Going Through Things & Decluttering

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I’ve been going through things and decluttering for the upcoming move. Preparing to move gives you the golden opportunity to see what you have in boxes and closets and allows you to figure out what you want to keep.

Moving is stressful. Getting ready to move is also stressful. There’s so much to do. And everything has to end up fitting together like a puzzle. You have to declutter before you can donate things to a charity. Then you have to decide what packing materials to use. And so on and on it goes.

I’d already decided that I wanted to order plastic storage boxes so I’d have them once I’ve moved for other things. Seasonal decor, etc. The less boxes that go into the landfill the better, though I’ll also need cardboard boxes I’m sure.

I have these plastic storage boxes stacked up by my fireplace in the living room. I’d ordered them because I want to get a head start. But I didn’t know when I started stacking them up that this would also aid Ivy in becoming accustomed to the move.

Although she already has been through one move with me. I’d thought that it would maybe be my last move, but things did not work out.

Moving With Pets Tips:

I was reading tips over on the ASPCA site about moving with pets. As we all know, cats don’t like change.

Well, they say to bring in packing boxes early on to get your cat or cats accustomed to seeing them. Then they won’t be so frightened by them. Conditioning your pets ahead of time helps to ease their stress.

When you’re still months away from moving, there is still a lot of preparation you can get done in the meantime. The first thing for me is to go through what I have and see what I want to keep.

If I moved something from my old apartment two and a half years ago and still haven’t used it (craft supplies for instance), then it’s time to let it go.

Giving Things To Neighbors:

Lisa brought a friend over who wanted scrapbook paper for when her grandchildren come over. So I gave lots of perfectly thick and pretty card stock to her, and I hope her grandchildren have fun with it.

The card stock was just gathering dust here. I’d carted all that stuff from my previous apartment to this one. And I kept thinking I’d do more than use it for a DIY bookmark here and there, but I just didn’t get around to doing anything else.

But getting rid of the card stock and other crafty things meant I got through one three drawer cupboard that is now empty. Some of the crafty things went into a box, and others I gave away. One cupboard down, plenty more to go. So that’s progress at least.

Giving Things To Family:

I told Marley she could have my green painted furniture if she wants it, as she’s eyed it in the past. It really all needs repainting, and I don’t think I have it in me to do it. I’ll let her do that. I painted these four pieces myself originally, but I’m ready to let them go to her now.

Then I gave Kendra lots of kitchen things for Riley’s new studio apartment at college. And I’ve given things to neighbors as well. I’m not trying to do things all at once. Just here and there when I decide to take the time out of my day.

I cleaned out the four plastic storage containers under my bed and I’ve been filling them up with things I want to move, but don’t want sitting out on the floor. It’s still a ways away till I move, so I don’t want things stacked everywhere.

Living In A Home While Preparing To Pack For A Move:

I still have to live in this apartment until I move. So having boxes everywhere wouldn’t be a very efficient way to live my life until that time.

I still have to prepare meals, dig around in my pantry for food to eat, and wash dishes, so the kitchen will be one of the last areas on my list.

I’ve gone through and sorted my clothing, so I have that pretty well sorted out. And I’ll be giving the grandchildren some of the quilts. I have way too many quilts, mostly ones I’ve purchased and use on my bed. But some that I quilted years ago I’ll give to them.

After all, the whole idea of learning to quilt at around age 30 was so I’d have something special to hand down to children and grandchildren.

Organizing As I Go:

I really just need to organize things better I think. Do away with things not being used or are simply taking up space. All those things we think we need and then they sit and collect dust.

I ordered a plastic container to use for my files. They were previously in a big basket. So I began sorting through everything in my files. But after a while I grew weary of doing this and had other things I needed to do.

In the end I shoved the rest of the unsorted stuff in the file box and called it a day. I had other things that needed to be done. So some of the files are organized and some are not.

I’ll have to go through those files again. So it wasn’t a very efficient way to utilize my time by caving in toward the end. I just didn’t allow enough time to go through the files, didn’t realize when I started how time-consuming that task was going to be. Live and learn!

I really like to get something started and finish it and cross it off my list. But sometimes you simply run out of time or something else commands your attention. Sometimes that’s Ivy letting me know she’s bored and wants me to acknowledge her, which of course I do.

I don’t know what the next few months have in store for me, and I always like to be prepared and proactive. So I’m taking it a day at a time.

Do you have any preparation or moving tips to share?