Moving house is exciting and scary, especially when you have clutter and belongings you’ve forgotten about over the years. Decluttering before you move is a crucial part of a stress free move, as it frees up valuable space.
Get rid of the unnecessary and use the right rubbish removal methods and you’ll save space, reduce the number of moving boxes and make the whole moving process easier.
Let’s get started with each step to make decluttering and rubbish removal for your house move a manageable task.
1. Clutter Free Move
Before you start packing, take the time to declutter your space by going through your belongings. This first step will help you assess your living space, decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
Why Declutter Before Moving House?
Decluttering before moving house is essential for a stress-free and efficient relocation experience. By getting rid of unwanted items, you can significantly reduce the amount of clutter in your home, making it easier to pack and move.
This process not only saves you time but also cuts down on moving costs, as you’ll have fewer items to transport. Additionally, decluttering allows you to create a fresh start in your new home, free from unnecessary clutter and distractions.
Imagine stepping into your new living space with only the items you truly need and love—it’s the perfect way to begin a new chapter in your life.
Decluttering Your Home: Tips and Benefits
Decluttering your home gives you:
- Less Stress: Less clutter means fewer moving boxes and a more manageable packing process.
- More Floor Space: You’ll have more room to organize and store essentials.
- Easier Moving: Less clutter means a smoother stress free move with less to transport.
- Valuable Space: Freeing up valuable space within your home creates a more organized and spacious environment, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your living spaces.
Popular Decluttering Methods
There are several popular decluttering methods that can help you achieve a clutter-free home. One of the most well-known is the KonMari Method, popularized by Marie Kondo. This method involves gathering items of a particular category, holding each item, and keeping only those that spark joy.
Another effective approach is the FlyLady Method, which breaks down decluttering tasks into smaller, manageable steps and creates a routine to maintain a clutter-free home.
Lastly, the Minimalist Game is a fun and engaging way to declutter: get rid of one item on the first day, two items on the second day, and so on, for 30 days. These methods can transform your living space into a clutter-free haven.
Decluttering Tasks: What to Do First
When you start decluttering, start with one room and work your way through the house. Keep three piles: “keep,” “donate,” and “get rid of.”
- Sentimental Items: Sentimental items are hard to let go of but consider their practical use in your new space.
- Unwanted Items: Look for things you no longer need or use. This includes old appliances, worn out furniture and unused decor.
- Non-Essential Items: Focus on items you haven’t used in the last year. Non-essential items can be donated or recycled and will free up space.
2. Decluttering Room by Room
Decluttering room by room is an effective way to tackle clutter in your home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you declutter each room:
Living Areas
Start by gathering all items in the living area, including furniture, decorations, and electronics. Sort items into categories such as keep, donate, and discard. Consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition, and discard items that are broken or no longer useful.
Use a label maker to label storage containers and bins, and consider digitizing items like photos and documents to free up physical space. This approach will help you create a clutter-free home and make your living space more enjoyable.
Bedrooms
Begin by gathering all items in the bedroom, including clothes, bedding, and furniture. Sort items into categories such as keep, donate, and discard. Donate or sell items that are still in good condition, and discard items that are broken or no longer useful.
Use a label maker to label storage containers and bins, and consider digitizing items to free up physical space. A clutter-free bedroom can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Kitchen and Bathroom
Start by gathering all items in the kitchen and bathroom, including dishes, pots and pans, appliances, toiletries, and towels. Sort items into categories such as keep, donate, and discard.
Donate or sell items that are still in good condition, and discard items that are broken or no longer useful. Use a label maker to label storage containers and bins, and consider digitizing items to free up physical space. A clutter-free kitchen and bathroom can make daily routines more efficient and enjoyable.
By following these steps, you can create a clutter-free home and make your moving process easier and more efficient. Remember to also consider hiring professional house clearance services to help with the decluttering and removal process.
A professional house clearance service can handle the heavy lifting and disposal, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.
3. Packing Essentials and Supplies
Getting the right packing supplies is key to an organized packing process and fragile item safety. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to pack up.
Packing Supplies Checklist
- Sturdy Boxes: Use small boxes for heavy items like books and large boxes for light items like bedding.
