It seems everyone knows that de-cluttering your home is a good thing to do, so why is it so hard for us to actually get around to?
It could be a lack of motivation, but also it is easy to get sentimental over items that in reality you do not use or need.
Even TV property expert Sarah Beeny is encouraging people to de-clutter their homes and donate unwanted items to charity as part of a ‘Charity Begins at Home Campaign’ with Cancer Research UK and online estate agent Tepilo.
So maybe an act of goodwill could provide the motivation you need, but we also know that moving house can be a huge catalyst for a clear out. Taking unwanted items into your new home may not only cost you more in removals fees, but it will take extra time to pack and unpack.
The idea of de-cluttering your home may seem overwhelming and time consuming, but fear not. Just follow our six top tips for clearing out unwanted items and you will be packing a much lighter load for your new home faster than you expected.
Firstly, it’s important to focus on just one room at a time – choose the easiest to get your de-cluttering mojo going. Maybe put on some of your favourite tunes to get you motivated. Start by dealing with items on floors and surfaces, getting everything out where you can see it and then target objects in cupboards and storage units. After you have tackled one room it will create the space to continue with the other areas in your home.
Be sure to have plenty of boxes, large containers with lids, and bin bags to help make your sort out easier. We offer a variety of high quality packing materials which are free for any customer moving home with us and are yours to keep. Small tubs are good to keep useful but often misplaced items such as batteries,pens, keys or screws, so you’ll know where to find them when needed.
So now you need a plan to deal with the mess! Sort out your belongings into four categories – keep, sell, give away and throw away. Be ruthless, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing for over a year decide whether it’s worth selling online, or giving it to charity or Freecycle (a nonprofit movement of people who are giving, and getting, stuff for free in their own towns), or if it is falling to bits, throw away.
You may have come across broken belongings that you haven’t thrown away because they just need fixing. Set yourself a deadline and if items aren’t repaired by that date simply get rid of them.
If you’re trying to sell your home, potential buyers can be really put off by clutter. Children’s toys all over the floor, or an extra armchair which you have to squeeze past, may suggest a lack of storage space to potential buyers. So to keep rooms looking clear and tidy, put any seldom-used items into storage. Once you’ve sold your property we can then deliver your items to your new home. We also have a free leaflet on decluttering your home for sale, so just drop us a line if you would like us to send you one.
After all your hard work, set yourself a challenge to simplify your living space – one in, two out. Meaning for every new item purchased, get rid of two old ones to ensure your new home stays clutter-free.
When you are left with your essential belongings and most treasured possessions and need them moved with tender loving care to your new home contact us on sales@andrewporterltd.co.uk or call 0800 389 1222.
