Clearing the Clutter to Simplify an Upcoming Move
Based on the latest reports from the moving industry, more than 30 million families pack up their belongings and start fresh in a new home each year. Some move only short distances whereas others venture clear across the country. In some cases, they even set up shop in an entirely new country.
No matter how much distance lies between your family’s old home and the new one, moving can certainly be a frustrating experience. Getting organized and eliminating excess clutter can make a world of difference. Of course, that’s often easier said than done. If you’re facing an upcoming move, consider using the following tips to help make things a bit simpler.
Reach Out for Help
Moving is definitely a major undertaking. Most people don’t realize just how many belongings they’ve amassed until the time comes to pack them and move to a new home. Deciding which items to keep and which ones to get rid of isn’t easy, especially when you have an emotional attachment to many of them. Sometimes, it takes an outside point of view to make matters easier. Reaching out to professionals like those at Urban Clarity can simplify the situation.
Use the One-Year Rule
Another way to make organization and downsizing a bit easier is to use the one-year rule: if you haven’t used something in a year, get rid of it. This especially applies to clothing, shoes, bedding, and kitchen tools. The kitchen is one of the most notorious rooms of the home for accumulating items that seem like a good idea but ultimately end up not being practical. This rule doesn’t necessarily hold true when it comes to sentimental items, like photos and mementos of special occasions. With items like those, you don’t have to use them regularly to keep them.
Use Excess Items
Quite a few people have started stockpiling certain goods and necessities in light of recent events. These can include toilet paper, paper towels, canned foods, and other essentials. It’s always good to keep a supply of essentials on hand just in case they’re not readily available in stores. Still, every item in your household stockpile is another item you’re going to have to move. If you’ve developed a sizable cache, consider using some of those items before moving so you won’t have quite as much to take with you when the time comes. You can always start rebuilding that hoard once you’re in the new home.
Making Things As Simple As Possible
Moving is never truly easy. No matter how hard you try to stay organized, it’s bound to be something of a chaotic experience. However, there are ways to cut down on not only the stress but the volume of belongings you have to pack, move, and unpack when moving day rolls around. Try to get rid of non-essential items beforehand. Use any excess items you may have so you’ll have less to move. Additionally, there’s no harm in asking for help from professional organizers to further simplify the situation.
