Moving Declutter Checklist for a Stress-Free Move
Get Organized: Moving Declutter Checklist for a Stress-Free Move
Moving to a new place can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with a lot of stress and anxiety. One of the most daunting tasks is decluttering before moving. It’s easy to accumulate a lot of stuff over the years, and the thought of packing and moving all of it can be overwhelming. That’s why I decided to create a moving declutter checklist to help me get rid of things I no longer need or want.
We moved a few years ago and this is what I used!
Decluttering before moving not only makes the packing process easier but also has many other benefits. It can help you save money on moving expenses, as you’ll have fewer items to transport.
It can also help you start fresh in your new home, without the burden of unnecessary clutter. And let’s not forget the mental benefits of decluttering – it can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve your overall well-being.
Creating a moving declutter checklist may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and organization, you can break it down into manageable steps. In the following sections, I’ll share some tips and strategies for decluttering before moving, as well as a comprehensive checklist to help you get started.
FREE MOVING DECLUTTER CHECKLIST
Why You Need a Moving Declutter Checklist
Moving can be a stressful time and overwhelming experience, especially when it comes to decluttering your home. That’s why I always recommend having a moving declutter checklist to help you stay organized and on track.
Here are a few reasons why you need a moving declutter checklist:
Helps Reduce Stress
Moving is already a stressful experience, and decluttering can add to that stress. However, having a checklist can help reduce that stress by breaking down the process into smaller, manageable tasks. The last thing you want to do is forget personal items in your old home. By checking off items on your list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and progress, which can help alleviate some of the stress.
Prevents Feeling Overwhelmed
Decluttering an entire home can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, a moving declutter checklist can provide a clear plan of action, maybe you want to have a yard sale or you could be downsizing into a smaller home. This to-do list will help with all of that.
Keeps You Organized
A moving declutter checklist can also help you stay organized throughout the entire process. By creating a list of what needs to be done, you’ll be less likely to forget important tasks.
Additionally, you can use the checklist to keep track of items you plan to sell, donate, or throw away, which can help keep your home in order during the moving process.
Overall, a moving declutter checklist can be a valuable tool in the most challenging part of a move!
Creating a Moving Decluttering Checklist
When it comes to moving, decluttering can be an overwhelming task. With these easy tips getting into your new house will be an exciting time.
Room-by-Room Checklist
The first step is to create a room-by-room checklist. This will help you focus on one area at a time and ensure that you don’t miss anything. Start by going through each room in your home and making a list of the items that you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Here are some tips for specific rooms:
- Closets: Go through your closet and get rid of anything that you haven’t worn in the past year. Donate or sell clothes that are still in good condition.
- Garage: The garage is often a catch-all for items that don’t have a home. Go through your garage and get rid of anything that you haven’t used in the past year. Consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition.
- Books: Books can be heavy and take up a lot of space. Go through your book collection and donate or sell books that you no longer need or want.
- Toys: If you have kids, go through their toy collection and donate or sell toys that they no longer play with.
- Tools: Go through your tool collection and get rid of any duplicates or tools that you haven’t used in the past year.
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Medicine Cabinet: Check expiration dates on all medications and declutter any that are expired.
- Nightstands: Go through your nightstands and get rid of any items that you no longer need or want.
- Bedrooms: Go through all the drawers, closets, and storage areas.
- Bathrooms: Check all the drawers and cabinets.
- Living spaces: All shelves and cabinets need to be decluttered.
- Dining room: Do you want the same furniture in the new house?
- Kitchen: As you empty out the kitchen cabinets think about how often you used each item.
- Attic: Don’t leave anything behind especially your holiday decorations unless they won’t work in the new home and can be decluttered.
- Basement: If you store your sports equipment here think about the last time you used it.
Decluttering Tips
It’s a good idea to think about your new home and how much space it will have compared to your current home. The goal is to NOT fill the new place with a lot of clutter.
Imagine if your larger pieces of furniture will suit this new space. Sometimes it is easier to sell things like a coffee table for a little extra cash if it doesn’t fit the new place.
Making yourself a decluttering challenge can help to get rid of the things that aren’t worth moving like old mugs and small appliances that are rarely used.
Moving Timeline
Once you have created your room-by-room checklist, it’s time to create a decluttering timeline. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you have enough time to declutter before your move. Here are some tips for creating a decluttering timeline:
- Deadline: Set a deadline for when you want to have your decluttering done. This will help you stay motivated and on track.
- Schedule: Create a schedule for when you will declutter each room. Be realistic and give yourself enough time to complete each room.
