5 Reasons to Clear Out Your Closets Before Your Move

If you’re like many people, you tend to accumulate excess possessions over time. People often tuck items away in unseen places, and a home’s closet is one of the most common places that tends to gather clutter.

You know the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind?” Closets aptly fit this adage. Here are five reasons to clear out your closets before scheduling your residential relocation.

1. Fewer Items Means Easier to Pack

Packing is labor-intensive and takes a lot of time. If you have one or more closets packed to the gills, you could have several extra boxes to fill. Donating, selling, or giving away unused belongings before you move makes it easier for yourself on moving day and during the unpacking process.

2. Leave the Clutter Behind

You can have a fresh, clean start in your new home by decluttering your closets before your move. Instead of needing to find places for the unnecessary possessions in your life and immediately re-establishing clutter, you instead establish usable closet space. Your closets will have better functionality, and you’ll live more efficiently.

3. Decluttering is Cost-Efficient

You can save money on your moving budget because you won’t be paying for the weight and bulk of items you don’t plan to use. Additionally, if you have helpful items you can sell, you can put more money back in your wallet.

4. Discover Items You Didn’t Know You Had

If you go through your closets in an orderly fashion rather than packing hastily or taking bags and boxes “as is,” you might find helpful items you didn’t remember owning. You might find clothes you love, décor that look great in your new home, or holiday decorations you won’t have to buy. This will save you time and money from repurchasing things you want but forgot you had.

5. Greener Way to Live

Downsizing goes hand-in-hand with living a greener lifestyle and promoting sustainability. By donating, giving away, or selling your belongings in good usable condition, you’ll need fewer packing materials when moving. It also reduces the amount of waste you create.

Tips for Clearing Clutter from Closets

A good rule of thumb is to downsize items you haven’t worn or used for over a year. Other specific less-used items you can evaluate on a case-by-case basis (e.g., your Grandmother’s linens or other sentimental item).

• Empty each closet, one at a time.

• Put aside items for packing that you know you will keep for packing.

• Create a “maybe” pile.

• Set additional piles: donate, sell, give away, or throw out (try to recycle what you can!)

• Have bags, boxes, or containers ready for items you’re not keeping, and fill them as you work.

Making downsizing decisions can be difficult, and you might have to make some hard judgment calls. These tips can help with bedroom closets.

Ready to Plan Your Move?

Is your moving day rapidly approaching? If so, you’ll want to start clearing your closets as soon as possible. Spring and summer are busy moving months. Start planning now. Contact us today for a free quote!