How to start decluttering before a move, and keep decluttering as a lifetime habit. Inspiration for decluttering (and also for everything in life) credit: Missy Elliott.
The Innovator of Innovators.
"Can I move with you, do you need some help?" - Missy Elliott's "Hot Boyz"
Be like Missy and Ask Yourself... Is it worth it?
Do I even want this? Can all my stuff can fit into my upcoming home? Will I need a moving truck? What size moving truck can I afford, and is that big enough? Do I need to get rid of some things? Am I willing to get rid of things?
Do I need to arrange for a (climate controlled) storage unit? Is it cost effective to have a storage unit? most importantly...
Is It Worth It?.... the Time/Money?
I love putting things on the curb with a "free" sign because it's minimal effort for me, and maximum convenience for the person who gets the item. I personally think if I can get even $20 for something, it may be worth my time to post it on Facebook Marketplace. I sometimes list it slightly higher, knowing someone will barter, and I happily accept - everyone walks away feeling like a winner. I request they meet me at a neutral location for an exchange, unless it's a large item and then I give my address (but always make sure someone's around just in case).
I also have almost no outside responsibilities which may prevent me from taking time to post items that are $20 or less. Each person has their own mental and physical threshold to assess whether it's worth it. It may not be worth it for some people to spend 5 minutes for $20 when they could use that to listen to a Missy joint, amirite?
Having a yard sale is WORK, will the income be worth it? Would your young child benefit from learning about the value of a dollar, how to count money back for change? How much time and effort you want to put into it, even if you have help?
DANCE BREAK
Having a Hard Time Letting Go? Put your thing down, flip it, and reverse it.
Find donation centers, charities and resources that mean something to you. - The Humane Society will take sheets and towels, as well as new or gently used pet items. - Habitat for Humanity has ReStores around the country who would gladly take tons of home furnishings. -Organizations like Transform Cincy, could really use your old homecoming or prom dresses, unworn undergarments, and unopened makeup.
- Community theater or school Drama departments may be looking for costumes or props. - Recycle damaged textiles at an H&M or & Other Stories store near you. - Goodwill is all over the place, and some have easy drive through drop-offs. - Your local shelters may need clothing, linens, art supplies, or food.
Next, remind yourself that just because you are parting with something, it doesn't mean you will lose something forever. If you are getting rid of clothes because they dont fit anymore, remind yourself how good it will feel to get new clothes that fit well and make you feel good. If you have made the decision to part with a sentimental item (yay, you!), remind yourself that it's only a physical representation of a memory. You may even remember you have 3 other things that remind you of the same memory or person.
DANCE BREAK
Make Decluttering a Life-Long Habit by... Keeping your eyes on your bum-bum-bum-bum-bum
Bum-Bum-Bum-Bum-Bum = your stuff, for all intents and purposes. A huge reason that people get stressed about moving, on top of many other reasons, is that they are forced to see all their stuff and deal with it.
One way to combat this bummer of a feeling is to establish a permanent donation basket in your home that lives in an easy to access space, but out of the way. Some people find they only need one by their front door or in their garage. Others find it best to have small ones around the house, like in each closet, to make it more convenient to make it habit. The donation basket serves as a visual reminder to be aware of what surrounds you. Once the basket is full, put it in your car and schedule time to drop it off at the donation center of your choice before or after work. Don't worry, it's normal if it lives in your car for a few days before you can actually donate it. As Missy says, "Ain't no shame, ladies do your thing. Just make sure you ahead of the game."
But Above All, Please Remember...
"Ti esrever dna ti pilf, nwod gniht ym tup
Ti esrever dna ti pilf, nwod gniht ym tup" -Missy Elliott
If you enjoyed these tips, find more moving tips from me in these posts!: How To Move Out Quickly How To Pack Your Photos and Art for a Move How To Pack Your Closet for a Move How To Pack Your Kitchen For a Move What To Pack First & Last, plus Your "Arrival Survival Kit"