We independently evaluate the products and services we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet what we recommend, here.
5 essential downsizing & decluttering tips for a hassle-free move
Moving is a great time to declutter. Here are some simple tips to get you started.
While gearing up for a move, your mind is likely focused on things like packing and hiring movers. However, the moving process is an excellent opportunity to declutter and downsize. There's nothing like coming face-to-face with all of your belongings to remind you of all the stuff you don't need taking up space in your new home.
That said, it's hard to know where to start on your decluttering journey. We spoke with moving experts for tips and tricks to make the process go as smoothly as possible. As with most things, it all comes down to a solid plan.
Here are five tips for downsizing before you move.
More moving articles from Yahoo Local
Smart downsizing strategies before moving
1) Organize your approach
Before assessing what you want to get rid of, think about how you'll approach the task. This makes it much easier to focus on one thing at a time and avoid feeling distracted or overwhelmed. The process often starts by deciding how you want to organize your piles.
"Set aside a full day or two for each room in order to go through your belongings and decide what you’re going to keep and what you’re going to let go," Nancy Irvine, the president of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM), told Yahoo Local. She recommends having designated containers for the following five purposes:
Put away - Items that have crept out of their designated storage spaces
Fix/mend - Items that need attention before they're put away, such as a shirt with a missing button
Recycle - Items that consist of recyclable materials
Trash - Items to throw away in the household trash
Donate - Unwanted items that are still in good condition and can be donated to a charitable organization or another person
You can also benefit from starting with rooms that will be easier to tackle, Irvine said. This includes places that don't necessarily have a lot of storage for old items, like your living room or guest room.
2) Follow simple rules
Deciding what to keep can sometimes be simple, but it's often complicated. That's particularly true for items with sentimental value that you don't use regularly. Some general rules exist to follow when sorting through your stuff, however.
"If you haven’t used the item for over two years, you might want to let it go," Irvine said. "Other items around the house like out-of-style clothes and old sporting equipment are going to be easy to get rid of. Some may not be as easy to let go, but be sure to stay strong through it all."
Irvine also shared a few other rules to follow when figuring out what to keep or pitch.
20/20 Rule: Get rid of items you can replace for under $20 in 20 minutes or less.
80/20 Rule: According to this rule, we use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time. Either store or consider getting rid of the 80% you don't use regularly.
Five-Second Rule: Sorting through items, give yourself five seconds to remember the last time the item was used. If you can't remember within five seconds, it might be time to get rid of it.
An even simpler way to think about your decluttering journey exists. "When in doubt, get rid of any items that are no longer needed, useful, or loved," Angie Hicks, co-founder of local services review site Angi, told us. Not only can this cut down on your moving costs it will save you a lot of time and energy, Hicks said.
3) Pick a charity organization for donations
Wherever you live, you likely have a charity organization that will be more than willing to take some of your unwanted belongings. Goodwill and The Salvation Army are two of the biggest charities, and you likely have a location within driving distance. You could also choose to support smaller, local charities that serve your community directly.
"Some excellent donation-worthy items include clothes, costumes, kitchenware and appliances, books, linens, toys and games, decor, sporting goods, and furniture," said Gayla Dixon, a residential sales manager at United Van Lines.
Make sure clothing has been laundered, electronics are in working condition, and clean up any other items you want to donate. Local food banks and other organizations will also often accept non-perishable food items and canned goods for donation. This can be handy if you don't plan to transport every bit of food in your cupboards to your new home.
4) Shred old documents and mail
When you think of decluttering, the first things you'll likely consider are old clothes, kitchen appliances, and other stuff taking up closet space. However, you can safely get rid of a lot of smaller stuff before moving. Any documents and mail that are no longer needed fit this bill. You'll want to safely dispose of this stuff because it often contains a lot of personally identifiable information. If you don't own a shredder, though, you may not need to rush out and buy one. "Many times, banks or office stores will offer this service to the community," Dixon said.
5) Be careful with hazardous items
If you have old electronics that no longer work, flammable substances, or other hazardous materials, make sure to properly dispose of them. Anything that contains a battery (or batteries themselves) can leak harmful chemicals into the environment if thrown in the trash. Flammable substances or explosive containers also pose a risk to anyone handling them after you've thrown them out.
Dixon recommends contacting your city or county to find out where to properly dispose of these items. The public works section of your local city or county website often contains a list of these items and where you can take them. If you don't find one, give the office a call and ask.
Downsize to simplify
Once you dig into decluttering, you'll probably find that you have a lot more stuff in your home than you thought. "Clutter builds quickly and it can be hard to get rid of," CAM's Irvine said. "But decluttering is about simplifying your life so you can save time, space, and money."
As long as you give yourself plenty of time, your move will greatly benefit from taking the opportunity to declutter and downsize. You'll spend less on packing materials and movers with less stuff to transport. Plus, you'll save time unpacking and setting up your new home.
More moving articles from Yahoo Local
