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Moving can be a very overwhelming process, especially when it comes to decluttering your home. The thought of sorting through all of your belongings, deciding what to keep, and disposing of the rest can be daunting. However, decluttering before a move can be one of the most rewarding and liberating experiences you’ll have. Not only will it make the moving process easier, but it will also give you a fresh start in your new home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of decluttering before a move, step-by-step.

Step 1: Make a Plan
The first step in decluttering before a move is to make a plan. Decide what rooms you want to focus on first, and set a timeline for each room. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you have a large home, consider breaking it down into smaller, manageable sections. For example, you could focus on one room per day or one area of the room per day.

Step 2: Sort through your belongings
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start sorting through your belongings. Start by removing everything from each room, and then sort it into categories,
such as:
Keep: Items you want to keep and take with you to your new home.
Sell or donate: Items that are still in good condition but that you no longer need or want. You could sell them or donate them to a charity.
Trash: Items that are broken, outdated, or no longer usable. When sorting through your belongings, ask yourself if each item brings you joy, if you’ve used it in the past year, and if it serves a purpose. If the answer is no to all three questions, it’s time to get rid of it.

Step 3: Decide on a Disposal Method
Once you have sorted your belongings into categories, it’s time to decide on a disposal method for each category. For items you want to keep, you can either pack them up yourself or hire packing professionals near you. For items you want to sell or donate, you could have a garage sale, sell items online, or donate them to a local charity. Make sure to research the best option for you, as some charities may not accept certain items. For items that are trash, arrange for a disposal service to pick them up, or take them to a local landfill.

Step 4: Get Organized Now

You’ve sorted through your belongings and decided on a disposal method, it’s time to get organized. This is an opportunity to streamline your belongings and make the moving process as smooth as possible. Consider using moving hacks such as labeling boxes, using color-coded labels, and packing similar items together.

Step 5:
Follow through the final step in decluttering before a move is to follow through on your plan. Don’t let your items sit in piles for too long, as this can make the process even more overwhelming. Make sure to dispose of each item promptly and stick to your timeline.

Step 6: Take Inventory
One of the most important things to remember when decluttering before a move is to take inventory. Make a list of all of your items and keep the items in a safe place. This will come in handy when you’re unpacking in your new home, as you’ll be able to easily see what items you have and where they belong. This is especially important if you’re hiring movers in Memphis or St. Louis, as they’ll need to know what items you want to move, and what items you want to leave behind.

Step 7: Take your time
Decluttering before a move is a big task, and it’s important to take your time. Don’t try to rush through the process, as this can lead to mistakes and cause additional stress. Set aside plenty of time to sort through your belongings, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and ensure that you have a successful and stress-free move.

Step 8: Don’t forget about storage
One of the most common mistakes people make when decluttering before a move is forgetting about storage. If you have items that you can’t bear to part with, but that doesn’t fit in your new home, consider putting them into storage. This is a great way to keep your items safe and secure and to free up space in your new home. You could use a storage unit, or consider renting a storage shed or container.

Step 9: Be Prepared for shocks
It’s important to be prepared for surprises when decluttering before a move. You may find items that you thought you had lost or items that you didn’t realize you still had. When this happens, take a moment to reflect on whether or not you want to keep the item, and then make a decision based on your needs and desires. This is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and to get a fresh start in your new home.

Step 10: Hire professional movers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering before a move, consider hiring professional movers. They can help you with every aspect of the moving process, from packing and loading your items to unpacking and organizing your new home. They can also help you with decluttering, as they have the experience and expertise to help you determine what items you should keep, and what items you should let go of. 

Many packing professionals near you can help you with your move, so it’s important to take the time to research and compare different companies. Look for movers who have a good reputation, who offer fair and transparent pricing, and who are skilled and professional.

In conclusion, decluttering before a move can be a daunting task, but it’s also a great opportunity to start fresh in your new home. By following these simple steps, you can make the process easy and stress-free, and ensure that your move goes smoothly. So, grab a box, take a deep breath, and start decluttering today!