Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering Your Life
August 29, 2016
It makes total sense to declutter your life before you move – and even more important before you start getting estimates from moving companies. The more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be – so it’s a good idea (if you have the time) to schedule a time to go through the below items.
READING MATERIALS
Go to your shelves and baskets – disregard old magazines and books that you aren’t planning on reading again. You can even think about gifting some of your favorites to friends that you think might enjoy the read.
PAPER
Things like receipts, bills, paperwork, that you do not need to keep for tax purposes, can be shredded. Many of us have pounds of paper filed away, that doesn’t need to be transported. It’s smart to keep tax documents for at least 5-10 years, but if they’re older than that you might consider shredding them up.
CLOTHES
This might be an obvious one, but be sure to be throughout and realistic. If you haven’t worn it in two years, if it no longer fits, is worn out or is out of style – put it in a donation pile. Be sure to check storage area for seasonal stashes as well.
MEDICINE CABINET
Sift through your medicine and throw away bottles that have expired. You will be surprised how much you’ll be able to throw away.
MAKEUP & TOILETRIES
Go through your bathroom cabinets, closets and storage areas for makeup, lotions, soap, gifts or shampoo items that you haven’t used. If it’s still good, keep it in a small tote, otherwise donate things that are used or throw it away things that have been used.
JEWELRY
Jewelry can be a tricky thing to declutter, because some might have sentimental value or might be worth something – so you aren’t sure if you can get rid of it. A good rule, if you don’t wear it and/or can’t will it to someone in your family, decide if it has value. If it’s pure gold, has stones – you might be able to visit a local jewelry store to see if they’ll buy the gold or stones. You can always try selling online or at pawnshops.
FOOD
As you get closer to move day, you’ll want to par down your food supply. Start creating a plan for either incorporating the food into your menus or donating to a local organization. Some moving companies are a part of “Move for Hunger” and will help pick up donated non-perishable food items and distribute them to local food banks. Beltmann is affiliated with this organization, so we make it easy for our customers to donate – ask your moving rep for details.
OLD CARDS, GIFTS, MEMORABILIA
This might be a tough thing for you to do, but consider being very cautious about what you keep in the “memories” sector of your life. Some people become unrealistically attached to keep things to remember people, moments or stages of life. And, that’s completely fine – just be realistic with how much you really need to keep and if you really think it’s something someone else would want to inherit once you’re gone.
ELECTRONICS
This is a big one – now that electronics are created to become obsolete in just a few years, if we aren’t careful we could all have mountains of chords, gadgets, warranties, accessories and cases hogging up a drawer or storage space. It’s hard to throw these things away because of their value. Before you take them to a recycling facility, do a quick Amazon or eBay search to see if any have sold recently, if you feel like it – you might be able to get some money for your extra items. Check out websites like Gazelle.com to see if your items qualify for their program – it’s an easy way to get some quick cash for your old electronics.
DRAWERS
We all have that drawer – you know the one, the catchall that has a random assortment of everything you didn’t know what to do with. Well, it’s time tackle the beast and throw away all of those old sticks of gum and pens that only work when you shake them. This would is probably the easiest, if you get a drawer organizer and stay very strict with what goes in each section.
GARAGE
Oh, this one sounds intimidating doesn’t it? Well, start with one area – maybe the toolbox or cabinet and then move your way to the walls and storage boxes. If you plan to have a garage sale, there’s good news, you can keep the items you plan to donate in the garage in a separate pile.
If you go through these items, you will be one your way to a minimalistic lifestyle, if you notice you aren’t throwing away much – you may have to enlist a trusted friend to help you get over the initial shock and offer some tough-love. As always, we look forwarding to making your upcoming move a smooth and easy one, if you have any questions for your favorite global moving company, please give us a call at (866) 251-8588.
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