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Declutter to make your space look cleaner and larger

Declutter tips

Squeezing all your belongings into boxes may not be a fun way to spend your free time before you move. In fact, packing and unpacking were ranked as the top relocation-related aggravations in a 2013 survey from self-storage unit marketplace SpareFoot.

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But here’s another way to look at it: Movinginsider.com says decluttering before a move can be a freeing experience, leaving you more time to focus on the things that are really important in your life.

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We couldn’t agree more. Before you wrap up a single cereal bowl or framed photo, try the following tips to avoid moving a ton of unnecessary items into your new home.

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  • Assess your possessions: Determine what you’d like to save — and what you should toss — by carefully examining the contents in each room of your house. 

     

  • Don’t pack tons of paper: Shred old documents and junk mail to avoid moving unnecessary paper items (and having to sort through them in your new home).

  • Get rid of extras and things you don’t plan to fix:Duplicate items you don’t need, gifts you never loved and broken belongings worth less than their repair cost are all candidates for being tossed.
     

  • Sort through bathroom stuff and cleaning supplies:Chances are there are some worn items you can discard. The Moving Blog suggests throwing away anything inexpensive that you can replace when you move — like a toilet brush — and any empty shampoo bottles or other used-up (or nearly used up) toiletries and cleaning supplies.

     

  • Get rid of old garments: According to Elle magazine, here’s the key to a successful closet clean-out: Inventory what you own by arranging clothes in piles to store, keep and potentially throw away, and then remove any items you haven’t worn for a year. The same principles apply to packing.

     

  • Be honest with yourself: Ask yourself if each object will save you money or fill a specific need — and also consider where it will fit in your new home. If you can’t think of a space or a use, pack that belonging in your garbage can, or consider donating, recycling or selling it at a garage sale.

     

Check out other ways to declutter your home while putting some cash in your pocket.

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Once you do start packing, Moving.Tips suggests starting with things you rarely use. Listing the intended room and contents on each package can also help when it’s time to unpack.

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For more tips on packing china, check out United Van Lines packing tips and moving electronics, Moving.com has some excellent suggestions.

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