This time of year, it might feel like a natural time to refresh your space. This is especially true if you’re planning a move soon. In fact, completing a pre-move spring cleaning before packing can make the process significantly smoother.
Taking inventory of your belongings and decluttering now means fewer boxes to move, a fresh start in your new home, and even potential savings on moving costs. Whether you’re downsizing, relocating across town, or making a big move, here are five key areas to clean out before packing.
Clothes & Closets
One great starting point is your wardrobe. Go through your clothes and ask yourself, have I worn this in the past year? Does it fit? Do I love it? If the answer is no, consider offloading or selling items before they make it to your new home. Begin selling gently used items online or donating to a local shelter. You can also recycle fabrics to help keep your efforts more sustainable.
If you’re moving to a different climate, take this into account when deciding what to keep. That heavy winter coat might not be necessary if you’re heading to a warmer state. Don’t forget items like shoes, handbags, and accessories.
Kitchen & Pantry
It can be easy to overlook certain food items that may have been left sitting in your pantry. Go through your kitchen and toss anything that’s expired. Then, donate non-perishable items you won’t use to a local food bank. If you can, use up perishable all foods before the move so you don’t have to transport them.
This is also a good time to take stock of your small kitchen appliances and utensils. Do you need that old blender or the five extra coffee mugs you never use? If not, consider giving them away before you pack up.
Furniture & Decor
Look at your furniture and decor with your new space in mind. Consider the layout, size, and aesthetic you’re aiming for. Selling or donating unwanted furniture not only helps lighten your load but also allows someone else to enjoy it. Plus, most moving companies charge based on weight, so the fewer bulky items you transport, the more you save.
Before packing, take time to clean upholstered furniture, area rugs, and other fabric-based items. This helps eliminate dust, pet dander, and allergens, ensuring you’re not bringing unwanted debris into your fresh new space. For deep cleaning, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional service.
Garage, Attic, & Storage Areas
Unseen storage spaces often become catch-alls for items we’ve forgotten about or no longer need. Take the time to go through old tools, seasonal decorations, sports equipment, and miscellaneous boxes. This could be the perfect opportunity for a garage sale.
In addition, certain items require special handling when decluttering. Hazardous materials like old paint cans, propane tanks, motor oil, and expired batteries should be disposed of properly since moving companies won’t transport them. Check with your local waste disposal facility for drop-off locations or recycling programs.
Important Documents
Paper clutter can be overwhelming, but moving is the perfect opportunity to sort through it. Go through old bills, receipts, medical records, and any other paperwork, shredding anything you no longer need to protect your personal information.
Gather documents like birth certificates, passports, social security cards, property deeds, and tax records and store them in a clearly labeled folder or fireproof document organizer. Keep this folder with you during the move to ensure quick and secure access. You might also consider scanning and digitizing important records.
Plan Your New Beginning with Megan’s Moving
Starting a new chapter? As you start your pre-move spring cleaning, consider how a moving company can help with your next steps. Megan’s Moving goes the extra mile to make sure your move is seamless and your items are taken care of. Schedule a consultation with one of our moving experts today!