Moving Smarter, Not Harder: Decluttering Tips for a Fresh Start
“Moving Smarter, Not Harder: Decluttering Tips for a Fresh Start” Moving is a whirlwind. If you’re buying or selling a home, it can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Trust me, I know—I moved recently after living in the same place for 22 years. But while moving can be stressful, it also offers a unique opportunity: the chance to decide. The Power of Decisions Clutter is often the result of indecision. We keep things because we have the space, or because deciding what to do with them feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve tried to declutter before, but the process brought up uncomfortable emotions, so you stopped. Avoiding decisions might feel easier in the moment, but it only kicks the “decision can” down the road, where it piles up into even bigger challenges. Moving is your chance to break that cycle. It’s time to embrace this opportunity, face the decisions, and clear the clutter. The Cost of Avoidance I’ve spoken with many people who regret moving their clutter into their new home. Surrounded by boxes, they feel overwhelmed. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also a chance to grow. The good news is that moving provides multiple opportunities to declutter. If you missed one, don’t worry—there’s always another just around the corner. Key Decluttering Opportunities When You Move Lessons from My Own Move Having recently gone through a move, I decluttered at each of these phases, and it felt incredible to enter my new space with less stuff. Deciding what to keep made me feel empowered—my belongings now serve me, not the other way around. Avoiding Decision Fatigue Decluttering can be mentally exhausting. Decision fatigue is real, especially if you’ve been putting off decisions about your stuff. If you’ve ever felt drained after sorting through your belongings, you’re not alone—it’s hard work for your brain. To combat decision fatigue: Tips for Tackling the Declutter Remember: Decluttering Is Ongoing Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done task. Life brings new stages, and with them, new items. It’s okay to have clutter—what matters is being intentional about regularly letting go. And let’s not beat ourselves up over having clutter. Instead, celebrate the power of deciding and letting go. You’ve got this! Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, use this opportunity to shed what no longer serves you. It’s not just about clearing space in your home—it’s about creating space in your life for what truly matters.