Moving to a new home is the best time for a new start. Packing for a move is a great start to help you sort, clean, and have a fresh start. Sorting through old boxes and downsizing your furniture is a great way to help you move with fewer belongings. Minimalist moving does not mean that you cannot have anything, it is about trying to declutter your home and your life.
It doesn’t make a difference if you are moving to a smaller home or if you are simply trying to lighten your load. Whichever the case, downsizing while you are packing is an efficient way to get rid of unnecessary clutter and items.
Below are a few minimalist moving tips and tricks to begin your time in your new home with less mess.
What is minimalist moving?
Minimalism is the idea that you can live well and thrive with less. Therefore, minimalist moving is moving with less items, or only bringing the essentials to your new home. You need to downsize before or during the packing process. Deciding to do minimalist moving can make your transition to your new home much smoother because you have less belongings to move from your current residence to your new home. Not to mention that it is a great way to have a fresh start in your new home.
How do I downsize while I pack?
- Start by downsizing the “big stuff.” If you are downsizing your home, it is especially important to consider getting rid of extra furniture such as an extra bed, nightstand, or dresser.
- Figure out your storage plan. Before you even decide what items, you are going to keep and which items you are going to get rid of, you need to decide what your plan is for the storage. If you are going to have a self-storage unit, you should also set aside your belongings that will not be going to your new home but would like to keep in storage. It can be tough during the excitement of moving to decide what you should keep and what you should get rid of. It is a good idea to put the things that you are unsure of in the storage unit, even if it is temporary.
- Sort through every box, bag, and container. It is likely that you have boxes in the basement or bags in closets that you haven’t gone through in a while, or maybe you have forgotten about completely. In this case, there is usually a good chance that you no longer actually need these items. While you are packing for the move, be sure to take the time to go through everything, you can make sure there are no hidden gems you have forgotten about and get rid of the items that you no longer want or need.
- Decide on what constitutes clutter, and what does not. Necessary items such as silverware, chairs, shelves, and lamps, do not qualify as clutter. A general rule to follow is that if you have not used an item in the last six months, you would probably be fine to get rid of. This is the perfect time to get rid of items that you have ignored in storage, or the clothes that do not fit you.
- Remember that you do not have to be perfect. You should keep in mind that just because you are making a minimalist move, it does not need to be all or nothing. Even getting rid of things little by little, over time will make a big difference.
After you have finished the sorting, cleaning, decluttering, and downsizing it is time to move. For help, contact Roy’s Moving Company and we can assist you with your minimalist move.
