After weeks, months, or even years of searching, you finally found your next home. Happiness is through the roof, excitement fills the air, and the prospect of starting anew conjures dreams and ideas of the future. Then reality hits. It’s time to pack up your entire life and move it…
Years of yard sale finds, thrift store pick ups and hand me downs from family that was too good to pass up fill the hallways and closets. Three different pot and pan sets, enough towels to dry a small army, and racks of spices that would make Emeril jealous, take up every inch of shelf space you have.
Maybe the hardest part emotionally of moving is the realization…it’s time to thin the herd.
Where do I Start?
This is the question everyone wrestles with. When trying to deal with an entire house, where to start can be confusing. We suggest starting in the room that’s used the least, usually a basement or attic or other storage area. From there, make your way through the house, leaving the kitchen and family areas for last.
What Makes the Cut?
Now that you have a jumping off point, it’s time to make the hard choices. Deciding what stays and what goes can wreak havoc on the mind, but a plan always makes things easier. Marie Kondo, a world-renowned organization expert suggests looking at any item and decide if it brings you joy, if it doesn’t, get rid of it. Chances are, if it’s not already hanging on a wall, or folded in your drawers, you’re not going to use it…ever.
Avoid Reminiscing
One trap that snares a lot of victims is nostalgia. It’s almost inevitable that while decluttering and organizing you’ll come across old pictures, letters, or scrapbooks. While these items definitely bring joy, they’re meant to be enjoyed during family gatherings, not while you’re preparing to move. Try to keep a professional attitude and see this as a job you’re being paid to do, leave the memories for a relaxing evening in your new home.
Furniture
The real elephant in the room. Furniture by far takes up the most space, is the hardest to store, and usually is the hardest thing to get rid of. Even “cheap” furniture can cost a decent amount of money, so the idea of discarding these items can cause some tension. Understand the layout of the new home and make a quick sketch. Decide if there’s any furniture that simply won’t fit or doesn’t work and sell it or donate it.
Lighten the Load
Books are the lifeblood of an educated society. They’re also the reason most homeowners end up with back problems after a move. Books require a ton of boxes because of their weight, so it’s a great place to lighten up the move and decrease the supply need. Keep the books that are worth reading or have a sentimental value, but you probably don’t need the full 32 book set of Encyclopedia Britannica anymore.
Having to choose what stays and what goes during your next move can be like having to choose a favorite child. Our possessions become endeared to us over time and when you add in the fact that we’ve most likely spent our hard-earned money on them, the idea of getting rid of them can be difficult to swallow. However, doing so will relieve you of added stress and cost and will go a long way towards making your next move that much easier.