Decluttering is a valuable exercise whenever you move house, even though it can feel like a daunting task. When moving, going through the exercise of decluttering will save you time with packing, save money on moving costs, and make settling into your new home easier, as you will have less to unpack. If you’re downsizing or wanting to simplify your living spaces, decluttering will be essential. Let’s look at how you can declutter in easy, manageable steps.
The benefits of decluttering
There are many benefits to living in a decluttered home. For day-to-day tasks like cleaning, decluttered rooms are easier to maintain. Organised and clean rooms improve air quality, which is great for people with asthma and allergies. Visually, decluttered rooms look relaxing, which has a calming effect. You’ll find items easily, make your home safer, and improve your overall quality of life.
Getting started
Like any big job, breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier to stay organised and achieve your goal. With decluttering, working through one room at a time is the way to get started. Within each room, complete one area at a time, such as a cupboard, drawer or shelf.
You’ll need to organise as you go. The easiest way to do this without creating more piles of clutter is to get six large, sturdy boxes or containers like fish bins. Label each box or container as follows.
1: To Keep
This container is for any item you want to keep that’s in good condition. Once you have cleared each space, return these items to empty the container, ready for the next area.
2: To Repair
Use this container for any items you want to keep that need repairs or mending. Complete your repairs and put the items away again.
3: To Sell
Put any items of value into this container, ready to list on online auction sites like Grays.com to convert into cash. Price them to sell to make sure you’re not sitting on them for long.
4: To Donate
If you have any items that are still useful but not necessarily valuable, place them in this container to donate to charity shops or community organisations that distribute them to people in need. You may need to phone ahead to find out what items your local shop needs.
5: To Recycle
It’s becoming easier to recycle or upcycle more items these days. Use this container to organise any items suitable for recycling. Remember, you can also take metal items to metal recyclers who will give you cash.
6: To Throw Away
Your last container is for any items that no longer have any use or value and are only suitable for landfill. Remember to empty it every time it gets full.
The decluttering process
To keep you on track, pick a process that suits you best. Having a process helps you make decisions easier, so you’ll make faster progress. Here are some ideas.
Thirds: As you clear each area, divide your items into thirds. One you keep, one you sell or donate, and one you recycle or throw away.
80/20: Most people use 20% of their household items regularly and the other 80% infrequently or not at all. Consider disposing of the 80%.
Five seconds: As you handle each item, give yourself five seconds to remember the last time you used it. If you can’t remember, sell, donate, recycle or throw it away.
Make decluttering part of daily life
Once you’ve decluttered, it doesn’t take much effort to maintain a decluttered home. By continuing to clean, tidy and organise your rooms, you’ll reap all the benefits of a decluttered lifestyle. And when it comes time to move, you’ll appreciate all the effort you put into it.