When it comes to moving, the more tricks you have up your sleeve, the more…
Being a packrat is not easy, especially if you are moving soon. The anxiety that takes over when you start thinking about the amount of things you have is quite normal. Instead of looking at your moving and packing as an imminent catastrophe, look at it as the best chance you have to get rid clutter.
Living in a cluttered space can have detrimental effects on your health, so the best thing to do is to simply shed some stuff. It’s time to turn off your packrat alert and prepare yourself for some positive change — learning to live clutter and stress-free!
Create Rules and Stick to Them!
Collecting items that will not serve a purpose in the foreseeable future can turn into a dangerous habit. When you are getting ready to move, create a set of rules to follow when it comes to choosing what to bring with you to your new home. Be reasonable, but strict with yourself.
It’s really easy to get caught in the vicious “everything has a use” cycle. Forget about that cool briefcase you haven’t used in the last five years. If you don’t want to throw away your stuff, look for charity shops and donation centers. Look for recycling options for things you can’t donate, such as old newspapers and magazines. There are many options out there!
See Moving as a Chance to Simplify Your Living
Moving is often synonymous with new beginnings, and that goes for packrats as well. Just because your last house was full of clutter, doesn’t mean your new place needs to be the same way. Once you shed all trivial belongings and identify the things that hold meaning to you, it will be easier to live a life without clutter. Commit to keeping your house spacious and clutter-free and reap the benefits on your next moving day.
List the Essentials
The first step to packing is to prepare an essentials box that will be with you until the final days in your old place and for the first couple of days at your new place. Use the same technique to identify the essential elements of each part of your house. Your electronics and socks are great, but old teddy bears, dictionaries, and rusty baking pans will not make the cut. Your essentials box should cover essentials in the following areas:
- – Bedrooms
- – Bathrooms
- – Kitchen
- – Living Rooms, Studies, and Offices
- – Attic, Garage, and Basement
- – Outdoor and Recreational Areas
Anything that doesn’t make the cut can be left behind, sold or donated!
Three Box Method
Use the three box method when packing individual rooms. Have one box for the essentials that you are definitely keeping, one box for items you wish to sell online or at a yardsale, and one box for donation and recycling. These will help you categorize your items properly, while allowing you to gauge the amount of things you are taking with you. Don’t be afraid if the essentials box is the smallest pile. This will remind you that more does not mean better!
Give Yourself At Least a Week
A serious packrat will have to go through the motions at least twice to really cut down on their belongings. Give yourself at least one week, if not two, to pack all your belongings. Remember to stick to your rules and look at cutting down as a positive thing. If you go through all your stuff, but you are barely leaving anything behind, it’s time to repeat the drill until you can see a real change. Friends and family members can help us out and provide support (and a bit of tough love) while we pack what we need.
Take Frequent Breaks
This is a two-edged sword, because it depends entirely on how you are feeling. If you get on a roll and you feel like you are efficiently cutting your clutter, keep at it until you’re tired. However, if you feel overwhelmed every time you choose to recycle or donate something, take frequent breaks. It will help you clear your mind and focus on the task. There is nothing worse than feeling like you are doing something wrong even when you are not, so take break and a deep breath every time you feel too anxious. Again, friends and family become of utmost importance in these times.
Organize Your Belongings Properly
Pack your belongings so they take up as little space as possible. Also, make sure they are safely packed to prevent damage. You can check out these helpful packing tips to make sure you are using efficient packing methods.
Use a Rewards System
Set up a rewards system and treat yourself to a prize for doing a good job on your packing. Overcoming a packrat’s natural drive to hold onto stuff is not easy, so make sure you get a good reward once the deed is finished!
If you are a packrat in need of professional moving assistance, give us a call today. Our team of qualified professionals will be more than glad to assist you and make your move as smoothly as possible with our all-around service. Fill out our contact form online or give us a call today!