Once you’ve signed a lease or purchased a home, it’s time to start moving! However, before you start to fill box after box, there’s one task you should accomplish: declutter your whole house before moving or even packing.

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Though it’s much more exciting to buy new items when you’re moving into a new home, you should probably go through the belongings you currently own before spending. By knowing what you have and getting rid of the items you don’t have use for or can’t find a space for, you save time, money, and room in the truck on moving day. 
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Furniture

Going through all of your furniture is the easiest way to start decluttering. Big items like couches, tables, and dressers are expensive, but if you know you are planning to get new pieces of furniture when you get to your new place, it is worthwhile to get rid of the old ones before your movers arrive. It is also more sustainable to invest in pieces that will last a long time, so finding some nicer furniture for your new place is a win-win.

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Large furniture takes up space in the moving truck, takes the movers extra time, and usually requires multiple people to get into and out of the truck. All of these factors will lead to a more costly move. 

Clothing

There are plenty of reasons to declutter clothes. Whether it no longer fits or has seen a few too many stains, tossing that old shirt or pair of socks before your move will save you room in your box and make for a tidier organization system when you arrive at your new home. Plus, it always feels good to have less to look at when you’re trying to get dressed for the day. 

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To avoid using too many boxes, try packing your remaining clothes in your dresser if you plan to move it with you. 

Medicine Cabinet

How long has it been since you last looked at what’s in your medicine cabinet? Probably too long. As you remove each item for the cabinet, take a look at the label and the actual substance in the bottle. Check for any signs that the medication is no longer good and decide whether or not you still need to have it on hand. 

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Most medications can’t be simply thrown away. Try to find a disposal site near you and get rid of them responsibly. 

Kitchen Utensils 

Is it time to say goodbye to that cheap set of silverware you still have from college? Take a look through the drawers in your kitchen and see what is serving you well. If something is broken or hard to use, now is a good time to let it go. 

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Moving is also a good opportunity to see what items in your kitchen you actually use. If you have never used that crock pot or pasta maker, see if any friends or family would give it a better home. 

Old Files

Going through old stacks or drawers full of papers can be a chore, but taking care of decluttering old files before you move can save you a lot of time, space, and headache when you get to your new place.

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Make it a bit easier on yourself and break them into smaller stacks that can be tackled in only a few minutes. Come back to this task a few times every day until you are left with only the necessary documents. Be sure to organize the ones that you keep to make them easier to find later.

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Moving can be overwhelming, but starting by getting rid of some things can make the process less hectic. Starting with these items will get you into the groove; soon, you’ll be on a decluttering roll!

Looking to move in the Cleveland area? Moving Buddy makes relocating in Northeast Ohio easy with pay-as-you-go pricing, instant online booking, and boxes delivered to your door. You can rest easy knowing your items are being safely transported and delivered at the date and time chosen by you at booking. Book a move with us today!