Instead of dragging superfluous things from one apartment to the next, plan your move strategically. Sorting out before moving will help you get rid of ballast. And it has more advantages. The 3-month schedule shows you the best way to do this.
6 good reasons to declutter before moving
1. Motivation is high
A move always means change and a new beginning. The perfect moment to part with old things and look to the future.
2. Decluttering before moving saves time
The fewer things that have to be moved, the less time you or the moving company spend packing, transporting, unpacking and putting everything away.
3. Decluttering before moving saves money
The math is simple: Fewer boxes and furniture mean a smaller truck and a smaller team of moving professionals who are also done faster. So the time saved is worth hard cash.
4. You can even make money
It is worthwhile to sell unused clothing, technology and furniture in good time before the move in order to earn a few bucks.
5. Decluttering before a move saves stress
Moving is one of the most stressful moments in life. A thousand things have to be planned and organized. Again, the equation is quite simple: the less stuff, the less stressful the move.
6. The new apartment will be much nicer
If only the favorite pieces and really important things come into the new home, it immediately looks neat and inviting.
Prepare your move with this 3-month schedule
Three months before the move: Start decluttering
The decision to move has been made. You already know how big your new apartment or house will be. Now is the perfect time to take a critical look at your current home and decide: What will come with you and what won’t?
Be sure to plan enough time for this! If you really want to look through every cupboard, drawer and box, it will take several hours or even days.
You can power through on the weekends or take on one area for an hour every evening. Of course, all family members and roommates are encouraged to join in and sort out in their own rooms.
Proceed systematically: room by room, cupboard by cupboard. Don’t forget the attic, cellar, garage and garden shed! What always helps with decluttering is good music or a podcast and some delicious snacks.
You even have time to play the Minimalism Game now. Or you maybe you’ll be inspired by the Swedish Death Cleaning method.
Two months before the move: Sell or give away everything superfluous
Planning a move always means actively parting with things. Sell the most valuable items now on Kleinanzeigen.de (if you live in Germany) or at the right vendor. Be realistic: the goal is to get rid of things as quickly as possible, not to make the most profit.
You can also send a list or photos of the items to family, friends, and colleagues. Maybe they want to take something cheap or free? You can take donations to the clothing container or other collection points.
One month before the move: Start packing
The time has come: You pack the first boxes. This part of the move also needs to be well planned. First, pack what you don’t need in the time until the move. Keep a critical eye and have a box handy in case you spontaneously sort out something.
One week before the move: The last things
Pack a suitcase or travel bag with clothes and essentials for the first few days. Just like you would pack for a vacation. Then you have the most important things ready in the new apartment.
What has not yet been sold, give away or donate as quickly and easily as possible. In these articles you will find tips on what things to put in front of the door.
Congratulations! Thanks to this schedule, nothing stands in the way of a move that is as relaxed as possible!
Would you like professional support before or after a move? Do you want more organization in your new apartment?
You can make your first Professional Organizing appointment here: Contact
Christin Köppen
Professional Organizer in Berlin