Moving house? Here's how to clear clutter
If you’re moving to another state or suburb, there’s no better time to declutter your home than when you’re planning a big move. While moving can be stressful, exhausting and expensive, there are ways to make it a little easier on yourself by minimising the amount of stuff you have to move in the first place. Not only does this make the move easier and cheaper as there is less to pack and load into a moving truck (and unpack), but it can also get you ready for a fresh start in your new home without the clutter.
Here are some things you’ll need to consider when it comes to what to take with you when moving house.
Size up your new home
Start thinking about your new home. How many bedrooms does it have? Is it open-plan? How much storage space is there, and can you turn a spare room into a study? Think about it this way: the less you have to pack and unpack, the better. Even if your new home has more space, do you really want to fill it with the same things from your old house - especially if it’s a different layout? This brings us to our next consideration.
Consider the style of your new home
You’ve taken the time to find a home that matches your personal style, and it could be very different to what you’re used to living in. If that’s the case, you may need to reconsider some of your furnishings. For example, that multicoloured Morrocan rug might look out of place in a Hamptons-style home, where everything is minimalist with a light palette.
You’ll need to discern what will suit the decor in your new home and whether you can make it work and decide if you should take certain items with you or include them in your decluttering.
Out with the old, in with the new?
The old adage, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” rings especially true when it comes to moving house. At Hotondo Homes, we’re all for sustainability, and what better way to reduce one’s carbon footprint than donating or upcycling your belongings where possible? If you’ve got clothes that you’ve outgrown or home decor items that have been well used, don’t throw them away. Instead, donate them to a charity, where they can be given away to a new home or broken down to create new items and products. The same rules apply for your furniture: if you’re awaiting a brand new sofa for your new home, sell the old one online or donate to a shelter. This way, you can feel better about doing your bit for the environment as well as knowing your pre-loved items will be going to a better place where they can be appreciated. Lastly, you can always gift items to your friends and family - particularly if you’ve been gifted a piece of artwork by a family member that isn’t to your taste or won’t suit your new home’s design.
Some other items you might want to donate or sell include:
- Towels: They’re bulky and take up a lot of space in the move, and many animal rescue shelters need them.
- Books you won’t reread: Rather than throwing them away, donate them to a second-hand bookshop, or see if any local childcare centres or kindergartens want some pre-loved kids books for their shelves.
- Loose papers: Invest in a shredder and get rid of those unimportant documents. This might also be a great opportunity to notify your providers about sending your utility bills via email.
- Liquids: This can be anything from alcohol to cleaning supplies. The last thing you need is to have a broken bottle that soaks everything around it. Give it away to a friend or family member.
- Cosmetics: That old empty shampoo bottle lurking in your shower? Recycle it.
The golden rule
When it comes to removing clutter before your move, there’s one thing you should ask yourself: “Do I use this?” If not, sell or donate it and don’t look back. Chances are, you won’t miss it anyway.
Build with Hotondo Homes
Get ready for a fresh start with a new home from Hotondo Homes. With our many years of experience in the industry and a name that’s equal to trust and excellence, our licenced builders are ready to get started on transforming your dreams into reality - brick by brick. Are you ready? If so, head to our website and find your local builder today.
