Clearing out clutter before a move or selling your home can feel overwhelming, but with a few expert tips, it can be painless. Really!
If your belongings are taking up precious square footage in your home, it may be time to re-evaluate whether you really need everything you own before your next move.
When you’re looking to get rid of stuff, start with the big, bulky items first. Doing so will free up space quickly, and once you see how good getting organized feels, it may motivate you to keep going.
If you can’t decide whether to keep it or toss an item, ask yourself, If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it?’ or ‘If I were moving across the country, would I pay to take this with me?
Embrace technology: Nowadays, you can find most things online — including another copy of a book, DVD, or CD that you regret parting with.
Say goodbye to that beer koozy with the logo of a company that is no longer in business or that T-shirts with now-defunct corporations on them?
Consider an item’s afterlife
Your old living room couch isn’t doing anyone any good collecting dust in your basement, but it could be just what a college grad furnishing their first apartment is looking for. Furniture doesn’t typically age well so give it away now, while it’s still usable, to someone who needs it. Ditto old electronics or appliances.
But let yourself be somewhat sentimental
Photos and memorabilia can be the hardest stuff to let go of, so start the process by corralling all of them in a box. Then go through them 30–60 minutes at a time. If you’re unsure whether to part with an item, give yourself a decide-by date and revisit it then. Your decision may be clearer. And your house will inevitably be cleaner!
Be sure to download this free “Declutter” flow chart for your ease of use.
[download id=”undefined” template=”Declutter Chart”]
Audio:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
