Moving 101: How to Move a Cluttered House

If your home doesn’t look like what you’d see in “Living Simply” magazine, that’s okay. You’re not alone! Over the years, most people accumulate clutter from kids, working out of the home, taking in aging parents and family members, or simply accumulating too much stuff.

While this clutter may have sentimental meaning and lots of personal importance, it can make moving very challenging. Fortunately, it’s easy to make moving a cluttered house simple – you just need to know how.

5 Tips to Moving a Cluttered Home

Cluttered home? No fear! Here are five moving tips to help keep things simple:

1. Move Room by Room

Instead of attacking the whole house at once, start with one room, complete it, and move on to the next. A systematic approach will help prevent overwhelm and allow you to look at things objectively as you pack them, so it’s easier to decide what to get rid of and what to keep!

2. Let Go of Emotion

While nobody is advocating that you get rid of all your precious family heirlooms, there is something to be said for being un-emotional during your move. Not only will you get rid of more of your clutter, but it will also make the process less stressful.

With this in mind, make two piles as you move, one of things you definitely don’t need and one of things you’re reticent to let go of. Take the first pile right to your nearest thrift store, and save the second pile for further evaluation. If there are items you want to keep outside your home then invest in a storage shed to protect them.

3. Hire Help

If you have a lot to move, a professional team will be a godsend. In addition to helping you manage your current load of possessions, they might also be able to help you get rid of large, unwanted items like furniture. This takes some weight off your shoulders (literally) and makes it easier to master your move in record time.

4. Start Moving Early

Getting a head-start on your moving is always important, but this is especially true if you have a messy home to move. The earlier you can start packing, sorting, and storing your items, the easier it will be to avoid becoming overwhelmed in the process and the more efficient you’ll be as the move progresses.

5. Don’t Involve the Kids

If you have clutter and kids, the two are probably related. While your kids should certainly be involved in moving their rooms and beloved items, it can be valuable to schedule an afternoon playdate while you go through some of their lesser-used toys, clothes, and games. Not having them in the house helps prevent meltdowns and ensures you won’t run into more roadblocks as you declutter and prepare for your big transition.

While moving can feel overwhelming, these easy tips can make it easier to move your house and cut down on clutter all at once!