Are you planning to move internationally? No matter, whether you are considering removals to Hungary, Bulgaria, or anywhere else one thing is for certain – sorting and decluttering what you own before moving will save you time, stress, and money.
Decluttering before moving will help you both decrease the quantity of your move and promote a fresh start in your new home. So, here is a simple and effective guide to declutter and organise before moving and settling into a new country.
Follow these steps:
Start Early
Decluttering takes time. Hence, it is better to start at least 6–8 weeks before your moving date. This allows you to work in short, manageable sessions without feeling rushed. Go room by room, starting with the least-used spaces like the attic or guest bedroom.
Sort Items into Four Categories
Make four piles for each room:
- Keep – Things you use quite often or things that you care about
- Donate – Things in good condition that others may find useful
- Sell – Things that can put some cash in your pocket (whether it’s through some online marketplace or a garage sale)
- Discard – broken or worn-out things that you cannot use anymore
This process helps clear your mind and makes it easier to make decisions.
Be Clear About What You Use
Be practical about your needs. The big winter coat? If you’re going somewhere cold like Sweden, then yes keep it. If you’re going to Hungary or Bulgaria where the winters are milder, then maybe not worth the extra shipping.
So, first, ask yourself:
- Have I used this item in the last year?
- Do I love it or do I need it?
- Will it suit my new lifestyle?
If you said “no”, it might be the best decision to let it go.
Understand What’s Worth Shipping
International removals can be costly. The more items ship, the higher it will cost. Therefore, it is important to consider what you are shipping in comparison with purchasing new in your new country.
For example, if you using removals to Hungary service, you should have looked at the shipping costs versus the cost of getting a new sofa in Hungary. It’s the same for removals to Bulgaria and removals to Sweden — don’t pay to ship something that you are just going to need to replace anyway.
Organise Important Documents
Some people forget paperwork when decluttering. Put away everything important like birth certificates, insurance papers, passports, and educational records. Then keep these documents in a clearly labelled folder so you can find it after the packing and unloading process are complete.
Digitise Where Possible
Scan important papers and save them in secure cloud storage. This reduces physical clutter and ensures you have backups in case something gets lost in transit.
Get the Whole Family Involved
If you are planning to move with family, keep everyone involved in the process. Let kids decide what toys or clothes they want to take with them. It helps them take responsibility and make the move feel less overwhelming.
In The End
Preparing to relocate internationally and decluttering beforehand is one of the best actions you can take to potentially facilitate a smoother relocation. It allows you to start fresh, save money, and will ultimately reduce stress. With a little bit of planning and the right level of support, your move abroad can be the exciting new chapter you have been dreaming of.
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