- Bubble Wrap & Packing Paper: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper.
- Plastic Sheets & Garbage Bags: For larger items like furniture, plastic sheets will protect from dirt and moisture.
- Labeling Supplies: Label boxes clearly so unpacking is easier and to protect fragile items during the move.
Packing Tips for Fragile and Valuables
- Bubble Wrap for Fragile Items: Glassware and delicate decor should be wrapped carefully to prevent damage.
- Fill Empty Spaces: Use packing paper or soft items like towels to fill empty spaces in boxes.
- Label Boxes Clearly: Mark “fragile” on boxes with delicate items and label boxes by room for easier unpacking.
4. Responsible Disposal and Waste Removal
Once you’ve decluttered your belongings, it’s time to think about the disposal methods for unwanted items. Proper rubbish removal not only frees up space but also the environment.
Choosing the Right Removal Services
Removal services and professional packers can make a big difference, they’ll handle the heavy lifting, disposal and recycling for you.
- Waste Removal Companies: They handle everything from construction debris to household items to hazardous materials.
- Rubbish Removal Services: Rubbish removal professionals will dispose of larger items, hazardous waste and construction debris.
- Local Charities & Recycling Centres: For items that can be reused, many local charities will take furniture, clothing and electronics. Reuse and Recycling centres are also an option for items that can’t be donated.
Disposal Tips
- Donate Unwanted Items: Many local charities will take gently used household items, clothing and electronics.
- Recycle Hazardous Materials: Hazardous waste like batteries, chemicals and paints should be taken to recycling centres with special disposal facilities.
- Don’t Go to Landfill: Prioritize responsible disposal to reduce the environmental impact of your move.
5. Packing and Organizing Tips for a Stress Free Move
Packing can be overwhelming but with planning you can make it manageable. Organizing is key to a clutter free and stress free move.
Packing Plan
Start packing with an inventory of essential supplies. Make sure you have all the packing materials you need, including garbage bags for decluttering and larger boxes for bulkier items.
- How Many Boxes Do You Need? Calculate based on the size of each room and the number of items. Larger rooms with more items may need more boxes.
- Pack by Room: Pack one room at a time, starting with the least used rooms, like storage rooms or guest bedrooms.
Sentimental Items
If you have sentimental items that are precious to you, pack them in strong, sturdy boxes with plenty of padding. Consider keeping these separate for easy access and handling.
Packing Materials
- Bubble Wrap and Packing Paper: Use bubble wrap for fragile items and packing paper to fill empty spaces.
- Plastic Sheets for Furniture: Cover large furniture items with plastic sheets to prevent damage.
- Packing Perishable Food: If you’re transporting perishable food, pack it separately and plan to store it properly if the journey is long.
6. Choosing the Right Removal Company
A good removal company can make a big difference in the move. Look for professional services that have experience in handling heavy items, fragile belongings and waste removal. Here are some to consider:
- Experience and Reviews: Make sure they have experience with house moves and professional handling.
- Environmental Responsibility: Some companies will recycle or donate reusable items which can reduce the environmental impact of your move.
- Service Range: Choose a company that does not just move but also waste removal and house clearance for a one stop solution.
7. Keeping Your New Home Clutter Free
A smooth move sets the tone for a clutter free living space in your new home. Here’s how to keep it organized post move:
- Unpacking: Unpack by room, start with essentials and keep organized as you settle in.
- Furniture Placement: Place furniture to maximize floor space and create an open space.
- Storage Solutions: Consider storage solutions like shelves, cabinets and bins to keep items organized and clutter free.
Final Steps for a New Beginnings in Your New Space
Once unpacked take some time to review the items in your new home to see if they match the new beginnings you had in mind.
Summary: A Clutter Free Move
Decluttering and waste removal are key to a smooth stress free house move. Follow these steps and you’ll manage the whole process from sorting sentimental items to packing fragile items and responsible disposal of hazardous waste. With planning and the right removal company you’ll not only reduce moving stress but also a sustainable move.
Moving house doesn’t have to be a headache. Take the opportunity for a new beginning and a clutter free space in your new home.