DON'T MISS A THING

Moving can be stressful to say the least. Often, the costs pile up and additional tasks push the day of the move ahead each time you prepare for the final haul. Tired of the constant one-step-forward two-steps backward cycle?

Perhaps it is time to consider decluttering. In fact, if you place it right at the center of your planning you can make much smarter planning decisions, avoid going back and forth, and simplify logistics.

Whether you are inspired by Marie Kondo’s philosophy of sparking joy or are simply aiming for a lighter move, the following sections will guide you through some of the techniques you can use for a minimalist move.

1. The “Less is More” Approach

Before diving headfirst into all the packaging material, you have accumulated, consider stepping back and understanding the psychology of decluttering. Each time you have ever owned or used carries a mental and physical weight. The more possessions, the more decisions, more packaging materials, and a much greater moving cost.

The average American home contains over 300,000 items. Yet, research suggests we only use 20% of what we own regularly. Letting go of any excess belongings allows for a more intentional lifestyle, which reduces stress and creates a space that reflects your priorities.  

You don’t necessarily have to trash everything you own to embrace minimalism. It’s much deeper than that. It is all about keeping only those things that add some value to your life. Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method asks you to carefully consider each item, but asking “Does this spark joy?” If an item doesn’t bring you happiness, it is time to let it go.

2. Starting the Decluttering Process

Decluttering should be performed within a system. You must start by categorizing all your belongings instead of going through them room by room. This method, also promoted by the KonMari Method, saves you time as it drives you away from moving in circles and gives you more control over your choices.

You can create categories according to your personal preference. Some of the most common ones would have to be clothing, books, and papers, miscellaneous items (often containing duplicates), and sentimental items.

Once you are done sorting, you must create four piles: keep, donate, sell, and discard. You can start selling your high-value items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or a local store. You could even hold a garage sale! These items, once sold out or donated, help you save on moving costs once you end up hiring a professional moving company.

3. Take Wise Packing Decisions

Don’t unnecessarily spend cash on packing items you don’t need. If you are worried about your fragile items, you can easily pack them up with clothes. You can also repurpose your suitcases, laundry baskets, and tote bags to become temporary carriers of all your belongings.

Focus on packing the essentials first. These are often smaller in number but used most often. They include clothing, toiletries, and kitchen items. Label all your boxes clearly so that when you have reached your new home, you don’t have to struggle to find your pajamas or toothbrush before settling in for a good night’s rest

Bonus Tip: The Minimalist Mindset

Don’t discard the minimalistic approach as soon as you have unpacked. Try to make it a part of your life. Resist the urge to fill up your new space immediately. Unpack intentionally and keep only what truly belongs in your life.

Instead of filling up your new house with furniture you bought impulsively, take your time to find the best pieces that should have a space in your new home. Adopt the one-in one-out rule; any time you add a new item you must take away an old one.

Put quality above quantity at all times. This also allows you to save quite a lot of money as you are only ever going to buy what you need, and you will never promote wastage or fill your house with unnecessary items.

Wrapping Up

Your ideologies often end up forming the image of your home. If you embrace the minimalist lifestyle, that will surely resonate within your home, in the furniture as well as the design.

Pro Tip: It is a good idea to research carefully and only invest in workers who understand your vision. For example, if you are looking for expert painting contractors, it is best to invest in one that understands the minimalism approach through which you operate when determining the look and feel of your home!

Feature Image by Zachary Kadolph

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