You have taken a significant step by setting a moving date, and congratulations are in order! However, it’s also time to hustle. Preparing for a move involves a lot of packing, but if you’re looking to save both money and hassle, decluttering should be your go-to strategy.
When you are living in a city as vast as Phoenix, Arizona, the process of moving can be more challenging compared to other regions. Phoenix is a sprawling city, and a substantial portion of its millennial population opts to make it their long-term home. In fact, approximately 76 percent of those born between 1984 and 1992 in Phoenix choose to remain there as adults. However, this doesn’t mean everyone in Phoenix will stay put forever.
Different places might present enticing job opportunities you have always dreamt of or offer the inclusive schools your child needs. With these considerations in mind, it’s not uncommon for people to eventually move away from Phoenix.
Nevertheless, the matter of decluttering remains the same. Having fewer items can significantly reduce the number of packing boxes needed, labor costs, and packing time. If it’s been a while since your last decluttering session, you may be unsure of where to begin.
Since it’s time to move, this is the perfect opportunity to purge most of your unwanted belongings. Before reaching out to Phoenix long distance moving companies, why not kickstart your decluttering process? By doing so, you will streamline the moving process and eliminate a significant amount of packing hassle.
Here are some tips on decluttering and organizing before the final move.
- Find Your Motivation
Decluttering is a demanding task, both physically and mentally, especially with the moving process looming over you. In such cases, it’s important to find your motivation and hold onto it.
There’s no harm in seeking inspiration or motivation while decluttering. Keep reminding yourself of how decluttering instantly refreshes your mind. Envision how inviting your new home will look with all your belongings neatly organized in their designated places.
If you plan to sell some items, keep thinking about the money you’ll eventually earn. In addition to freeing yourself from unwanted stuff, you will be able to bolster your finances. This extra cash will come in handy when settling into your new home.
And when fatigue sets in, treat yourself by thinking about some rewards you can enjoy once the work is done!
- Start as Soon as Possible
Clearing excess belongings, packing, and moving to a new space are significant tasks. To manage them effectively, take action as early as you can.
As you start going through rooms and sorting your possessions, you will likely discover more items than you anticipated. Even in a small apartment, it’s surprising how belongings accumulate over the years.
If you are dealing with a large house to declutter, consider starting a few months in advance. While it won’t eliminate all the stress of your move, this proactive approach will significantly ease the process. Give yourself ample time and make the most of each day.
- Get the Least-Used Rooms Out of the Way
While decluttering, it’s important to consider every room, but not all rooms are created equal. If you start with frequently-used rooms, you might become overwhelmed by the clutter and memories associated with them.
Instead, begin your decluttering process with rooms that don’t have too many items. This may include the garage, attic, basement, or a storeroom. Although there may still be memorable items in these spaces, they will provide you with a fresh perspective on your belongings. You will notice that certain items have been stowed away for a long time without making any meaningful difference in your life. This will help you practice identifying and removing unimportant items.
By the time you tackle areas like your bedroom or the kids’ playroom, you will be in the decluttering zone. It will be easier to trim the excess and get rid of items that are weighing you down.
- Focus on Packing Well
When decluttering for a move, an efficient approach is to pack as you go along. Keep some packing boxes or clear storage boxes readily available. Take them with you to the room you’re currently working on. Place any items you intend to take with you in these boxes, giving you a head start on the packing process.
It’s even better if you take the time to clean, mend, and dust these items before packing them. This way, you will have one less task on your checklist when you move to your new home. Additionally, create a large “donate” box and perhaps a trash bag for items that are completely useless. Place the relevant items in these containers as you progress through the decluttering process.
- No Emotional Trips
Moving to a new home is already an emotionally challenging experience, so this is not the time to dwell in the past. Certainly, you will encounter precious memories in old photo albums, diaries, and various other items. However, you need to stay resilient and save nostalgia for a later time.
Pack those special items away in a separate box and label it carefully. Make a promise to yourself that you will revisit those memories when the time is right.
- Set Aside a Proper Time
If you believe you can declutter your entire home during your downtime, think again. Decluttering is not a task that most people look forward to, so you will need to schedule it just like a work meeting. Add a few decluttering sessions to your weekly calendar right away. If you have a substantial amount to tackle, these sessions can even be daily.
Conclusion
Decluttering might seem like a chore now, but you will thank yourself for taking on the task in a timely manner down the road! Conducting a decluttering session before your move can save you both time and money. It allows you to use your energy more efficiently on both ends of the move. Packing and unpacking become easier, and you will have a smoother time finding essential items. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can enjoy a fresh start in your new home!
