Organizing and decluttering are important strategies for relieving some of the stress associated with moving. For successful implementation, it’s all about adding and subtracting. Figure out what planning process you need to add and which personal items you need to remove to get to the desired end result—an organized space where you can feel relaxed.
Follow these four decluttering tips below to get through the chaos and gain control of the moving process.
1. Set goals and plan ahead.
It may seem daunting when you take a first look at everything you need to declutter. No matter how much needs to be sorted, though, start by making a plan and setting realistic goals.
This can be a step-by-step process, so start with a little at a time and set a date when you want everything to be complete. If you know you’re going to move in the near future, or if you’re planning around a closing date/lease term, make sure to get a jump start on the process as soon as possible. It’s also important to factor in extra time so you can work around other obligations in your life, such as work, school and kids’ schedules. With that in mind, be prepared that it could take at least a couple of weeks to properly declutter.
Next, get your plan in motion and determine how you will complete each task. Laying out a roadmap ahead of time and noting what you want to accomplish will help you stay on task and keep your eyes on the prize. Create a to-do list that includes areas you want to clear out, as well as cleaning and storage supplies you may need. If you live with family members or roommates, you can divide the tasks and assign each person to a different room.
2. Create a sorting system.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you think about sorting through all of your belongings at once. Go through each room, one at a time, and set up boxes or storage bins to separate items. Use the well-known three box method to start sifting through the clutter and sort your belongings into one of three categories:
- Keep
- Throw Away
- Give Away
To prevent an additional layer of clutter forming with these boxes, take time at the end of the day or week to place each one in its proper place. Bring the donations with you the next time you run errands, put throw-away boxes out with the trash and place keepsakes in their proper place.
Quick Tip: Place the items you’re keeping in clear bins/storage areas and label them appropriately. This will keep everything organized and save you time in finding what you need later because you’ll know where everything is located. Plus, you can save room by using stackable storage, vacuum-packed bags and furniture that doubles as storage—such as dressers or lift-top coffee tables.
Another important step is defining what clutter means to you. The best way to start sorting through items—deciding if you should keep it or toss it—is to ask yourself some key questions. Consider the following:
- Do you use this item regularly (within the last six months) and is it currently serving a purpose?
- Will you feel guilty or sad if you get rid of it?
- Does the item have sentimental value?
- Does this item fit your lifestyle right now?
- If it’s broken, is it worth fixing?
- Could this space be better used for something else?
3. Clear out spaces.
One of the best ways to start clearing away the clutter is to start small, and then gradually move to larger areas. Begin with the smaller spaces and go through drawers and cabinets. This way you’ll be able to see progress quickly, which will help keep you motivated and moving forward. It will also help you get into a groove and practice steps for letting go.
Another quick way to make your space feel more calm is to keep flat surfaces—tables in the bedroom (nightstands), dining room and living/family room—almost clear. It’s okay to have lamps and decorative pieces on display, but try to keep less than five items out on the surface.
When you’re ready to take the next step into larger areas of the home, consider tackling your closet next. Possibly one of the biggest challenges to handle in the decluttering process, there could be more items in the closet than you think—even forgotten belongings.
Quick Tip: If you find an item that’s been buried away, out of sight and out of mind, this is most likely an immediate Throw Away piece. Don’t keep holding onto it if it does not have sentimental value and you haven’t used it in a while. For example, go ahead and toss those shoes that don’t fit anymore, toys that haven’t been used or extra luggage that’s collecting dust.
It’s helpful to declutter your closet by going from the bottom up. Clearing out the mess at the bottom first is more efficient because it will give you more space to work and will provide a greater sense of productivity.
As you work your way up to the shelves, be sure to clear these off completely and wipe down with cleaning spray. As you rummage through clothes and shoes, remember to ask yourself the key decluttering questions. If it doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to say goodbye.
As you refill your closet back up, try to organize your clothes (possibly by season, occasion or color) and avoid placing them on shelves where they can get lost behind hangers.
Finally, after you decide what you want to get rid of, it’s time to figure out how. Here are a few ways to dispose of items that can help make more room and a big difference.
- Donate items that are in good enough condition to online and local charities.
- Recycle all glass, plastic and paper goods at a dropoff location or curbside.
- Host a garage sale or sell online to make a potential profit.
- Rent a dumpster if you have a lot to get rid of or larger household items.
Quick Tip: Incorporate item drop-offs into your moving day agenda. Find the closest donation box/store near you or on the way to your new living space. This will help save time and hassle.
4. Get into habits and routines.
Once your space is organized and feeling refreshed, you’ll want to keep it that way—at least for a little while! After all, decluttering is a major task and it can truly transform your home (for the better). Form habits and keep your new space in tip-top shape so that you, and your guests, can enjoy it.
Save yourself time by maintaining cleaning routines. Make it an ongoing effort to reorganize every so often, keep spaces tidy and try to get rid of unworn clothes every few months. It may take time to make this a habit, but soon you’ll see your space come together like you’ve always imagined—which is the fun part!