Key Takeaways
- Declutter before packing by creating a checklist and removing unnecessary or duplicate items, making your DIY move easier and more organised.
- Be decisive when sorting belongings—use simple rules to quickly determine what stays and what goes.
- Focus on clutter-heavy areas like drawers, garages, and cupboards, as these often slow down packing and create unnecessary chaos.
- Reduce paper and book clutter by sorting, discarding extras, or digitising sentimental items to save space and effort.
- Donate usable items instead of throwing them away, helping others while reducing what you need to move and lowering overall stress.
Too many possessions and not enough space? Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just want to keep things tidy in your home, our team at Brisk Transport offer some helpful hints to keeping your life uncluttered.
The following reveals common clutter that we all have difficulty controlling and how to deal with it:
Too many clothes in your closet or dressers are bulging
Make it a habit to throw out or give to charity old gently used clothing when you buy new ones. Of course, it’s a good idea to keep a few old clothes for doing messy work like painting, but you don’t need to keep all your old clothing.
Throw out ones with holes or with terrible stains on them. No one wants those. If socks don’t have a matching pair, throw them out.
Receipts
For important purchase receipts like for a refrigerator, get a blank piece of paper or better yet scrap paper and staple the receipts onto the piece of paper. Put it in a labeled file folder and keep adding those important receipts to that piece of paper.
When the face of the paper is covered, get a new sheet of paper to staple more receipts on. Shred receipts from trivial purchases. You don’t want identity thieves to get a hold of your private personal information through those receipts.
Cards and special notes
Buy a cork board from the dollar store and arrange then tack recent cards and notes on them. If they’re years old, throw them out. If certain ones hold strong sentimental value for you, scan them and save them to a memory card.
Pictures
If you have boxes of random pictures or too many albums, take pictures of the pictures or scan them and save them on a memory card or USB stick. Then discard the originals. Save only the few special ones you can put on display in frames. You can display the digital copies in special electronic frames or on your screensaver on your PC.
Plastic shopping bags
Reuse them as garbage bags for the kitchen or bathroom instead of buying special garbage bags for your trash cans. Instead of bunching them up in a container, tie the bags in a knot (not too tight) before storing them for later use.
This creates more space for them in their storage container. Buy cloth bags or plastic bins specifically for grocery shopping so you can reduce the amount of plastic bags you take home.
Books
Donate your books to the library. Get a library card and you don’t have to store your books at home anymore. You can borrow them any time you want from your local library.
CDs and DVDs
Go digital. You can buy almost everything online for music and movies and you can save them all on your electronic devices. If you like the hard copies, take them out of their cases and store them in a DVD or CD book to create more space on your shelves.
Following these guidelines for de-cluttering has been proven to reduce housework almost by half. Think of the many ways you can spend that extra time!
Get in touch with us if you’re looking for help from our local movers.
FAQs
What should I consider before choosing a DIY move?
Before deciding on a DIY move, think about the time, effort, and physical demands involved. You will be responsible for packing, lifting, loading, driving, and unloading, which can be more challenging than expected. Consider whether you have the right equipment, enough help, and the ability to manage logistics on your own. While a DIY move can seem cost-effective, it is important to weigh the potential risks, including damage to belongings or injury, against the savings.
How can I pack efficiently for a DIY move?
Packing efficiently starts with having the right materials, such as sturdy boxes, tape, and protective wrapping. Pack items room by room and label each box clearly to stay organised. Heavier items should go in smaller boxes, while lighter items can fill larger ones. Fragile items need extra care to prevent damage during transport. Taking a structured approach to packing helps reduce confusion and makes unloading and unpacking much easier.
What equipment do I need for a DIY move?
A successful DIY move usually requires more than just a vehicle. Equipment like trolleys, lifting straps, blankets, and ties can help protect your belongings and make heavy lifting safer. You may also need tools to disassemble furniture. Having the right equipment not only speeds up the process but also reduces the risk of damage or injury. Planning this in advance ensures you are not scrambling for supplies on moving day.
How can I avoid injuries during a DIY move?
To reduce the risk of injury, use proper lifting techniques and avoid carrying loads that are too heavy. Lift with your legs rather than your back, and ask for help when needed. Take breaks and stay hydrated, especially if the move takes several hours. Wearing appropriate clothing and footwear can also improve safety. Being mindful of how you move and handle items helps prevent strains and accidents throughout the process.
Is a DIY move always cheaper than hiring professionals?
While a DIY move can appear cheaper upfront, there are often hidden costs to consider. These may include vehicle hire, fuel, equipment, packing materials, and potential damage to items. Time and effort should also be factored in, especially if the move takes longer than expected. In some cases, hiring professional removalists can provide better value by reducing stress, saving time, and minimising the risk of costly mistakes.