9 Categories to Declutter Before You Move

Packing your home and all its 300,000 items (that’s the average number of items in a home!) doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Follow these helpful tips from Living. Simplified. on how to plan an organized move and declutter items before you pack, and you’ll be unpacked and enjoying your new home in no time! Better yet, you won’t pay to move items that you don’t actually need. If you need help deciding what to take with you when you move (and especially when you downsize!), get in touch. We’re here to help!

Paper: From books to magazines, mail to paperwork, now is the time to pull out the paper shredder and paper recycling bin and get to it! Yes, it’s important to keep your tax paperwork for 7 years, any warranty items for appliances you’re taking with you, as well as medical files, and home purchase and sale agreements.

Electronics. Do you have a collection of old TVs, DVD players, cameras, cell phones, computers and printers? Find a local recycling center to safely dispose of these items before you move.

Kitchen: Now is the perfect time to take inventory of the kitchen gadgets, dishes, glassware, coffee mugs, food storage containers and small appliances. Chances are, you’ve accumulated a variety of these items over the years. Take the time to get rid of anything that is broken and that you haven’t used in 6 months. Consider blenders, food processors, ice cream and waffle makers, pots and pans, utensils, cups, mugs, plates and bowls.

Toiletries: We all have that expensive bottle of shampoo that we don’t like but have held onto “just in case.” Well, now’s the time to pass it along to someone who might enjoy it. Same goes for those sample size items you’ve collected from hotels. Be sure to throw away old makeup, dried up nail polish, expired sunscreen, and other unused toiletries.

Clothing. Did you know that research shows that we wear about 20% of our clothing 80% of the time? That means that you can safely donate a significant amount of your clothing before you start to pack. Donate or sell items in good condition, dispose of the items that are worn out, and keep only the items you love to wear, that fit, and make you feel good. While you’re at it, look at your footwear (shoes, boots, flip flops, sandals, sneakers) and only pack what you wear, what fits and what is comfortable.

Furniture. Start with the biggest and heaviest furniture. Take measurements of what you have and determine if it will fit in your new home. Chances are, if you are moving a significant distance, it will be cheaper and easier for you to sell or donate items and purchase items for your new home.

Toys. Have you been holding onto your children’s toys for when friends visit with their young children or for when you have grandchildren? Consider the amount of storage space you have in your new home before packing up all the toys. And if you have young children, be sure to involve them in the process. Chances are the toy that was their favorite 6 months ago, is no longer being used at all. Donate toys to your local thrift shop if the toys are in good condition and you have all the pieces.

Artwork. Do you have a piece of artwork hanging on your walls for the past ten years, but you don’t really enjoy it? Take a close look at everything hanging on your walls and decide if it will fit with the décor in your new home, if there is wall space available, and if it really brings you joy.

Pet Supplies. Has the empty fish tank been sitting in your basement for a few years? Do you have an old litter box lying around? Be sure to give away any of these items that are in good condition and throw away anything old, broken or that has an odor. Treat your pet to something new in your new home!

And the categories go on and on! Be sure to consider sports equipment (soccer balls, basketball hoops, skis, helmets, bikes, golf clubs); large appliances (are you planning to take the refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer?); musical instruments (does your child still take piano lessons? Is there a trumpet collecting dust? Reach out to your local schools to see if they’d like the musical instruments you no longer need.); home décor (might it be time to say goodbye to your teacup collection, area rugs or items decorating your mantel?); lawn and garden equipment (gather your shovels, rakes, mowers, weed whackers, hand tools and hoses and bring with you only what you will use); tools (these can be heavy, and are easy to sell if you won’t be needing them); holiday decorations (bring only what you love); and outdoor furniture (from tables and chairs, to umbrellas and grills, be sure to only bring what you will use and that you have the space for in your new home).

“Labels are your best friend when you move.”

As a final reminder, label, label, label. I can’t say it enough. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Just take a marker and write the name of the room on the outside of the box. Want to take things a step further? Number your boxes and create a spreadsheet listing what is in each box. Yes, this can be time-consuming on the front end. But when you arrive in your new home and are ready to unpack, having this handy list will make the process easier.