How to Declutter Before a Move

Wondering how to declutter your home and organize your space? Whether you just want to get your home in its best condition or are preparing for a move, decluttering your home can often seem like an overwhelming prospect. If you’re wondering where to get started, don’t worry! In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to declutter before a move, offering a step-by-step approach to help you sort through your belongings efficiently and effectively.

Home Decluttering Guide

1. Start Early: Set a Decluttering Timeline

• Schedule Time for Each Room: Break the decluttering process into manageable tasks by dedicating specific days or weeks to different rooms.
• Set Realistic Goals: Aim to tackle one room at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Factor in Extra Time: Be prepared to spend additional time sorting sentimental items or dealing with larger collections like books, clothes, or furniture.

2. Sort Items into Categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Toss

• Keep: Items you use regularly, are in good condition, and will continue to serve you in your new space.
• Donate: Clothes, furniture, or household items that are gently used but no longer needed. Donate to local charities, shelters, or organizations.
• Sell: High-quality or valuable items such as electronics, designer clothes, or collectibles. You can sell these items online (through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist) or host a yard sale.

3. Tackle One Room at a Time

• Start with the High-Traffic Areas: Begin with rooms you use the most, such as the kitchen or living room. These rooms often accumulate clutter quickly and may need the most attention.
• Move to the Bedrooms: Next, focus on closets, dressers, and nightstands. Go through clothing, shoes, and personal items, deciding what you really need or wear.
• End with the Storage Areas: Garages, attics, and basements tend to hold items that are forgotten or never used. These areas should be tackled last because they can take the longest to declutter.

4. Consider Seasonal and Emotional Attachments

• Keep Only What Brings Joy: Take a moment to reflect on whether an item truly adds value to your life. If it no longer serves a meaningful purpose, consider donating or selling it.
• Create a Memory Box: If you have sentimental items you can’t part with, place them in a dedicated memory box or storage container. This way, you keep the memory without cluttering your new space.
• Take Photos: For bulky or fragile items that are difficult to keep, take a photo as a way to preserve the memory without holding onto the object itself.

5. Organize Your Packing Process

• Use Quality Packing Materials: After sorting your belongings, ensure they’re packed safely. Use sturdy boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and moving blankets for fragile items.
• Label Your Boxes: Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make the unpacking process smoother and more efficient.
• Prioritize Essentials: Pack a box with essential items that you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, cleaning supplies, and a few changes of clothes. This ensures you won’t be hunting for items during the chaos of moving day.

With fewer items to pack, carry, and unpack, the entire moving process will be more efficient, less stressful, and more enjoyable. Start early, stay organized, and make sure to take time to appreciate the fresh start that a clutter-free home offers.

Coast Valley Movers: Professional Moving Services in San Clemente, Newport Beach, and Beyond:

Whether you’re moving into a new home, relocating your business, or need help with a specialty move, Coast Valley Moving & Storage offers a full range of moving services to cater to your needs. Below is a detailed description of the services provided by Coast Valley Moving & Storage, highlighting why we’re the go-to choice for movers in San Clemente, Newport Beach, and beyond.

1. Residential Moving Services

• Local and Long-Distance Moves: Whether you’re moving within San Clemente, across Newport Beach, or even to another city or state, we offer both local and long-distance moving services.
• Packing and Unpacking: Our experienced team handles all aspects of packing, from careful packing of fragile items to organizing boxes efficiently for transport. Upon arrival, we also assist with unpacking to help you settle into your new home faster.
• Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly: If necessary, Coast Valley Moving & Storage disassembles and reassembles large furniture such as beds, dressers, and desks. This ensures that everything fits properly in your new home and arrives in excellent condition.

2. Commercial and Office Moves

• Efficient Office Relocations: Whether you’re moving office furniture, equipment, or sensitive documents, our team ensures everything is packed, transported, and unpacked with minimal disruption.
• Packing and Unpacking of Office Supplies: Coast Valley Moving & Storage provides professional packing for electronics, furniture, filing cabinets, and other office materials, ensuring safe transportation.
• Commercial Equipment Handling: For businesses with heavy machinery, industrial equipment, or specialized supplies, Coast Valley Moving & Storage has the equipment and expertise to transport these items safely and securely.

3. Long-Distance Moves

• Cross-Country Moves: Coast Valley Moving & Storage offers full-service moves for clients relocating across the state or country. We coordinate logistics to ensure your belongings are transported in a timely and safe manner.
• Interstate Moving: For moves that cross state lines, Coast Valley ensures that all necessary paperwork and permits are in order, streamlining the process and complying with regulations.
• Vehicle Transport: Need to move your car along with your household goods? Coast Valley Moving & Storage can arrange for auto transport services to move your vehicle to your new destination.

4. Packing and Unpacking Services

• Full Packing Services: Our team of trained movers uses high-quality packing materials such as bubble wrap, moving boxes, and foam to ensure that all your belongings are properly protected.
• Partial Packing Services: If you prefer to pack some items yourself, Coast Valley offers partial packing options where we’ll assist with only the most fragile or difficult-to-pack items.
• Unpacking and Organizing: Once you arrive at your new home or office, Coast Valley Moving & Storage will unpack and organize your items, setting up your space to help you settle in more quickly.

5. Senior Moving Services

• Downsizing Assistance: For seniors moving to smaller homes or assisted living, Coast Valley Movers helps with sorting through belongings, donating, and selling items they no longer need.
• Gentle Handling: Our team is trained to handle delicate items and ensure that everything is moved with care, especially fragile or sentimental items.
• Full Service or Limited Assistance: Whether you need full-service packing and moving or just assistance with heavy lifting, Coast Valley Moving & Storage offers flexible options to accommodate individual needs.

6. Storage Solutions

• Short-Term and Long-Term Storage: Whether you need storage for a few days, weeks, or months, Coast Valley can accommodate your needs.
• Climate-Controlled Storage: For sensitive items such as antiques, artwork, or electronics, we offer climate-controlled storage units to ensure their preservation.
• Safe and Secure: Our storage facilities are fully equipped with security features such as video surveillance and alarm systems.

With a full suite of moving services, including residential, commercial, specialty, and long-distance moves, Coast Valley Moving & Storage is your trusted partner for all types of moves. Contact us now to learn more about what we can do for you!