Moving expenses can add up quickly, especially when you’ve got a lot of stuff. But how much of what you’ve got can be tossed, and how much is worth keeping? Even though it may feel daunting, making decluttering decisions is the first and most essential task when prepping for a move.

Decluttering before a move is not just a task. It’s a strategic move to limit your expenses. As most movers charge by the hour, the less you have for them to carry, the less you’ll spend. This process also lets you take stock of what you’ve got and might want to purchase for your new home. If you need help beginning the decluttering process, Maffucci Moving & Storage can help. For an environmentally responsible approach, consider using eco-friendly junk removal services that ensure your unwanted items are recycled or donated whenever possible, reducing waste and benefiting the community.

How to Declutter Your Space

First, you should determine what “clutter” means to you. What’s classified as clutter is different for everyone, making it difficult to have others help you with the process. When you work with Maffucci to declutter your home, we follow your lead. To kickstart decluttering your space, follow these steps:

Step 1. Survey each room

Take a look in each room to see what you’ve got. Go room by room, finishing each step of this checklist before moving on to the next. You should start with the room and items you spend the least time in/using.

Step 2. Decide what to keep

Before deciding what items to keep, toss the obvious (things past their expiration date and broken beyond repair).

After that, deciding what items to keep can be streamlined by answering a few questions:

• Will it fit in the new home?
• Where in the house will it go?
• Have I used it in the past year?
• Do I have more than one?
• Is it difficult or expensive to move?
• Is it in good condition?
• Does it work?
• Does it need to be repaired?
• Does it fit properly (clothes, shoes, accessories)?
• Is it on-trend or making a comeback?

Step 3. Donate or ditch

Put any items that aren’t an immediate yes to the above questions in a different pile. From there, you can break them down into two categories: donate or toss items.

To determine which category it falls into, follow a simple checklist:

• Does it have any value left that another person can use?
• Can it be easily repaired, or is it falling apart?
• Is it damaged enough that it can’t fulfill its purpose?
• Are there any parts missing?
• Did you say to yourself, “Who would want this junk?”

Step 4. Establish storage criteria

Sometimes, you’re just not willing to part with things yet. Luckily, you always have the option of putting things in storage. To decide what items get put into storage, think about whether or not you use them daily, weekly, or monthly. If you use it even less than the latter, it’s a good candidate for storage. Items that could be put into storage include holiday decorations, old paperwork, furniture, childhood keepsakes, and unused antiques.

Step 5. Repeat steps one and two

You don’t have to have a plan for each item the first time. Make a maybe pile and repeat steps one and two for anything unsure. If you need more time to decide if you’re hung up on whether or not to ditch something, consider whether it’s something you want or need.

Want vs. Need

Sometimes, figuring out whether an item is a want or a need can be difficult. We usually hang on to things we’ve attached sentimental value to even though we no longer use them. While it’s understandable to want to keep things close to us as reminders of the best times, if we do it too often, we’ll end up with too much to move.

When decluttering meaningful items, the hardest part is the emotional challenge of letting go. It’s important to remember that letting go of the object doesn’t mean you’re letting go of the memories associated with it.

To say goodbye to items that mean something:

• Set a timeframe and system (don’t procrastinate)
• Ask someone to help if you get emotional while sorting to stay on track
• Take pictures of items if you’re having trouble letting go so you can revisit them
• Make a unique space for sentimental items you’re keeping
• Try to identify an apparent reason to keep it, and if you can’t, donate it

If all other methods of decluttering objects of sentimental value fail, ask the following questions:

• If you had to purchase the item at full price, would you?
• If someone you don’t like gave you the item as a gift, would you still keep it?
• Does the item evoke happy memories?

Tips for Maintaining Organization

Enjoy your new space once you’ve set things up how you want them. You worked hard unpacking and deserve to relish in the rewards. However, you might also wonder how long things will stay nearly organized. To keep the items you kept organized, maximize storage with dividers and products, always put things back once you’ve used them, keep surfaces clear, and do a little light cleaning each day (ex. M making your bed, fluffing pillows, dusting off surfaces).

Another way to maintain your home organization is to try different decluttering methods/philosophies to find the one that works best for you and your lifestyle. One of the most popular methods is the KonMari “Does this spark joy?”, but other strategies include the Becker Method, the 20/20 rule, and the Peter Walsh Method.

In recent years, the minimalism philosophy has grown in popularity, encouraging people to keep only the necessary items and those that make them happy. The minimalist philosophy focuses on carefully choosing each item in your home, prioritizing experiences over material goods, and reducing the amount of “brain clutter” like social media and email newsletters.

To try out this decluttering method, follow four simple tips:

1. Ask how your life could be better with less.
2. Put rules in place to keep you on track, like the Just-in-Case or 20/20 rule.
3. Organize as you by downsizing.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Decluttering

Decluttering your space comes with countless benefits! From allowing you a fresh start in your new home to making staying organized easier, reducing required storage space, prioritizing what you’ve got, and boosting your mental health, there’s much to look forward to at the end of the tunnel. With all these positives, however, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and take things too far.

Common decluttering mistakes that you should avoid include:

• Putting it off because you don’t want to make decisions
• Taking too much on at once
• Focusing on details instead of the big picture
• Letting your emotions rule your choices
• Organizing before you finish downsizing

Choosy Movers Choose Maffucci.

Decluttering can be a lot to handle, but it can also be fun! When decluttering before a move, you reminisce on some of your favorite memories and revisit different times. Decluttering will also prepare you to start the next chapter in your life while you make space for new things. Follow Maffucci’s tips and tricks for a successful move outlined in our decluttering guide.

Contact Maffucci Moving & Storage to get a free moving estimate. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or ready to relocate, our team offers personalized guidance and support to make your move cost-effective.