New York is one of the most dynamic and opportunistic cities in the world. People from different backgrounds and professions call this famous metropolis their home. But while some of its citizens thrive in the tumult of the city’s busy lifestyle, others may seek a quieter and more peaceful permanent residence.
No matter the reason, uprooting your life and moving boxes full of memories is never easy. In fact, it is one of the most exciting but stressful periods in a person’s life. But what makes moving so chaotic? The short answer is — the amount of clutter accumulated over the years and the lack of proper organization.
What if we told you that a stress-free move is possible? If you struggle with staying organized during a move, it might be a good idea to hire a reputable moving company in New York City, such as OZ moving & storage.
On the other hand, if you have issues decluttering belongings from your old home, you might perhaps consider calling up a professional organizer, like Orchid Organizing. They can help you rearrange your old life and create a new but organized space you will be proud to show off!
When it comes to moving, you have two options — employ a professional or do it yourself. If you are a fan of DIY moving, this article may offer some words of wisdom. You will discover a few helpful tips on how to efficiently declutter and remain organized while moving, be it in New York or any other city.
Decluttering and Organizational Tips for a Stress-Free Move
Create a Plan
More often than not, first-time movers tend to struggle with taking the initial step. Simply put, they don’t know where and how to begin the process of moving their possessions. If you are one of them, then this is the most important tip for you. Create a plan and prepare ahead.
Creating a schedule for your move will provide the much-needed structure for such a chaotic process. The schedule can include lists of important closing dates and deadlines, arrangements for picking up and delivering furniture, accommodations for your children and pets, an estimated budget along with costs, and many more. While it is a big hassle that requires some time and planning, in the long run, a well-organized plan can turn out to be a life-saver.
Another valuable tip that can help you save money is organizing your move during winter (the dead season in the moving industry). You will more likely get a discount or succeed in negotiating a lower price with the moving company during this icy season. Similarly, you should try and arrange the move for the middle of the week or month to avoid the heavy traffic and thus save a few more dollars. For additional relocating services, you can use some of the helpful apps.
The Three-Box Rule
The three-box rule is a simple but effective method of decluttering your home before and even after moving. When cleaning, packing, or organizing a room, you should bring only three boxes. One box will be for the stuff you plan to keep, the second for the belongings you wish to donate or sell, and the third for the unnecessary junk you want to throw away. As a result, you will free up a lot of space, pack the essentials and earn some money.
You can donate the items you no longer need to a local homeless shelter, Red Cross or Goodwill. What’s more, according to Nancy Zafrani, the General Manager at Oz Moving & Storage, some charities, such as the Salvation Army, are willing to pick up certain donations for free. That way, not only will you declutter your home, but you will also help out the less fortunate.
One-Year Wear Rule
One of the biggest problems individuals face when packing is deciding what belongings to keep and what to eliminate. This choice is especially difficult when it comes to clothes. With such types of problems, you can employ the one-year rule. For example, if you haven’t worn a shirt for over a year, the chances are you probably never will. So, you can put it in the donate or sell pile.
Similarly, when it comes to linen, towels, and utensils, duplicates will only take up valuable space. As a result, you will have extra baggage to move, and the costs will rise. Would you rather carry unnecessary items and pay the extra fee or spend that money decorating your new home?
Pack Light But Smart
If you decide to pack your belongings on your own, make sure to label the boxes. Try to mark the boxes specifically, depending on the room, content (fragile), and level of priority. You should use different colors for each room or, if possible, utilize transparent packaging.
By organizing and labeling boxes, you will get a chance to double-check your lists and, if needed, purge through the extra items you won’t need in your new home. Therefore, the load will be lighter, cheaper to carry, and, most importantly, easier to unpack.
Organize the Essentials Box
Last but not least, preparing an essential box (or bag) is a must. The box should contain all the crucial belongings you and your family will need on the day you move into your new house. Such essentials include:
● food and beverage
● tools (nails, hammer, box cutter)
● toiletries and medication
● bedding and linen
● a set of fresh clothes
● first aid kit
● most important electronic devices
While moving, make sure the box is labeled accordingly and in clear view. That way, you will avoid the hassle of searching around a full truck of furniture. Surely, you don’t want to end up digging through mountains of boxes trying to find a pair of scissors.
Declutter and Organize Your Way Into a New Life
All in all, decluttering and properly organizing your belongings is key when moving, especially in New York. Packing up your life and moving into a new home is an exhausting and time-consuming endeavor. Luckily you don’t have to do it alone. All you have to do is contact Oz Moving & Storage and get a quote. With them by your side, you are guaranteed a stress-free move.
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