Moving with children is no less stressful than moving alone. Kids accumulate things at an alarming rate. From coloring books, toys, to clothes, there are many items to pack and declutter before a move. However, moving can be seamless and more manageable when you have the right strategy for decluttering your home. Here are some decluttering tips to take note of to help you breathe easier on moving day.
1. Start Early
Leaving your packing last minute can be a disaster, especially with kids in the mix. You should begin decluttering two months before moving day. This gives you time to pace yourself and start with a clear head.
However, don’t try to do everything at once. You will get overwhelmed and distracted. Instead, breaking down your tasks into a category-based checklist is one way to plan towards a successful relocation. This method helps you focus on manageable pieces and is more satisfying as you tick tasks off the list.
Alternatively, you can use a four-box method to sort your belongings and those of your kids. Create a “Keep, Donate, Trash, and Maybe” box for the essentials, gently-used belongings, damaged or old items, and the ‘revisit after the first pass’ pile, respectively.
If it’s all too much and you have way too much stuff, then a good house clearance company could be a godsend because they will come in and do it all for you.
For items your family wants to keep but doesn’t need immediately during the move, using storage units Tsuutina can help reduce clutter and make the transition easier for both parents and children.
2. Adopt a No-Holds-Barred Approach with Toys and Clothes
You do not need to move every toy your little ones have ever owned. They take up space and even add to your moving costs. Keep only the toys that they play with, not the ones you wish they would love. For the ones with sentimental value, take a photo and make a digital memory book.
Kids grow fast, which means onesies they wore at 18 months will no longer be useful as they grow older. If it doesn’t fit, has mystery stains, or they no longer wish to wear it, you have to take it out. Consider seasonal realities as well; if you are moving from a warm climate to somewhere chilly, you will need to make wardrobe adjustments.
3. Eliminate the Kitchen Chaos
Don’t make your moving truck a Tupperware graveyard. There’s no need for 42 mismatched lids and containers. You can toss warped plasticware, rusty water bottles, and duplicate appliances. Let go of any chipped plates and cups as well.
4. Streamline the Paper Pile-Up
Paper clutter builds up fast when you have kids in the house. Before you pack, you should track the paper trail. Sort and scan only what is important, like birth certificates, medical records, and school documents. Recycle or shred outdated warranties, old instruction manuals, or any excess school handouts. Then, you can use a binder to organize essential documents so they are handy during the move.
5. Handle the Post-Renovation and Decluttering Purge
You don’t have to exhaust yourself trying to haul all the renovation and decluttering junk to the curb. Local junk removal services can handle this task. Professionals like All In 1 Junk Removal and Demo LLC swoop in and clear everything, saving your time, your back, and last nerve.
Endnote
When moving with kids, decluttering means you should be more intentional. Simplifying your move reduces stress, saves time, and gives you a fresh start. Call reinforcements when needed and let others help with the heavy lifting so you can maintain your peace of mind.