Decluttering Before a Big Move: Tips for Busy Families

Moving house can be one of the most stressful events in life. So much so that in a recent survey, it was rated more stressful than childbirth, job interviews, and visits to the dentist. Adding to the stress is the fact that moving house has become considerably more expensive compared to what it used to be.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to limit the cost and stress of moving. Among the more effective ones is a go old declutter. The fewer items you’re transporting, after all, the less worried you’re going to be.

So, what’s the best way to go about your pre-move declutter? Let’s take a look at the process.

Start Early and Make a Plan

The earlier you start preparing for your move, the better. This is especially true for the decluttering process. When done early enough, you can thoroughly declutter and pack each room up, one at a time.

To help, write down a realistic schedule and break down every stage into smaller daily targets so it feels more manageable. Make sure that you leave yourself with enough time to deal with any setbacks and disasters.

Use the Four-Box Method

You’ll typically allocate each item you consider to one of four piles (or boxes). One of these is destined for your new home. The other three will find their way into a charity shop, a listing on your favourite second-hand app, or the bin.

This approach has the advantage of being straightforward and simple. It will also prevent you from keeping everything, since the size of the box will be a limiting factor.

Think About Your New Space

You’ll also need to think about what your new place can actually accommodate. There’s no point in hanging on to a bulky set of sofas and chairs if you know that they’re going to swamp your new living room – or if they won’t actually fit through the door.

Check local storage options. If you’re based in the Midlands, then self-storage in Coventry might be the way to go. If based elsewhere, then look at options in other locations.

Sell, Donate, or Store Responsibly

If you know that the items you pick out are of sufficient quality, then make sure that you’re disposing of them in the right way. Find a local charity shop that’s willing to accept donations of the kind you need. Consider the bin only as a last resort.

If you need to get rid of items that might be valuable to other people, it’s worth listing them on Facebook Marketplace and other online services. This can be a great way to slim down a large library of books!

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.