Though they say that moving to a new home is right up there with death and divorce in terms of stressful life experiences, you don't have to believe everything they say. In fact, there are a number of things you can do to turn the prospect of packing up your home into a great opportunity. One of my personal favorites is this: Get rid of your stuff before you move so you don't have to pack it up and carry it. If that sounds radical, it really isn't. Most of the time, we have far more things than we actually need or even want. Moving is a great opportunity to de-clutter and generally lighten the atmosphere around your home. But my favorite part of the process is actually watching it go out the door without me lifting a finger. Here's how:
1. Go Through Every Room in Your House and De-clutter it.
If you haven't worn it, used it or thought about it in a year, it probably isn't worth the energy it will take to move it. Give these things their walking papers.
2. Create an area in your home for all the things that are moving out.
A basement is perfect for this purpose. As you work through the rooms in your house and find the items that you'll be sending packing, take the time to separate the true junk from the treasures. Throw the garbage in the garbage, but take the use able junk down to your special area and set it out.
3. Throw a party and invite all your friends.
This is the best part. The party can be a cocktail party, dinner party or any other kind of party. Your main goal here is to encourage your guests to take anything they want from the free area. Give them wine if they are shy and be sure to point out that they'll be helping you and the environment in one fell swoop.
4. Watch the Best Junk Go Out the Door and relax, knowing it all went to good homes.
If there's still a fair amount of good junk left over including large use able items, call your local second hand store and arrange for a pick up or bag it up and drop it off yourself. Either way, you're done. Now get packing.
