Moving: A Necessary Evil!

Let’s face it: moving is no picnic! After a decade of apartment living post-college, I’ve honed the art of squeezing my life into small spaces—especially when it comes to packing up and managing my belongings before, during, and after a move.

Decluttering: An Unexpected Superpower!

What’s been my secret? Surprisingly, it’s my knack for decluttering, a skill I’ve developed through practice and perseverance. I want to share my journey in hopes that it can assist you in your current or future moving endeavors.

The Downsizing Challenge!

My decluttering journey took flight when my wife and I decided to downsize from a cozy one-bedroom apartment (with breathtaking views of Seattle’s Space Needle!) to a compact studio. While we loved that space, we craved a more walkable neighborhood—and that meant parting with a lot of our stuff.

When it was time to merge our separate lives into one living space, we faced an emotional decision-making process. We had to decide what would make it into this next phase of our lives.

Marie Kondo to the Rescue!

Around that time, Marie Kondo’s book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," was taking the world by storm. While it may now feel overly familiar or even meme-worthy, Kondo’s principles proved instrumental in our decluttering efforts.

Her advice about keeping only what 'sparks joy' may seem vague, but it’s a fantastic starting point when facing a daunting pile of belongings. Remember, the hardest part is just getting started!

Find Your Starting Point!

From my experience, tackling items you care less about first makes the process smoother. Personally, I begin with clothes since I maintain a minimalist wardrobe. Once those are sorted, I can tackle my more cherished gadgets and games.

Where to Send Your Stuff!

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, the next challenge is figuring out how to part with them responsibly—especially when time is short before the big move. (Check out this great article for creative disposal ideas!)

The Thrill of Decluttering!

There’s something deeply satisfying about decluttering. The moment you see the extra space you’ve created, it’s a weight off your shoulders. But beware: you can go overboard! Reflecting on my previous moves, one regret stands out. I tossed beloved books that lacked immediate joy but held sentimental value—like my high school yearbooks and well-read Harry Potter novels. I wish I had preserved those memories to share with my growing family.

Lessons Learned from Decluttering!

Despite a few regrets, I typically don’t miss the majority of what I’ve let go. This decluttering process has proven invaluable in subsequent moves. For example, our move from Seattle to Portland was a breeze because we had pared down our possessions—and could fit everything in a small U-Haul!

Room to Grow!

We’ve since transitioned into a two-bedroom condo, preparing for family life, while still maintaining a 'studio mindset' when keeping our belongings in check. With a toddler now in the mix, mastering decluttering becomes even more crucial to manage the delightful chaos!

Ready for Future Moves!

If we do move again, I’m now equipped with skills to declutter with ease. Though often underrated and challenging, decluttering is a vital skill. I’m grateful for what I’ve learned through numerous moves, which will hopefully make any future transitions a little smoother.