If you’re getting ready to move to a new apartment, you might take a look around, sink into the sofa, and wonder how on earth you get started. It can seem overwhelming to sort through all the belongings you’ve accumulated over the years, but if you have a strategy, it’s manageable. If you break the task of decluttering down into bite-sized pieces, you’ll find that you can breeze through the process and perhaps do some good during the process. And don’t feel that you have to complete the entire task in a single setting. The key is to do what you can and not procrastinate. The last thing you want to do is to wait until a few days before the moving truck arrives. If you do, you’ll find yourself chucking everything into the truck. All you’re really doing is just transferring the clutter to sort out once you get into your new place. Or … you get in a panic and throw everything away only to find yourself lacking essentials in your new home. Nobody wants that.
For successful decluttering, devise three categories: keep, toss, and donate.
What to Keep
You’ll want to keep your everyday essentials such as electronics, clothing, kitchen supplies, personal care items, etc. You get the picture. One helpful suggestion is to pack an overnight bag(s) where you have everything you need to get through the day without completely unpacking. You’ll have your personal care items, clothing, some food — the basics. Also, pack a few boxes with other items you’ll need to get through the day such as your coffee maker. Label those boxes as “Open First,” and place them in an area such as the kitchen or bedroom, where you can easily locate them. Pack another bag or box with items you’ll need to unpack, such as a box cutter, trash bags, paper towels, etc. Doing this will keep you organized, on track, and much less stressed as you settle into your new apartment.
What to Donate
This is the “do some good” part. As you start packing to move, take an honest, hard look at your belongings. If you have clothing that’s in good condition that you no longer wear, donate it to a local thrift store. A rule of thumb is that if you haven’t worn it in over a year or you are hanging on to a garment until you lose weight, get rid of it. If all your furniture won’t fit into your new space, donate it. Many charitable organizations will come and pick up gently used furniture items and haul them away for free. The same goes for unused electronics, kitchen supplies, and other items that no longer serve you. Get rid of them and let them become useful items for others.
What to Toss
If clothing is faded, stained, frayed, missing buttons, etc. throw it away. That nostalgic t-shirt from a college-days concert may evoke fond memories, but if it doesn’t fit and is just taking up space in your closet, pitch it. This rule can also apply to shoes and accessories, that kitchen gadget you just had to have and only used once, obsolete electronics, outdated decorative items, and much more.
As you go through the process, you may find it therapeutic and freeing. You’re removing physical weight and perhaps unpleasant memories from your past and making room for a new and improved living space. Letting go of the past can be very liberating and setting you on the path to a fresh life adventure in your new apartment.
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
At Vision Communities, our goal is to provide an excellent living experience in a community you’ll love coming home to! So pack up your stuff and explore floor plans for your budget, and find personal space and spacious common areas for you to hang out with your roommate and friends. Our spacious, studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floorplans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.