Moving can be one of the most overwhelming tasks in life, but it doesn’t have to be if you approach it with the right mindset and a solid game plan. One of the most significant steps to making your move smoother? Decluttering!
Yes, it’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo, grab some ReBow boxes, and start sorting your stuff with a sense of purpose (and maybe a little joy). Let’s walk through the process of decluttering before your big move so you can figure out what to keep, what to toss, and how to make packing with ReBow boxes a breeze.
Let’s be honest: packing up your entire life can be stressful. But what’s even more stressful? Packing things you don’t need. Decluttering before a move saves you time, effort, and money (because who wants to pay to move stuff they’ll never use again?). Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to create a fresh start in your new place, free from the clutter that may have been weighing you down.
Think of decluttering as the first step in your moving process. You’re not just packing up your old space but preparing yourself for the new one. ReBow’s sustainable and reusable boxes are ideal for this task. By being organized and intentional, you’ll find packing and unpacking less of a headache, and your new home will already feel more like home.
It’s the age-old dilemma: how do you decide what stays and what goes? Here are some questions to help you decide:
Be honest. If you haven’t used that kitchen gadget in over a year, chances are you won’t miss it when it’s gone. Clothes that haven’t seen the light of day in seasons, old books collecting dust, or expired makeup – you probably won’t need these in your fresh new space. If it’s been more than a year, it’s time to toss.
Sentimental items can be tricky. They tug at the heartstrings and make it hard to let go. But not everything needs to move with you. Limit yourself to a few items that truly bring you joy or carry significant memories. Consider taking a picture before letting go of things like old birthday cards or childhood trophies. Digital memories take up zero space!
That chair with the wobbly leg or that chipped mug you’ve been meaning to repair for years? It might be time to say goodbye. Moving is a great time to toss anything broken beyond easy repair. Don’t bring broken stuff into your new life!
Consider the layout and vibe of your new place. Will that bulky armchair fit in your new living room, or will it just take up space? If it doesn’t have a clear place in your new home, it might be time to sell or donate it.
Decluttering takes time, so give yourself a head start. Aim to begin at least a month before your move date. Start small, focusing on one room at a time – this keeps the process manageable and prevents overwhelm. It’s easier to stay organized when you tackle one area comprehensively before moving on to the next.
As you go through your belongings, set up three distinct piles:
Keep: These items you use regularly or hold genuine sentimental value.
Toss: Broken items, worn-out clothes, or anything that is no longer functional.
Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer use can be sold or donated to those who need them.
Once your piles are sorted, pack up the “keep” items in your ReBow boxes. For everything else, organize donations and, if necessary, take trips to the recycling center or dump.
If you’re stuck on whether to keep or toss something, apply the one-year rule: if you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably won’t in the next year, either. Let it go and free yourself from unnecessary clutter.
How many spatulas do you need? Multiple copies of the same item are prime candidates for decluttering. This rule applies to kitchen tools, clothing, and even furniture. If you have duplicates of something, keep the best and toss the rest.
Old photos, important documents, and even sentimental letters can be digitized. This allows you to keep the memories or essential information without occupying physical space in your boxes. Plus, organizing a digital folder is much easier than a chaotic pile of papers.
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to pack smartly. ReBow boxes are reusable and eco-friendly, making them the perfect companion for your move. Here’s how to make packing with them as efficient as possible:
As you pack your belongings into your ReBow boxes, label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This will make unpacking much more manageable. You can even get creative with colour-coding by room for added organization.
Use sustainable packaging materials to protect your breakables. Instead of bubble wrap, pack paper or towels to cushion fragile items. ReBow boxes are sturdy, but it’s always a good idea to ensure your glassware and electronics are well-protected.
Keep similar items together. For instance, pack all your kitchen utensils in one box and all your bathroom toiletries in another. This makes unpacking logical and simple once you arrive at your new home.
Though ReBow boxes are designed to be durable, overloading them can still make them difficult to carry. Pack boxes so that they’re full but still easy to lift. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re not huffing and puffing up the stairs!
Decluttering before a move is like giving yourself the gift of a fresh start. By keeping only what you need, love, and use, you’ll feel lighter and more organized as you settle into your new space. With the help of ReBow boxes, your packing process can be efficient, sustainable, and stress-free.
Remember, moving isn’t just about physically transporting your belongings from one place to another. It’s about mentally preparing for a new chapter of life. So, take a deep breath, declutter confidently, and prepare for an exciting new beginning with ReBow!
Our Micro Storage solution offers a secured facility to store your ReBow boxes with complimentary delivery & pickup services. The reason it’s called “Micro” is because we only store items that fit in our 3.2 cubic foot ReBow box. Larger items such as furniture and beds can’t be stored. If you are in need of a full storage service please contact our sister company Ortiz Bros. Moving & Storage (323-221-3393).
If you need more time to pack your stuff, you can just reschedule your pickup / delivery time, however your storage subscription package will begin.
At this time, we require that all your ReBow™ boxes go into storage. If you would like to seperate your move, please place an additional Rental Order with us.
We offer a complimentary 2 day window to pack your items. Storage term will begin on the 3rd day after receiving your ReBow™ order. Upon delivery of your storage, you will have 2 unpacking days prior to picking up your ReBow™ boxes.
Yes, customers must call and schedule a storage access 24 hours in advance during our business hours (Mon - Fri 8am -4pm).
Yes, you will receive an account where you can login and manage your order. In your account, you can make change requests for delivery and pickup times, as well as update any addresses, add boxes and change payment information.
