Moving Services: Moving companies may have limited availability during peak moving season, so it is important to plan ahead and secure a moving date early to ensure that you can get the services you need.
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Coordination with Other Parties: If you are selling or buying a home, you will need to coordinate your move-out and move-in dates with the other parties involved to ensure a smooth transition.
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Logistics of Packing and Transportation: Depending on the distance and complexity of your move, the logistics of packing and transportation can take several days or even weeks to complete. Organizing moving dates can help you create a timeline for these tasks and ensure that everything is done on schedule.
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Time Off Work: If you need to take time off work for your move, it is important to plan ahead and coordinate your moving dates to avoid any conflicts with your work schedule.
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Cost: Moving costs can vary depending on the time of year and the availability of moving services. Organizing moving dates early can help you find the best deals and avoid any last-minute rush fees or other additional costs.
Overall, organizing moving dates is a crucial step in the moving process that can help you save time, money, and stress, and ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the move.
Need Help Packing Up Your House to Move?
The process of moving requires a lot of time and energy, especially when you are also taking the time to declutter your home first. Hiring professional movers can make the process easier for you and your family. S&M Moving Systems offer residential moving services in Arizona and California with full-service and long-distance availability. Call today or visit the website for a moving estimate!