- Organize the moving truck or how you will transport all of your things to your new home.
- Make sure each family member writes down what is important to them so none of the sentimental items go missing.
- Moving boxes are great, but you can use trash bags for moving soft items.
- Set aside time to clean your current home for the new homeowner.
Professional Help
Finally, consider getting professional help if you don’t have a lot of time. A professional organizer or moving company can provide guidance and support throughout the process. They can help you create a customized checklist and provide tips for decluttering efficiently.
Decluttering Before Moving Checklist
Moving can be a stressful experience, but decluttering before the move can make it much easier. I have moved several times, and I have found that decluttering before the move helps me get rid of unwanted items, organize my belongings, and make the packing process much smoother. Here are some tips for decluttering before moving.
Packing Tips
Before you start decluttering, it is important to have the right packing supplies. You will need moving boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and labeling supplies. I recommend using vertical wardrobe boxes for your clothes, as they are easy to pack and unpack. Labeling your boxes will make it easier to find your belongings when you unpack. I like to label them by what room the items were in. So as I pack up my bedroom I label all those boxes “bedroom” this way I know exactly where that box should go in the new home.
What to Keep, Sell, Donate, or Toss
When decluttering before moving, it is important to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or toss. I usually start by going through my closets and getting rid of any clothes, shoes, or accessories that I no longer wear. Then, I move on to other areas of my home, such as furniture, appliances, and knick-knacks. As I am packing each box I analyze each item before it goes in. If I have any doubt I don’t pack it I get rid of it.
Selling Your Items
If you have items that you want to sell, there are several options. You can sell your items on Craigslist, eBay, or other online marketplaces. You can also have a garage sale or sell your items to a consignment shop. Selling your items can help you make some extra money before the move.
Donating Your Items
If you have items that you want to donate, there are many organizations that will accept them. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, and Habitat for Humanity are just a few examples. Donating your items can help you declutter your home and help others in need.
Discarding Your Items
If you have items that are no longer usable or in poor condition, it may be best to discard them. You can recycle items such as paper, cardboard, and plastic. You can also dispose of items such as old cleaning supplies and expired medications. Discarding your items can help you declutter your home and keep it organized.
In conclusion, decluttering before moving can help you get rid of unwanted items, organize your belongings, and make the packing process much smoother. By following these tips, you can make the most of your move and start fresh in your new home.
Essentials Box
First things first, make sure you have an essentials box packed with everything you need for the first few days in your new home. This box should include items such as toiletries, a change of clothes, medication, and any important documents. Having this box readily available will save you time and stress as you settle into your new space.
Unpacking and Organizing
After a long day of moving, unpacking can feel like a daunting task. However, with a little bit of organization, it can be a breeze. Here are some tips to make unpacking and organizing your new home a little easier.
Putting Everything Away
Keep your essentials box out, but it’s time to start putting everything else away. Start by focusing on the larger items such as furniture and appliances. Then move on to smaller items such as kitchenware and decor. As you unpack, try to keep similar items together to make organizing easier.
Organizing Your New Home
Now that everything is unpacked, it’s time to start organizing. One of the best ways to do this is to make use of storage space such as closets and dressers. Use drawer organizers to keep clothing and accessories tidy, and invest in shelving or storage bins to keep other items organized.
When it comes to decorating your new space, take your time and have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to make your new home look completely different than your previous home. When we moved we decided to embrace the style of our new home and make it look unique.
Overall, unpacking and organizing your new home can be a fun and exciting process. By following these tips and taking your time, you’ll be able to create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
Decluttering Before a Move Thoughts
Decluttering before a move can save time, money, and stress. It’s important to have a plan in place and stick to it.
One of the things that helped me the most was enlisting the help of friends and family. Having an extra set of hands and eyes can make the decluttering & moving process go much smoother and faster. Plus, it can be a fun bonding experience.
I also found the Marie Kondo method to be helpful. Asking myself if an item “sparks joy” made it easier to decide what to keep and what to let go of. It’s important to remember that decluttering is a personal process and what works for one person may not work for another.
I was surprised by how much we ended up decluttering before our last move. We had already been minimalist for a least a year, but when it came to packing it was a simple question of Do I want to move this?
That way of thinking helped me to declutter way more than I thought I would. Decluttering before moving also cuts down on the amount of work you have to do. Less to pack and unpack and is cheaper because we didn’t need a really large moving truck. Overall decluttering before your move will make the whole process so much easier.
Read More:
13 Cleaning Habits That Changed my Life!
20 Cleaning Hacks to get the Job Done Fast
Before and After Decluttering Photos
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