Packing is crucial to an easy transition during a move into your next home. When moving it is best to have a plan this way you can get it all done come moving day. Follow the below advice and 6 simple steps for moving and decluttering sustainably! Moving can be an opportunity to start new minimalistic habits, lifestyles and cleanse yourself from old energy. Our move managers in East Hanover, NJ have a variety of useful tips and tricks.

Room by Room

When working Room by Room remember to not start a new room until the last was completed. I have listed the chronological order for packing and unpacking of rooms below. It is also important to start four to five weeks in advance to the move as you probably have a surplus of stuff to pack!

Try to follow chronologically the order listed under Room by Room remembering to finish one room before starting another. With my experience providing move-in and organization help services in East Hanover, NJ, I recommend starting with the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom so by the time you pack the living room, office and garage you have an idea of the essential things you’ve already decided to keep. If you have the time to sift through your storage items in the garage, attic, basement or place of storage; this is the perfect time as you’ve just gone through the house so you’ll be aware of your inventory.

Rooms By Importance:

• Bedrooms
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Textiles – Curtains, Blankets, Bedding, Towels
• Livingroom
• Office
• Garage – Storage Spaces / Attic / Basement / Shed

Category by Category

If preferred, you can work category by category combining all the items of everyone in the house. This can be more complicated but it utilizes less box space and makes decluttering easier. Working category by category is also a great technique for specific parts of the house like bathrooms, books, pictures and textiles.

For example when packing office supplies, you can sort yours and your spouses (if you have different office spaces) before moving onto the next category. Listed below are the categories to pack in the order of importance.

Categories By Importance: 

• Clothing
• Textiles – Curtains / Spare Comforters / Blankets / Pillows
• Miscellany –  Décor / Picture Frames / Office
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Children Toys
• Garage & Attic

Step 1: Choose a Way to Work

Room by Room or Category by Category

Try to keep organized as best you can; if you start a room or category in your house try to hold yourself accountable to finishing the task. Your future self will thank you when it comes to unpacking if you keep to an organized system! Start in your closet(s) with off-season clothing this will be the initial motivation needed to get the entire home done! Trying to live off just the essentials during this moving period can save you time with laundry.

Each person should pack all their textiles with the exceptions below:

• 7 – 14 Outfits
• 1 Towel
• 1 Bed Set

During the actual move you can pack these items into a small carryon bag and move it more easily. Packing the main living spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms and the kitchen first will motivate you to continue packing the less important rooms as you’ll have the constant reminder to continue. It is also a good idea to pre-pack all your important paperwork such as passports, tax information, credit cards, checks, unpaid bills, checkbooks and other important documents into a carry along suitcase to have on hand in case of any emergencies.

Create a donation box when packing and donate the things you haven’t been used in a long time. You can recycle old and unsalvageable items using the recycling tip below.

Recycling Tip:  Go to Earth911.com click “Where to Recycle” here you can search “clothing” and “your zip code” to find free local recycling services near me!

Earth911.com is an amazing resource where far more than just clothing can be recycled; this expansive database helps locate recycling programs and centers all over the United States. Be sure to research the programs in your area before your move so you can declutter sustainably by recycling items from your home! When packing kitchen goods make sure to check expiration dates, this is the perfect opportunity to donate these to a local homeless shelter.

Step 2: Sort What to Keep & What to Toss

Take accountability of all your furniture you are taking with you. Make a list for each room, note every piece of furniture with its’ measurements. When you move into your new space you can plan where everything will go with a measuring tape. Double check the dimensions of doorways as some furniture will not be able to make it upstairs or in certain rooms. It’s always better to be prepared!

Most people find the best time to declutter is during a move; and even more so if it is planned for! So grab an empty box, or two or three and label them! When labeling it’s important to note whether the box is, take or donation, name of person or category, room and whether there is glass inside.

Label boxes with Room or Category

A couple good rules of thumb to follow when deciding what to donate are listed below:

• If you haven’t touched it or used it in over a year
• If your clothes are larger or smaller by two sizes
• If it isn’t sentimental to you

Make sure you are only donating your own items and try to assist your family members to donate as gently as possibly without controlling their choices. Lead by example and others will be sure to follow! Some items will not be donational as they may not meet the requirements, in which case research into a paid send-in program if no free local programs are attainable.

Zero Waste Recycling Programs:

• ForDays.com – Recycling clothing / Take Back Bag
• Terracycle.com – Hard to recycle items / All-In-One Zero Waste Box
  • Receive 20% off Any ZERO WASTE BOX By using discount code : ALEC20

Step 3: Have a Friend Help

This step is optional, but with my experience providing move-in and organization help services in East Hanover, NJ, I would advise this step to someone who has a difficult time letting go of their belongings. Consider working with someone who you don’t live with, ask a friend or extended family member to help you declutter. Choose an honest person, that’s important!

Let them know in confidence:

Don’t be afraid to ask:

You may find it difficult to let go of possessions and may find yourself starting to toss everything into boxes labeled TAKE! If this sounds like you or a family member, consider asking a friend to assist with packing and sorting. Letting go of items can be hard for some people, having a trusted friend give calming support can make the process easier.

Step 4: Storing your Boxes

After some time boxes will start to collect; try to dedicate a space in a corner of your home which is out of the way to stack them properly. Ideally store your boxes inside the home so they do not get damaged. Choose a place which is easily accessible to be moved out on moving day; avoid stairs if possible.

You may also want to relocate boxes which have been in the attic, basement or storage spaces to a more accessible room to sort through and eventually move out of the home. 

Step 5: Declutter Storage Boxes

Don’t just assume that the boxes in your garage, attic, basement or place of storage are all good because they are already in boxes! Go through them and declutter, this is a good practice if you have time and energy because now you are aware of your home’s inventory. More importantly you are also aware of the amount of items you’ve collected, so it may feel freeing to continue by recognizing all your belongings.

Continue the momentum especially if you’ve paid for a send-in recycling program and already have boxes for donation!

Step 6: Send-In / Drop Off Donations

It’s now time to donate; depending on how many you have, some donation services will pick up your belongings on a scheduled time. You may also prefer to drop-off your donations yourself to a local program. Block off an entire day for this task as it will be more time consuming than expected but well worth it!

Recycling Programs:

If you have decided to take the road less traveled, researching local drop off recycling programs; it’s now time to pack up your boxes and deliver them to the centers which will recycle your old products. If you have more than one delivery, plan an effective route with all your stops before leaving. Be sure to either schedule pickups or drop off your send-in recyclable bags/boxes at their designated mailing services.

Keep the exhaling and cleansing feeling from downsizing during your move. Continue to keep the environment at the top of your mind when unpacking your boxes! Lastly, take good care of your items and know what you already own before repurchasing!

Hire a Home Organizer

Is your home completely unorganized? If the clutter has become too much for just you, consider hiring our move managers in East Hanover, NJ to help.

For virtual services contact us on our Contact Page for assistance on your home organizing project! The Home Upcycle’s move managers in East Hanover, NJ will consult you about your project and create a specific plan of action to declutter and organize your space in the most sustainable way possible!