Moving is the perfect time to declutter

Are you about to move house and a bit daunted by all the things you have collected over the years? This is the best time to review what is really important and "downsize" your stuff. And so here are my tips to do it well.

How to decide what stays and what goes….

If you are not sure whether to keep something or let it go, here is a method that has served me well: Ask yourself if you have used the particular item in the last 6 months and how likely you are to use it in the next 6 weeks. If the answer is no and probably not, pass it on, There is somebody else that needs it more than you. I know it is hard to let go of some of these things but trust me, you will be glad you did when it is done.

When to begin

Begin early (6 weeks out). Decluttering is a big job and if your head is already overloaded with the planned move, you want to clear out those things that don’t belong anymore as early as possible. Mark out 2 hours every couple of days to review, decide and dispose.

Do one room at the time and do the least used rooms first. The things that have been tucked away in the garage or attic, clothes you have not worn since last summer, toys, kitchen appliances, books and knick knacks. All prime items for rehousing, repurposing, donating or just getting rid of.

Consider if a professional organizing service like Moving Smoothly or My Organised Home is right for you. These are professional Sydney based decluttering services and they provide help with deciding what is important and what to keep, what to give to charity or just throw away. Sure there is a cost but it brings peace of mind and frees up time. Consider how important that is.

Another option is selling unwanted items. You can do this yourself via sites like eBay, Gumtree, facebook marketplace or if that does not suit you or the thought of doing it yourself is uncomfortable, there is “do it for me” services in Sydney like Sell It For Me. Always nice to get some money for things you don’t need anymore.

This could just be a time to make a fresh start, a new house, some new decorations and some new clothes (or bed spreads, or couches, or …). Out with the old, in with the new!