Home & Garden – Declutter and remove the stress from moving house

MOVING house is an exciting time but it can become stressful when it gets to the realisation of the volume of a lifetime of treasured possessions you have and what to take on the move.

We don’t realise just how much “stuff” we accumulate over the years until it is time to move.

When it comes to retirement or a decision to downsize, a move can be particularly overwhelming.

Here’s some tips to remove the clutter and get you on your way to the next chapter in your life:

1. Start early on decluttering decisions to give yourself the time to feel in control of the decision making. Make a start by clearing out the garage before you make your plans for the move.
2. Make a plan and set some rules on what you need to live comfortably and items around the house that are never used and stick to the plan.
3. Sort through items room by room and remove duplicates.
4. Group your possessions into categories and start with the less emotional items as you start culling; the kitchen utensils, cleaning products, clothes, linen, stationary and paperwork. Then work on the photos and sentimental memorabilia.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself on emotional attachments to possessions. That’s why step one is so important. Give yourself the time to reflect and reminisce.
6. Consider how your lifestyle will change and take measurements on the space you are moving into. Measure furniture and wait to buy new things.
7. Don’t try to do it all in one go. Dedicate time for short sessions and tackle one group of items at a time.
8. Sort items into piles keep, throw out, sell/give away/donate and unsure. Be honest with yourself. Think about whether you need the item, use it or love it and remember objects don’t have feelings.
9. When possible take photos to keep digital records rather than keep the physical items to save on storage.
10. Ask your children, relatives or friends if they want any of the items you don’t want but don’t expect them to take a lot no matter how emotional your attachment to the items are. Then look at selling through a garage sale or auctions or donating to charities.