Decluttering before moving can save you thousands of dollars. Movers charge by weight or volume, so if your boxes have less clutter, you're likely to get a smaller bill.
As per Interiors Addict, one in four Australians says their homes are more cluttered compared to five years ago. That trend isn't just in Australia. Homes everywhere have items that quietly make moving expensive once you decide to have a fresh start.
The smart move is to leave the unnecessary items before the moving company comes in. With these interstate moving tips, you're sure to save a lot of money on your next move.
What things should I toss before moving for a clutter-free start?
Packing up your stuff and moving houses comes with a lot of stress and pressure. One way you can reduce stress is by knowing what you can declutter. Here are some items you should consider throwing away:
- Old electronics and cables
- Old paperwork and media
- Expired household items
- Damaged or ill-fitting clothes and shoes
- Expired food and unused kitchen appliances
As part of furniture moving tips to follow, always get rid of furniture if it doesn't fit in your new space. It will save you a lot of hassle and your pockets, too.
How does decluttering before moving save you money?
Moving is expensive. If you can save some money by decluttering before moving, you should. Here's how you can save money:
Lower moving company costs
Most moving companies charge based on weight, volume, or the number of hours they take to complete your job. If you have extra items, it adds to your total. When you reduce your belongings beforehand, you reduce the load and pay only to move what you need.
Fewer packing supplies needed
You have to buy boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. If you declutter first, you'll need fewer packing materials, which saves you money.
Turn your clutter into cash
Australian Financial Solutions Group reports that people have up to about $7,000 worth of unused items lying around their houses. This statistic shows you can make money out of clutter before you move. Here's how you can do it:
- Hosting a garage sale
- Listing items on eBay or Craigslist
- Marketing your items on Facebook Marketplace
These avenues will help you monetize your clutter. If you have household items in good condition, you'll find buyers easily.
Avoid paying for storage
If you have so many items that don't fit your new space, you may end up renting storage units. Rental unit charges can go up quickly. Decluttering before you move will stop you from dealing with extra costs.
Save on setup at your new home
When you move with less, unpacking is easier and costs less. You will avoid the temptation to buy new storage solutions to accommodate your excess belongings.
How can I declutter my home before moving?
Stress-free moving makes life a little bit easier. You just need to know where to start. Here's how you can declutter your home before a move:
Start early and tackle one room at a time
Decluttering takes time, so don't start the process just when you're about to move. You'll feel drained. Start weeks in advance with a moving house checklist. Once you have a checklist, focus on removing clutter one room at a time. In every room, start by packing fragile items. Sorting through your belongings with a plan will make you less overwhelmed.
Use the 'four-box method'
As you declutter, use four boxes with the following labels: sell, donate, trash, and keep. This method allows you to make a decision about every item you own.
Digitise important documents
If you aren't careful, paperwork can pile up in your house over time. These items can take up unnecessary space when you're moving. To avoid this, scan important documents and store them digitally.
Minimise sentimental clutter
Some items in your home are very sentimental. While these items mean so much to you, keeping too many of them can become overwhelming. As you plan to move to your new space, choose a few meaningful items to keep. For other items, you can take photos of them and preserve them digitally.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly
Some items in your home will only make your next home unsafe. These items include:
- Old batteries
- Old paint cans
- Expired cleaning chemicals
Since they're hazardous, you need to find the best way to get rid of them. Check with your local waste management services for any guidelines.
Hire professional movers who can help
Once you're done decluttering, you'll need a Gold Coast moving company to transport your items safely. With stress-free moving services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your items will be delivered with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 Cs of decluttering?
The 4 Cs of decluttering include clearing out, categorizing, cutting out, and containing. These steps give you a structured plan. You start by emptying out the chosen room and grouping the items in this room into categories. Then, you get rid of items you don't need or want. Lastly, you rehouse the remaining items in clear and organized ways. This method works while you're doing it, so you notice the progress you're making as you go. As a result, you get the motivation to be efficient.
How Can You Get in the Right Mindset to Declutter?
To get in the right mindset to declutter, try to get rid of fears of scarcity. When you worry about not having enough, you'll often hold on to things that don't matter. Over time, this leads to hoarding. Ensure you avoid scarce thinking. Flip your mindset to that of abundance. This change invites you to see a lot of opportunities that are meaningful for you.
What Should You Not Throw Out When Decluttering?
When you're decluttering, avoid throwing away irreplaceable or high-value items. These include rare vintage items, legal documents, and family heirlooms. Also, keep functional, specialized tools, such as wrenches.
Organize Your Space for an Easy Move
Decluttering before moving is highly effective. It will help you save money and the effort you spend while moving. Once you sort out your clutter, contact professional movers. Subscribe to our email list for more moving tips.
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