Decluttering before a move can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re surrounded by years of memories and belongings. It’s not easy to let go of things that once held value, but the truth is, too much stuff can make it harder to settle into a new space. You know you can’t keep it all and that’s where decision fatigue kicks in.
“Where do I begin?”
“How can I let that go?”
“Is there any value to that?”
Ready to Right Size?
Decluttering is a process that takes time, so don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you start, the less likely you are to make decisions in a pressure funnel, which can lead to feelings of regret. The earlier you begin, the more you’ll enjoy the process. The easiest transitions happen in proactive steps, downsizing in stages before it becomes a necessity.
Here’s some seasoned advice to get you headed in the right direction.
Step 1: Start with an Easy Win
The more you can clear out easily, the better. Begin with areas where clutter tends to accumulate—like storage spaces, closets or the attic. These are often out of sight, out of mind, which makes them the perfect place to start. As you begin clearing things out, you’ll feel more accomplished, and that sense of progress will give you the momentum to tackle more difficult areas.
Step 2: Focus on What You Want to Keep
This might sound counterintuitive but starting with the items you want to keep can make it easier to let go of the rest. If you already know where you’re moving, use the space in your new home as a guide.
If you’re lucky enough to have access to your new space before moving, take some measurements and create a floor plan. By knowing exactly how much space you have, you’ll be able to right-size your belongings and avoid bringing things you won’t have room for. And if you’re moving before closing on your current home, don’t stress—there’s always the option to return for items you might have missed.
Step 3: Let it Go
Is the perceived value of the item you are considering real or sentimental? Get honest. If you’ve used and enjoyed it, then it has served you better than most items we accumulate. Your home is likely your greatest asset, and the time, energy and labour involved in sorting, packing, moving and managing these items can often end up costing more than their actual worth.
Rehoming Belongings Responsibly
1. Sell: Some items are worth the effort of selling them. The item won’t go to the landfill, and others get something that they don’t have to spend lots of money on. It serves all people involved. There are so many places to post items for sale; investigate your favourite app and go from there. Ideas include Facebook Marketplace, Varage, Kijiji, Used and Craigslist. You might even have a neighbourhood email list or Facebook group that can help you get rid of your unwanted items.
2. Recycle: I hate that we have to say this, but many families skip this step when clearing an estate or moving. It’s worth the added effort and the good Karma. There are many items that can and should be recycled: Styrofoam, paint, chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, electronics, even eyeglasses. There are many places in Victoria accepting useful and often overlooked items. For example food, toothpaste and toilet paper can be directed to the Mustard Seed. Shampoo, conditioner and other hygiene products are accepted by Soap for Hope (even opened ones). Supply Victoria would love to take your gently-used craft and art supplies.
3. Donate: You have been blessed with surplus, and your unneeded items could be a great benefit to someone in need. This city is ripe with charities who would love to help rehome your unused stock; places such as Women in Need, Anawim House and Our Place Society to name a few. Perhaps you are connected to a community or church that could benefit from your generosity. It feels so good to give when you know your stuff is going towards a worthy cause.
