How To Declutter Your House Before a Move

Last updated Mar 29, 2021 | Moving

Every year, 40-million Americans move house. Moving can be very exciting. A fresh start is something that a lot of people look forward to. But moving can also be one of the most stressful things you’ll go through in your life. So, how do you minimize that stress?

If you want to make sure you have a stress-free move, you should declutter first. Decluttering is a great way of closing the chapter that was your old home before starting again somewhere new. But where do you even start?

Here’s how to declutter your house before a move.

Give Yourself Plenty of Time

One of the most important decluttering tips that anyone can give you is to give yourself plenty of time to declutter and pack. If you declutter as you pack, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and energy.

Even if you’re very organized and work quickly, it’ll still take you a long time to declutter and get ready for a move.

The amount of time you give yourself will depend on how many rooms you have and how many possessions you own.

Check out these moving tips from a professional removal company.

Create a Plan of Attack

Before you start decluttering and packing, you’ll need a plan of attack. Your plan should include two things, what type of things you’re planning on getting rid of and how you plan to do that.

For example, do you plan on selling your unwanted items? Or, do you want to donate them? Some items will be easier to get rid of than others. Furniture, for instance, takes a little more effort than smaller items.

You’ll want to sort everything that you own into one of four categories. Here’s how to sort items before a move:

• A pile or box for items that you plan to sell
• A pile or box for items that you plan to donate
• Recycling pile
• Trash box

Sort all of these items as you go.

Selling Unwanted Items

Selling items can take some time, particularly if you want to list them on selling sites like eBay. Try having a yard or garage sale first to get rid of as much as possible.

Price everything to go. There’s no point being precious about these items, so set your prices low.

If an item doesn’t sell, consider donating it instead of carrying it with you to the next home.

How to Declutter Your House Before a Move

Now you know how to declutter your house before a move, you can start the process of getting your possessions ready to pack. You’ll also need to consider how to clean before a move too.

There’s plenty to do when it comes to moving, so start early!

For more useful articles, check out the rest of the site.

Moving During the Pandemic: What You Need to Know to Keep Yourself Safe

Last updated Feb 12, 2021 | Moving

While most people’s time since Covid-19 hit has been trying to move as little as possible, sometimes life or family or work requires us to move during a pandemic. Whether moving to a new home or moving to a new apartment, the pandemic certainly makes things a bit more difficult, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it safely!

Before taking any of the steps below, you’ll also want to be certain you’ve done your research before you go about hiring a mover. Read reviews and talk to the companies to be sure movers will be wearing masks and gloves as they handle your items and move in and out of your space.

Tips for Moving During a Pandemic

There are several things you’ll need to consider for your move, some related to the move, some related to hiring a moving company, but both are important if you’re trying to protect yourself and your family.

Moving During a Pandemic: Preparation

Truly, the first thing you need to consider is whether the move date is flexible or not. If it’s not, the pre-move process becomes vital.

Packing supplies- If you’re like most folks, you’ll need storage boxes and packing supplies. Now is, unfortunately, not the time to seek them out from stores or others who have recently moved.

If you can afford to do so, buy your boxes and buy everything in one trip to the store. If you cannot, make sure you’re cleaning the boxes with a disinfecting spray.

Packing- Disinfect things as you pack and be sure to finish packing 24 hours before you move. This ensures that you haven’t touched the storage boxes within 24 hours of the moving company’s arrival and protects them as well.

Contact your movers- Before moving day, contact your movers and ensure you’re on the same page regarding coronavirus safety protocols. Many moving companies, especially an established company, are doing a lot to protect their workers and customers, so it’s best to review before moving day.

If you’re not hiring a moving company and moving on your own, it’s best to limit help. Still, you may also want to determine your best helpers and review safety protocol with them prior to accepting any assistance.

Moving During a Pandemic: Moving Day

Hopefully, you’ve taken all precautions during the pre-move, and you’re ready to go! That doesn’t mean that moving day doesn’t have needs as well.

If, at this time, anyone in your household is not feeling well or has been exposed to the coronavirus, contact your movers immediately. Extra precautions may need to be put in place.

Before arrival of help- Before anyone arrives (movers or friends), you’ll want to make sure you’ve got sanitizing items (wipes, sprays, hand sanitizer) out and readily available. You may also wish to put out additional disposable masks. Be sure to leave soap and paper towels near sinks. They should be the last thing you pack!

Arrival of assistance- When everyone arrives, review the safety measures in place, including any items’ location. Skip the handshaking and small talk. Throughout the job, maintain a distance of 6-10 feet between you and moving company staff. If you are touching or carrying items, wear gloves.

Moving Safely During a Pandemic

The hardest part of moving to a new home or moving to a new apartment is moving day itself. No doubt that’s been complicated by the arrival of coronavirus, but moving during a pandemic can still be done safely if everyone takes precautions. With safeguards in place, you can still move where life takes you.

And once you’re settled in, follow our home page for more articles on real estate, decorating, and home repairs, as well as much more.