We’ve mentioned before that decluttering and downsizing before you move can result in lower moving costs. But, there may be some advantages if you declutter after you move.

You may be in a situation where you do not have enough time to declutter before moving. This happened to a friend of mine in the military who had to move their family on short notice. Another scenario might be you have some special or unique items (artwork, antiques, etc.) that would be hard to sell at your old location. Alternatively, you may not able to donate your unwanted goods at your old location. If you ship them to your new location, you might have more time to research charities or consignment options.

One advantage of waiting to declutter until after you move into your new home is that you can clearly see what you want to keep and what you want to let go. If you are moving in with someone, perhaps a life partner or a college roommate, it might be better to declutter after you move. For example, when you both unpack at your new home and find that you each have a dish rack, you can choose to keep the best one and donate the other.

Whatever the reasons, there are a couple of ways to prepare that will make the process easier.

Pack Items Separately

If you know exactly what you want to declutter before you move, pack those items separately from the goods you will be keeping. Group your donations in categories such as, “men’s clothing” or “toys and games.” This way each category can be donated to the appropriate location without having to unpack the boxes. It is very important to inspect all items before packing. Be sure that all the pockets are empty and that only items for donations go in those boxes. Also, clearly label those boxes with brightly coloured tape and labels so you can easily distinguish them from the other moving boxes.

If you choose this method, we suggest that you unpack and organize your household goods before dropping the boxes off at a donation centre. That way, if you find you are missing something important, you will be able to double-check the donation boxes.

For items you wish to sell, take photographs of items before they are packed. You can list them on Craigslist or kijiji at your new location right away to build interest. If they are unique items, you can send images to art or antique dealers. Hopefully, you will have potential buyers once you move into your new home.

Pack, Unpack, Then Separate

Another method is to pack everything together at the old location. Then, when it is unpacked at the new location, separate items that are to be donated or sold from the goods you want to keep. This takes a bit of planning at the new location. You need to create a specific area such as a spare bedroom, to collect items for sale or donation. You can use your empty moving boxes to pack and store items for donations. Again, clearly label those boxes once they are packed so they are not accidentally unpacked again.

The Combo

You can also do a little bit of each method. Pack everything you are sure you will donate or sell separately from the goods you will be keeping. Then, pack anything you are not sure about with your other household goods or keep these items in a ‘not sure box’. Keep a”donate pile” in a segregated area in your new home and add more to it as you unpack.

Decluttering will help you streamline your home whether you do it before or after you move. Packing for a move is the perfect time to reassess everything that you own. Regardless of which method you choose, check out our Stress-Free™ move management services. For more information contact us through our website, by email at info@outofchaos.ca or by phone at 604-813-8189.

Image by roungroat at rawpixel.