How to Declutter Your House Before Moving out?

It’s finally time to move out of your current house and call a new place home. You’ve made some great memories but unfortunately, also picked up some clutter along the way. There’s a chance you’re unable to take everything, including your large lamp, with you. Pre-packing is a good opportunity to assess what can stay, and what needs to go. Calling in the professionals will take this unpleasant chore away from you, leaving it to the experienced packers instead.

What would you consider as clutter?

Clutter is stuff that you keep around the house that doesn’t have any material or practical value.

Why you should declutter?

Scientifically, clutter causes stress, which is the last thing you need, especially if you’re already going through the moving process. Let’s alleviate the stress and let go of some clutter.

Where to begin

Chances are you’re not sure where to start. Take it one step – or rather one room – at a time. You’ll be using the three-box method when packing: Keep. Dispose. Store. Get your boxes ready and let’s begin.

Living room

This area (along with the kitchen) is the hub of the home and is probably the room that is the most time consuming when it comes to cleaning. You’re more than likely going to keep all your furniture but if you’re moving to a smaller home, then it’s time to consider what to keep. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Will they fit in the new home’s décor?
• It is a necessity in the home?
• Is the living room still functional without it?
• Should I store or sell it?

From here, you’ll be able to assess in which box they fit into.

Kitchen

This is another area you use more than any other room in your house. If you’re a regular chef in the kitchen, it’s likely you accumulated many small appliances, spices, cookware, etc. Divide your kitchen into zones:

• Upper cabinets
• Lower cabinets
• Drawers
• Pantry
• Refrigerator
• Countertops
• Freezer
• Spice rack

This will make decluttering easier. Assess what you can and can’t live without.

Bathroom

Get rid of any prescription medication, perfumes, shampoos and shaving cream that are past their sell by date, or you haven’t used in more than a year.

Bedroom

This is a big one, and arguably, a decluttering exercise you’ll probably find difficult if you have too many clothes. Decluttering your closet is a great way to get rid of the clothing you haven’t worn in a long time; give it away to friends and family, or donate to charity.

So how do you decide what goes and stays? Ask the following:

• Does it fit?
• Is it damaged?
• Have I worn it in the past year?

Once you’ve sorted through the clutter, it’s time to take a breather while the experts handle the pre-packaging. The Moving Man can provide you with excellent pre-packing services. Contact us today.