Are you thrilled about your new dream home but dreading the move? A move is a major life transition and can be stressful and exhausting. But look at it from a different perspective, a move is an exciting opportunity for new beginnings and the perfect occasion to choose how you want to live your future life and what belongings you want to surround yourself with in your new home.
These 5 steps will guide you to a fresh, well organized start in your new home.
5 steps to declutter before a move
1. Start in time Decluttering your home takes time and energy, take this into account when planning! The amount of time that you need to declutter, and pack depends on the size of your home, how much stuff your own, how easily you can make choices and your intention on what to bring into your new home.
1. Imagine your ideal lifestyle Before you start decluttering and packing think about why you are moving. From a Feng Shui perspective you have chosen a home because it resonates with you at this point in your life.
So, why have you chosen this house to be your home? What makes it so special and imagine the day-to-day life and the ideal lifestyle you pursue. Keep this in mind in every step when you tidy and declutter.
2. Know your space
Are you upsizing or downsizing? Are you moving in with your partner or did you outgrow your house with small kids? Are you being located to a different area or country? What kind of spaces are you working with and what are the limits? Do not move any items that will not physically fit, or serve a purpose in your new home. Let go before you move. It is better to live with less for a while and simply feel your new space, it will tell you exactly what it needs.
3. Declutter now
Declutter your home by the principles of the KonMari Method™. This will ensure that you re-evaluate each item you own. Make conscious choices of what belongings still serve a purpose in your life and deserve a place in your new home. This is an opportunity to create your ideal lifestyle!
Stick to the following order of the KonMari Method™ when decluttering:
Clothes
Books
Papers
Komono (miscellaneous items like bathroom, kitchen, crafts)
Sentimental items
4. Organized tidying
Make four boxes; to keep, to donate, to throw away, to recycle. Use these boxes while decluttering your belongings and take care of the trash and recycle box as soon as you finish working on one category. This way you keep an overview and a clear space to work.
5. Packing and organizing boxes Handling many boxes at the same time while packing and unpacking can be overwhelming. Here are some tips for a smooth and clear transition.
Pack your belongings by category and use boxes within boxes for sub-categories.
Anything that can be folded should be folded, this way you can easily and neatly transfer your clothes, towels and beddings from a drawer into a box and back into a drawer.
Label your boxes. Be specific and clear about what is inside a box. What space does the box belong to and what exactly does the box contain. For example, Kitchen: glassware, cups and bowls. This makes unpacking, storing and decorating your new home easier and more pleasant.
Storing boxes. Stack all your packed and labelled boxes in one place or room that you don’t often use, to keep your home livable and workable. Keep your working space clear and easy to move around in.
Keep a box or two clearly marked for immediate access when you arrive in your new home. Anything you will need as soon as you arrive in your new home, goes into this box.
Tidying and moving is hard and intense work. Create space and time to recharge. Reward yourself with a relaxing cup of tea, a soothing bath or a dinner with a friend. This will keep you motivated.
Happy moving!!
Do you need help to declutter your home or are you interested in a Feng Shui analysis of your new home? Contact me for a free phone consultation.