You have a moving date set, and you need to start getting a list of all the things you have to do before that day arrives. One thing you need to get on that list is cleaning the home and decluttering before you move. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting you started.
Why clean and declutter before the move? One, moving day is going to be crazy, and you won’t want to clean then. Two, decluttering as you go means moving less stuff. Three, you want to leave a clean house so you can get your deposit back from the landlord or meet your obligations to the new homeowner. Let’s get started.
1. Check Your Cleaning Supplies
You don’t want to run out while you are in the middle of packing and getting things ready for the move. Make sure you have a quality broom, mop, and vacuum cleaner on hand. Grab some fresh sponges and make sure you have enough cleansers.
2. Designate Areas for Donation, Recycling, and Trash
Packing a house before a move can be hectic with boxes stacked everywhere. Before you get started with the cleaning and packing, designate certain spots for items that are going to be donated or recycled. Also, make sure you have room to store trash before garbage day or a run to the local dump.
3. Tackle the Cleaning and Decluttering as You Pack
As you pack, purge anything you no longer need or want. Also, get rid of items that are broken or stained. These are the things that go in the donation, recycle, and trash spots.
When you clear out a cabinet, wipe it down and make sure the shelves are dust free. Once everything is out of a closet, dust the shelf, wipe down the rod, and sweep or vacuum the floor. Doing a bit of cleaning as you pack will make both jobs easier.
4. Don’t Pack Cleaning Supplies to the Very End
It’s so tempting to just throw the cleaning supplies into a box and forget them. However, before you leave the house for the last time, you may find that you forgot to vacuum the guest bedroom or need to wipe down the refrigerator. Keep cleaning supplies available until the last moment.
5. Be Sure to Remove All Personal Items
You have an obligation to remove all of your personal items from the home, even if you no longer want them. That means you shouldn’t leave old furniture, unwanted clothing, or any clutter in the house. Make a call to a local charity to get them to pick up your donations. Take a run to the recycling center and dump to get rid of the rest.
6. Walk Through Each Room Before Turning Over the Keys
It’s important to take one last walk through the house before you leave for the last time. Check all the closets, cupboards, drawers, and storage areas for forgotten items. Make sure the walls and ceilings have no personal items left on them. The floors should be broom clean or vacuumed. Don’t forget to check the attic, basement, crawl space, and storage areas.
These steps will help you clean and declutter your home before you move out. The best advice is to get started as soon as possible, so moving day is as stress-free as possible.