These days, nothing screams dysfunction quite like an excessively large collection of refrigerator magnets, DVDs spilling across the floor, and a variety of Ugg boots spilling out of the closet. Clutter is a dirty word, and the message to downsize, organize, and categorize has never been stronger. But when you have 30 days to move out of your house, it’s a bit late to sign up for the 40 Bags in 40 days challenge. So how do you declutter for your last-minute move when your wading in your belongings and time is of the essence?
At Moving Squad, we understand that decluttering for a last-minute move is not necessarily the joy sparking undertaking that makes for bestselling self-help books and popular reality television. Yet, there are ways to incorporate the mindfulness of the decluttering process with the chaos of the moving process. We thought we’d share a few of our tips on decluttering for a last-minute move purposefully.
Decluttering for A Last-Minute Move
No time to read “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up?” No problem. Here’s what you need to know about decluttering for your last-minute move in a nutshell.
Keep Your Mind on the Money
When you reduce your clutter, you reduce your bottom line. Whether online or on your front lawn, selling your items will bring in some much-needed income before your big move. Pairing down your items will lighten your load, save you money on boxes, and cut down on the hourly price of labor.
Hit the Books First
Bring method to your madness by starting by packing the heavy and more compact items first. Books, for example, make for a solid foundation for the rest of your belongings and are relatively low maintenance as far packing goes. Get them out of the way first and then move on to the less manageable items.
Categorizing for Downsizing
Take Mary Kondo’s word for it and go for a category plan instead of a room by room plan. According to Ms. Kondo, a tour of the house can easily turn into an extended trip down memory lane. She recommends starting with a category that does not hold any emotional attachments, such as clothes. A category plan will keep you focused and increase your efficiency.
Divide and Conquer: The Four Pile Method
As you declutter, make four piles: keep/pack, sell, donate, and trash. Take out the trash immediately after your decluttering session, record every donation for tax purposes, and take pictures of the items you wish to sell. Pack as much of the “keep pile” as you can, inessentials first, or put it aside for the moving company to handle.
Rephrase the Decluttering Question
Ask not whether you want to get rid of the item, but whether you want to pack, move, and unpack the item in your beautiful new home. If it’s not worth the effort and cost, it’s probably best left behind.
The Objective Perspective
If the joy you feel emanating from an item is not equal to the amount of guilt you’ll feel if you throw it out – and Marie Kondo is not on hand to advise- look for an objective perspective. Your bestie or your mom will have your best interests in mind and at heart and can assuage some of the guilt and inspire you to declutter fearlessly.
Storage is Always an Option
If you don’t love it, but you can’t leave it, storage is always an option. Consider finding a reliable storage facility that offers long and short-term storage options so you can give yourself as much time as you need time to think about what belongs in your new home.
Hire a Reliable Moving Company ASAP
Now that you’ve narrowed your worldly possessions down to only the most joy sparking, you’ll want to find a moving company that will keep them in their delight inducing condition. And you’ll want to find that company fast, seeing as you have only thirty days to move out. Luckily, Moving Squad’s customized service is available 24/7.
If there is anything that we’ve learned in our 50 years of experience, it’s that the only thing predictable about moving is that it is inherently unpredictable: which is why we prepare for every possible scenario. We ensure our workers and are well equipped to provide exceptional service, even at the last minute. No matter when you call or what you need, you can rest assured our South Florida movers are ready to accommodate.
Packing
While we wouldn’t want to help you make those tough decisions about your crusty but trusty belongings, we can help you get those belongings packed quickly, carefully, and securely. Our professional South Florida packers have the experience to pack boxes correctly in a short amount of time. Come moving day our professional crew will be at your doorstep, ready to assist. We can bring all of the packing materials and move as little or as many of your belongings as fits you want us to.
Storage
And if you can’t bear the thought of parting with it, but can’t bear the thought of packing, moving, unpacking, and displaying it in your new home, Moving Squad offers clean, spacious climate-controlled storage facilities for your long and short term use. We provide storage options to make your upcoming move as easy as possible.
Express Packs
When you’ve got a last-minute move on the horizon, a speedy delivery is in order. Luckily, our patented express packs are available for same-day service 24/7. Simply pack your belongings in our secure express packs and we’ll safely move them into your new home or condo without doing damage to your home, hallway, or elevators. You’ll be at your South Florida home in record time with minimal cost and maximum efficiency.
Now that you’ve taken inventory, both mental and material, you’re ready for your last-minute move. Give Moving Squad a call today and ask about our free rate quote. We’ll keep your zen on ten and your move in the groove.
