When you think about moving, one of the first thoughts that comes to mind is “I have so much stuff! How will I get through this?” After years of guiding people through this process, we have some tips that will help.
The first step in planning to move is deciding where you want to go. If you are considering a retirement community, such as Wesbury, it’s essential to join the waitlist in advance. Then, start getting things in order so that you are less overwhelmed when the time comes. Starting early will minimize stress and improve your experience. But how?
Most of us move into our homes and begin accumulating. Over time, we acquire unwanted gifts, outdated or outgrown clothes, tools, and gadgets. Drawers, closets, basements, and attics begin to fill up their spaces…. Can you relate?
Reducing the stuff in your home has benefits whether planning a move or not. Living a cluttered life is stressful and causes anxiety. Resolving this makes it easier to clean. It also makes your surroundings safer, minimizing the risk of falls and lost items. It allows you to be in charge of your decisions about your stuff. And it can eliminate potential burdens to friends and family members down the road.
So, let’s break it down. Whether you are moving or just decluttering, where do you begin? Here are five basic steps:
1. Decide what you want to keep and or move with you.
What will fit? Keep things that make you feel at home and ensure a comfortable living, sleeping, and hobby space. Be creative with furniture. Use your favorite sideboard as a TV stand, and a dresser might fit in a walk-in closet. Do not move items that you will no longer need, such as tools, a sweeper, or kitchenware if you won’t be cooking, cleaning, or doing maintenance. Bring items that support your hobbies, as you will have more time to enjoy them!
2. Consider what you want to give to family or loved ones.
This is a great time to pass things down and preserve heirlooms.
Plan a day to sort letters, photographs, and other memorabilia with loved ones.
Ask your family to pick up things they left behind when they moved out.
3. What has value and should be sold?
Consider an auction, household sale, or liquidator. Contact consignment and antique shops. Sell things online through Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
4. What is worth donating?
Consider charities, area churches, shelters, and playhouses. Some charities will even come to you for pick up.
5. What needs thrown away?
Plan a “clean up day” with family. Choose a project like the basement, attic, garage, or outdoor junk. Take advantage of area spring/fall “Clean Up Days Look in area papers for “We take junk” ads. Take items to scrap yards, or consider renting a dumpster.
During these winter months, while you spend days inside, it’s a great time to get started. Take one step – one room, closet, and drawer at a time. Use a spare room to collect items that might be sold or donated. De-clutter during everyday tasks. When cooking, cleaning, getting dressed, or doing your holiday decorating, pause and consider the items in your path that you no longer use or wear, and put them in a box to sell or donate. Use clear, labeled storage bins to organize and sort your items. This saves you from going through things again when you’re ready to move. If you are tempted to keep things you don’t use, ask yourself, “Why am I keeping this?” or “What purpose will it serve and when?” Remember, if you have not used it in a year, you usually don’t need it. Whether planning a move or simply getting your house in order, taking these steps can reduce stress and make the process more manageable.
And if your next move brings you to Wesbury, we can make that less stressful, too. Call us today at 814-332-9009 and we’ll talk about what your next steps should be, the importance of being on our waitlist, and arrange a tour for you to experience the Wesbury lifestyle.