Why You Should Declutter Before a Move — and When to Seek Out Expert Help
With the best movers on standby, it’s time to decide whether you’d want to declutter your belongings before the move or do it once you’re at your new place. Though there may be a few pros to doing it all after the movers have gone, getting your belongings in order beforehand will make sure the whole process is not only bearable — but satisfying as well!
Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move
Saving Money
One of the most obvious reasons for decluttering before a move is that you can save money. The more stuff you have to transport to your new place, the higher the costs of the move will be. Decluttering before a move would naturally downsize your belongings, allowing you to get rid of some stuff in advance, whether by selling or donating them. The stuff you cannot do much with would go in the trash — which doesn’t cost you anything, does it?
Self-Care
Another point to keep in mind is that the move itself will be overwhelming, one way or another. Even if you have everything planned out, the seemingly endless pile of stuff that surrounds you before the move could jeopardize your mental health. And that’s especially true if you wait for the last day to actually pack! Instead, you can do yourself a favor and practice some self-care while going through this huge transition in your life. And yes, the easiest way to do that is to organize as many of your belongings as possible. It has been said that decluttering, in general, can lower anxiety, relieve stress, and even enhance your decision-making skills. The sense of confidence and self-efficacy it provides should also help you feel more in control of the situation.
Saving Time
Even with experienced movers on your side, moving can be incredibly stressful and nerve-racking. Add decluttering after the move to that too, and you’ve got yourself a potential recipe for disaster. Once all the boxes have been transported and you’re inside your new home, the move isn’t done. There are so many other things that you have to do before you can relax at home safely. Plus, if you have a lot of stuff to go through on top of all your other obligations, there’s a good chance you’ll procrastinate unpacking until you can no longer handle the mess. That might not happen if you declutter before the move. By transporting only the stuff you definitely want to keep, you’d cut the amount of time you’d need to unpack. As a (fantastic) result, you’d essentially get to enjoy your new home faster.
When in Doubt, Hire a Professional Organizer
We’ve established that decluttering before a move is the way to go. But what if you’re just not good at organizing your belongings? Even worse, what if you feel as if you’re drowning in clutter and don’t know where to even start? The thing about the 21st century is that there is a person for EVERYTHING today. So, instead of agonizing over spending all your free time categorizing dishes, clothes, and more — you can hire a professional organizer to help you out! One of the neatest advantages here is that professional organizers can help people achieve some of the same goals we discussed earlier. With their expertise and keen eye, they can easily save you time on packing by reducing your clutter fast. With less stuff to haul to your new place, you will also be able to save money. The benefits of working with a professional organizer also include:
Calm, Helpful Attitude, and Focus
An organizer’s job is to calmly guide you through the decluttering and, in your case, the moving process. Therefore, they offer mental support to people who have a hard time parting with their stuff and cannot see the big picture. At the same time, they aren’t intimidated easily, so they will be able to focus on the task at hand and see the project through to the end. Better yet, they won’t judge anyone’s circumstances or patronize their clients in any way — after all, they’re there to help!
Objective Opinion and a Problem-Resolving Approach
Yes, you could always ask your friends or family members to help you out when the move becomes too overwhelming. However, not every person in your life will be able to offer their objective opinion. Professional organizers, however, serve as a fresh pair of eyes that easily spot problems and think of solutions. Plus, when you live in chaos, you get used to it after a while and cannot see it clearly. As professional organizers aren’t blind to clutter (unlike you, perhaps!), their advice will be objective, actionable, and even rather innovative in some cases.
Maintenance Game Plans, Tips, and Tricks
Finally, know that professional organizers don’t just exist to help you get rid of clutter as efficiently as possible. While they’re showing you how to categorize your belongings and get rid of stuff, they can also teach you how to keep your new place organized at all times. There’s no point in organizing everything you own according to systems that don’t fit your lifestyle and may even bother you. Luckily, professional organizers take all of that into account. They actually work with you to develop long-term strategies that’ll make the upkeep of your new place a real breeze. In a way, you’re not just paying for a one-time service that’ll help you move more efficiently. You’ll also get a chance to learn more about organization and use the tips and tricks the organizer shares with you to keep your home (and your life, too!) clutter-free.
