It’s tempting to think that because it’s a local move rather than long-distance, you may as well bring everything you own. But even moving locally is a great opportunity to declutter. Read on to learn how to prepare and conduct a killer minimalist move.
How Do I Move As A Minimalist?
There’s nothing better than starting a new chapter of your life with that sense of freedom that comes from living with less.
When you’re organizing a move, the more of your belongings you can toss, donate or sell, the better. It means you’ll have less to pack up, less for the local movers to move, and less to unpack. Moving with less saves a lot of time, money, and stress.
Does this sound good? Read on to learn how to minimize while moving.
How Do I Start Decluttering To Move?
Your mindset, preparation, and organization are all key to achieving minimalism while moving.
Do It When You’re Feeling Tough
Energetic music? Check.
A whole day free? Check.
Right, now you’re ready to start your minimalist move.
Declutter In Plenty Of Time For Your Local Move
When people are in a hurry, they panic and go into “it might come in handy one day” mode. Give yourself some time to avoid snap decisions.
Put it in a “maybe” pile if you like for a short time before making your decision.
Start With The Easy Stuff
We’ll bet that there’s a lot you can easily part with that’s in the attic or stored away in closets. After all, you haven’t used it for months. Out of season clothes are a good start. Did you wear it the last time the weather conditions were appropriate? If not, it’s just not serving you any more.
What Is The 20/20 Rule For Decluttering?
The 20/20 rule is really helpful when you’re on the fence about something. Ask yourself two questions.
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Can I replace it for $20 or less?
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Could I replace it in 20 minutes?
If the answer to both questions is “yes”, then you can likely do without it.
We all have belongings that might come in handy one day. That’s how we accumulate junk in the first place. But the 20/20 rule means it’s definitely not worth moving with that potato masher you only used once.
What Should You Not Do When Decluttering For A Move?
There are certain traps that the novice minimalists may fall into when organizing a move.
Don’t Give Old Gifts Special Treatment
Let’s face it. When you give people gifts you don’t assume they’ll keep them forever. So if a gift you received would hold you back from your dream of minimalism while moving, sell, donate or toss it.
Don’t Keep Items That You’ll Never Use In California
Plenty of people hold on to sleds and snow tires from when they lived elsewhere.
Unless you are moving to a much colder part of California, it’s better just to get rid of anything like that. Better to buy them in the future if you need them than transport them from home to home in the meantime.
What Should I Definitely Get Rid Of Before A Local Move?
Expired Food And Makeup
A local move is an ideal time to sort your kitchen and bathroom. Does it smell strange? Then it should go. Not much left? Likewise.
Anything That’s Illegal To Transport In The Moving Truck
Think compressed gas, firearms, and corrosive chemicals. For a full list of what you can’t pack in the moving truck, take a look at our blog post, What Will A Moving Company Not Move, Legally?
Clothes That Don’t Fit Any More
Just pack what fits you now, and you’ll thank us in the long run.
It’s quite possible you’ll fit into those old clothes again one day, but by that time you’ll probably think they look out of style anyways.
Large, Fragile Items You’re Not Absolutely In Love With
If that glass cabinet has seen better days, now’s the time to get rid of it. Moving with large, breakable items is more trouble than it’s worth if you’re indifferent to them.
How To Pack A Messy House To Move
First, think about how much you want your new home NOT to suffer from clutter and disorganization. You’ll be able to find everything quickly without tripping over junk or being reminded of mediocre purchases from years gone by.
Start by clearing one room at a time, and remember what a great opportunity this is to start fresh. Why is your home messy in the first place? Use the mess as a guide. If an item you own doesn’t have a place, it should go.
Will you have the same rooms in your new home? If so, it will make your job easier because you can pack up whole rooms together. Then just label the boxes with the room they should go in.
How Do You Move When You Have Too Much Stuff?
Do your best using the tips above for a minimalist move.
However, sometimes we’re just left with too many belongings that we really want to hang on to for one reason or another. That’s OK! Often when organizing a move, our customers realize they need storage.
Contact local movers Air1 Moving & Storage about our excellent options for storage in Los Angeles. You’ll still be able to enjoy your new home free of clutter while ensuring your stored items are safe and will maintain their current condition.
Maintaining Good Habits After Your Minimalist Move
It’s no good observing minimalism while moving if you slip into old habits in the new place.
Resist the urge to go shopping for anything other than groceries straight after your move. Leave it a couple of weeks if you can and see how it goes. Do you still want that large purchase, or would you rather have the space nice and clear?
If friends and family want to buy you moving-in gifts, ask for experiences rather than physical items. A meal together in a good restaurant is likely to be just as enjoyable as a physical gift anyways.
Need Local Movers? Call Air1 Moving & Storage And Start Your Minimalist Move The Right Way
For 20 years, we’ve advised our customers on how to minimize while moving and to start fresh in their new California homes.
The Air1 Moving & Storage team is ready when you need us at (866) 750-3386, through our contact form, or by email at [email protected].
