Comments on: Moving creates an opportunity to declutter

By: How To Be Happy Anywhere Everyday Bright

How To Be Happy Anywhere Everyday Bright — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:12:41 +0000

[...] some have the fortitude to tackle “spring cleaning,” for me, nothing works quite like moving. The more often you move, the more you throw/give away, and the more you realize you don’t [...]

By: an organized, uncluttered move | Surfing Daisy

an organized, uncluttered move | Surfing Daisy — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 18:44:21 +0000

[...] writes about moving as an opportunity to declutter - this is more motivational than practical I loved reading through the comments [...]

By: Peggy415

Peggy415 — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:44:34 +0000

I just found this site and as a professional organizer specializing in moving & relocation – this subject matter is very interesting. I’ve also personally had 52 different addresses in my 59 years of life.

Here’s my 2 cents – declutter, declutter, declutter. The actual cost of moving items you will not use is expensive. If you need to keep items in long-term storage, use the humidity controlled long-term storage facilities of a national moving company in your current location. Most times, very cost effective. They store your items in *vaults*, usually 5′x7′x8′ – however many vaults you need for your stuff. But, you MUST purchase contents insurance to protect you in case of a mishap.

And, whatever memorabilia you want to keep that can be digitized, please do so. Scan your children/family photos, children’s art work, diploma’s, awards, etc. You’ll save a ton of space.

Of course, if you need help, think about the services of an organizer!

By: Declutter

Declutter — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:50:33 +0000

Moving is sort of like being given a fresh start. You have to physically touch everything that you own and move it from one location to another. This is the perfect time to get rid of the stuff you don’t need or don’t want.

What a great way to Declutter! Don’t bring your clutter with you!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:12:00 +0000

On our most recent move we had to sell the house we were living in, so the whole decluttering process started months beforehand as we cleared out closets, storage space, etc., in order to show the home. It helped that we knew we were downsizing so we decided to get rid of a bunch of the stuff rather than shove it into a storage pod (as many of our friends had done when their houses went on the market).

As the move got closer, though, I got more irrational about what to keep and what to take with us, and I wound up throwing out some genuinely useful objects (bathroom trash can, anyone?) because I just couldn’t deal with any more stuff.

So I guess I’d suggest that a move is an excellent opportunity to declutter, provided you start the process early.

By: Squawkfox

Squawkfox — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:43:04 +0000

Moving is a huge opportunity to declutter. I've moved 6 times in the last 4 years...so I'm down to what I really need in life. I created a Free Printable Moving Checklist and Planner to help declutter and move house and home.

By: gypsypacker

gypsypacker — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:22:17 +0000

Are the books first editions, or can you live with e-books? I’ve had to make that decision. The e-books don’t mildew, don’t have to be dusted or sprayed, and don’t get infested with silverfish, roaches, or other nasties.

If you must get a storage warehouse, get one above ground floor and behind fencing, with security-coded entrance,. and negotiate a discount for annual payment instead of monthly.

By: Charles

Charles — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:08:51 +0000

My wife and I are moving soon, and I am looking forward to it for just this reason. I am super excited to get a fresh start at the new place.

By: Luisa

Luisa — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:31:30 +0000

Last year, after I moved, I found out there is a goodwill truck that’s always parked at a shopping center near us. Ever since then, it has been a lot easier for me to get rid of old clothings. It never felt right to throw away perfectly good clothing just because they are no longer in style or no longer fit me. Once the closet shrinks, I also have more excuse to buy new clothing. Works out well for me

By: Trish

Trish — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:57:55 +0000

Thanks very much for your advice, esp Dorothy and Megan. I think we can leave the table with somebody. That’s my preference. It seats ten, is made from solid jarrah (a beautiful Australian hardwood), and was made for us by a furniture maker ten years ago for next to nothing in today’s dollars. I’d prefer it be used and loved than kept in a dark storage room for years.

I would like to take some books, and the framed photographs of our children will make our new home feel familiar. I read somewhere that you should take things from home if you’re living in foreign country so that you can get a break from the culture shock.

I’m very excited at the prospect of going, and of starting over when we eventually move back home, with a new house and new stuff (but not too much stuff!)

Thanks again!

By: sky

sky — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:57:19 +0000

Trish….one more idea, pack your stuff in Rubbermaid boxes and be sure they are sealed well. Much more water and bug proof wherever you decide to store them.

By: sky

sky — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:53:37 +0000

Moving ain’t easy. Trish, can you take your dining table apart? If so, you can store it much more easily in a friend or family members home.
I’ve moved a lot and my best advice is to ruthlessly declutter before time to pack.
I read about a game to help get rid of “stuff” Pretend (God forbid) you lost all your possessions in a house fire. Go “mentally” room by room, closet by closet, what would you buy again? I did this and I wouldn’t replace most of my stuff. It was an eye opener!

By: Leslie of Kaleidoscope

Leslie of Kaleidoscope — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:49:10 +0000

I agre, moving house is the one sure way to declutter.

But – I have now been in this one for eleven years. And you know that black velvet top that has hung, unworn, in my wardrobe since I was given it 7 years ago? Well, it’s pretty! I might wear it ONE day! *wail*

By: Laura

Laura — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:51:39 +0000

Growing up, my family moved six times in nine years, then as an adult my husband and I have moved nine times in 20 years, and my decluttering has almost always taken place after the move. My husband (total neat freak) refused to let moving boxes into the house, so ALL boxed possessions went into the garage, where I had to unpack and clean each item before taking it into the the house to put away. Our current home is 4,000 square feet … it took me nearly two months to find items and get everything squared away (that’s a whole different story, though ).

I am really writing to share this: one move, when I was small and my sister was a baby (she had multiple medical issues and was in a body cast), my mom had the moving company do the packing.

When we got to our new home, as she was unpacking one box, she found the kitchen garbage wrapped up in newsprint. My jaw still drops thinking about it. Since then, nobody has packed for a move for us.

By: jen

jen — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 18:42:29 +0000

I’ve thought about it like this: If my house burned down, would i buy this again or be crushed if it was gone? I don’t think we’ll move much next time .