Moving can be stressful! It’s that period in life everyone wishes to avoid but, alas, has to deal with sooner or later. But what exactly makes a relocation so complicated and dreadful? Are all the duties you have in the pre-move period guilty or are the moving anxiety and fear of the unknown to blame? While the answer may not be universal, there is certainly one task that adds to the negative image associated with moving – decluttering. Unless you somehow manage to declutter your household fast & easy, it’s a process that could take longer than the moving itself.
Besides, the need to declutter your living space can arise due to many occasions — moving is just one of them. Whether you want to get rid of the items you have been hoarding for a long time or you feel the need to start anew by purging your home, decluttering is the answer.
And it’s only an urban myth that to declutter your household fast & easy is impossible. Sure, fast & easy may not be the first two adjectives you would associate with cleaning, but there is no reason why you can’t make it a reality. Your reality.
1. Make a plan you intend to stick to
Making a plan is the easy part. No one really has any problems sitting down with a piece of paper and a pen, and writing down a phenomenal cleaning plan. But when the time comes for that plan to be realised, that’s when people start to fail. By making an unrealistic plan, you are only setting yourself up for failure. Depending on the reason for your need to declutter (whether you are moving overseas, wishing to improve your home’s appeal or because your daily functionality has been impaired) and the size of your home, dedicate a realistic time-frame to this process. Usually, one weekend should do the trick. Create a practical room by room and day by day plan, and there is no reason why you should fail. That was step one.
2. Have you ever heard of the 12-12-12 challenge?
If you are already stuck with decluttering, why not turn it into a fun game or a challenge even? The entire household can participate, including your kids if they are not too young. What’s the end goal? It’s to find 12 items that should be thrown away, 12 items that you can donate, and 12 items that should be returned to their rightful place inside the home. When you think about it, you’ll realise that by doing this challenge alone, you will dispose of 36 items. Once you include another family member that number rises up to 72 and from there, the sky becomes the limit.
3. Declutter your household fast & easy by using trash bags
The basic and obligatory thing you have to do when decluttering is finally getting rid of unnecessary things that have piled up over the years. We hate to break it to you but as much as you would like to avoid it, it won’t be possible. So, leave the sentimentality behind and get in touch with your reasonable side. There is no reason to keep something that is expired, broken and damaged beyond repair. Put all of those things inside a trash bag without giving it a second thought.
And if you are ever in doubt about an item, try to remember the last time you used it. If it has been over a year, then it’s obvious that you need to let it go. In case you have a dilemma with regards to items that you don’t use but are valuable, there are always plenty of affordable storage options to choose from nationwide and overseas. It’s a win-win situation, as you get to keep your items while at the same time being able to declutter your household fast & easy.
4. Use up every inch of space
Those who struggle with lack of space know that every inch counts. From the corners of your counter tops to that last spot on the bookshelf, no free space should go to waste. There is one catch, though. You can’t mix and match items, as you can’t put kitchen utensils or small appliances in your living room. So, look around every room and see where there is room for improvement now that you have decluttered your space. Remember, cleaning your house is the easy part. But keeping your home clutter-free is the real challenge here. And looking for secret storage space is one of the best decluttering tips you can get from Crown Relocations. And in case you are moving to a new home, be smart when unpacking. This is your chance to make a good home layout and to utilize every inch of space.
5. Make decluttering your permanent task
So, after hours of hard work you’ve finally decluttered your home. Now you are either all set for moving or you get to relish in the fruits of your labor while relaxing in a clean home. Unfortunately, all of your hard work will go to waste soon enough if you get back to your old ways. Remember how easy it was for all those items to accumulate in the first place. Why would it be any different this time? Oh yes, that winning feeling you are enjoying so much right now will very easily be blown to smithereens if not extremely careful.
What if someone told you that to declutter your home fast & easy was child’s play in comparison to keeping your home neat and tidy? You probably wouldn’t believe them. But believe us when we say that tidiness is something you have to work on daily. After successfully decluttering your home, you should make it your task to do one thing every day that will help you keep your home in that same, clean condition. Whether you decide to throw away one item each day or to organise a different drawer per day, it’s up to you. Every effort counts and every attempt to further declutter your home will prove to be fruitful.
6. Have your loved ones help you
If you are not living on your own, try to include your housemates in your attempt to keep the house clutter-free or to declutter it before a move. You most likely won’t be able to accomplish anything if the entire family doesn’t function like a team. Not only will this process bring you closer together, but you will also be able to declutter your household fast & easy with joined effort. After all, what are friends and family for if not to be there in your time of need?
When you’re ready to store your effects or to move house, contact the friendly team at Crown Relocations for a no obligation, FREE moving quote – we’re here to move your world!
