Preparing for a move? Declutter your home effectively with these simple steps.

Decluttering your home is one of the best ways to ensure a stress-free relocation. Plus, it can be a great way to cherish all of the memories you’ve created in your old home before moving on to a brand new chapter.

Decluttering before you move will help you save more time and make things easier, as you won’t have to pack items you no longer want or need. It’ll help you save more money as well since you’ll have fewer boxes requiring less space on a moving truck, as well as fewer movers to help you set everything up in your new home.

In case you have no idea how to start decluttering, follow these simple tips below:

Set a date for decluttering

Set a date for decluttering ideally one month before the move. Depending on the size of your home and the amount of items you own, it might take a day or two to get everything done, so make sure you don’t have anything else to do during that period.

You can also set a deadline if you want, especially if you’re the type of person who excels under pressure.

Create a list

A list will help you follow a basic plan as you declutter your entire house. It can be as detailed as you want, or you can simply jot down every room, go through each one in that order, and write down any items you get rid of, just so you have a record.

Start with paper

Paper is the one thing that tends to accumulate in nearly every home. You’ll be surprised at the amount of documents, receipts, flyers, ticket stubs, manuals, and other paper products you have strewn throughout all of the nooks and crannies of your home.

That makes it a great target for your decluttering operation. Clearing out all of the paper items first and foremost is the perfect start, and will make things a lot easier the rest of the way.

Decide which items to keep

One of the most difficult parts of decluttering is figuring out what to keep and what to get rid of. Here are three key questions to ask yourself to help you decide:

• When did you last use it? – In case it’s been over a year, then you can probably do without it.
• Do I have something else that serves the same purpose? – Think about other items you own which could have the same function, then decide which one’s worth keeping.
• Does it have any sentimental value? – While it can be difficult to part with items that have sentimental value, but you may want to consider letting some of them go if they take up too much space.

Label everything

Use markers, sticky notes, masking tape, or any inexpensive labeling products to help you keep track of all of your items, boxes, and decluttering zones you’ve created. By labeling everything, it’ll be easier to remember where to put things, and will allow others to help out as well.

Additionally, clearly labeled boxes will make unpacking more organized once you get to your new home, as you and the movers will know which rooms they belong to.

Planning to relocate to Leavenworth, WA? Get in touch with us at Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate today at 509.888.8887 or email us at info(at)cbcascade(dotted)com