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This blog post is about what to declutter before you move into your future apartment!

FUTURE APARTMENT

Woo hoo! You did it – you found your very own future apartment! This is a huge moment, a chance to create your own space.

But before the packing frenzy begins, let's take a quick decluttering detour.

By sorting through your stuff now, you'll arrive at your new place feeling organized and ready to make the most of this exciting adventure. So, grab a cuppa, crank up the tunes, and let's get down to business! Today, we're tackling 10 things to declutter before you move into your future apartment.

Why Declutter Before You Move?

Moving into your first apartment is a whirlwind of emotions – exciting, overwhelming, and maybe a touch scary! The last thing you need amidst the packing frenzy is the added stress of mountains of stuff. Decluttering beforehand is your secret weapon for a smoother move, and a more zen start to your new adventure.

Imagine unpacking boxes in a clean, organized space where everything has a designated spot. Sounds pretty amazing, right?

Decluttering now means less to pack later, saving you precious time and energy.

Plus, arriving at your new place with only the things you love and use allows you to personalize your space and create a home that truly reflects you. Think carefully curated vibes, not a chaotic storage unit!

1. Clothing

Congratulations on your first apartment! This is a special time to create your own space and express your style. But before decorating, let's give your clothes a little TLC. Think of it like a fresh start for your wardrobe, too!

We've all got those pieces from our younger days that hold onto beautiful memories. But here's the thing: your style probably evolves over time, and that's perfectly okay! So, let's gently say goodbye to a few things to make room for the exciting new outfits you'll discover in your latest adventure.

Here's a handy checklist to guide your clothing cleanse:

Clothes:
Consider storing special occasion pieces that hold memories.
Be honest! Donate if clothes haven't been worn in a year or more.
Let go of clothes with rips, stains, or worn-out.
Accessories:
Get rid of worn-out purses, belts, and scarves that don't suit your style.
Shoes:
Do you need uncomfortable heels or extra sneakers you never wear? Donate them if they don't spark joy or functionality.

Kind Note: Clothing can be one of the most challenging and emotional categories to declutter! Feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed when decluttering clothes is expected.

If you find this the case, I suggest just doing a light declutter. Toss/donate what you are sure of, pack the items you want to keep and place the items you are unsure of that don’t currently fit into a clear storage container or box. This way, you can revisit those items as you are ready but still benefit from decluttering before moving!

2. Electronics

Tech gadgets are awesome! But sometimes, our collections get cluttered. Before you pack a tangled mess of cords and forgotten devices, let's create a functional and organized tech zone for your new apartment!

Here's your guide to streamlining your electronics for a smooth move:

Cords: Gather all your cords and ruthlessly sort! Keep only the chargers you currently use and donate or recycle the rest. Say goodbye to unidentified chargers and those for devices you no longer own.
Unused Electronics: Do you have old laptops or unused tablets gathering dust? If they're not functional or haven't been used in years, it's time to let them go. Many electronics stores offer responsible recycling options.
Earbuds & Headphones: Sort through your earbuds and keep your favorites (and the ones that actually work!). Donate or toss the rest to avoid future detangling frustration!

Pro Tip: Organize your remaining cords! Label them clearly and store them neatly. A little organization goes a long way in creating a functional and frustration-free tech haven in your new apartment!

3. Paper Clutter

Paper! It seems to accumulate faster than you can use it. Before you pack boxes full of it for your new apartment, let's create a system that keeps you organized and clutter-free. Think of it as a chance to embrace a more digital future!

Here's your guide to a paper purge that minimizes clutter:

Old Notebooks: Take some time to review each one and decide what to keep and toss. Scan important notes to save them digitally. I love using Google Keep for this!
Old Textbooks: Donate textbooks to a local school or library, or sell them online. Consider if the information is outdated before keeping it.
Receipts: Most stores now offer digital receipts. Toss old receipts unless they're for warranties. Scan important ones and store them digitally.
Old Documents: Many institutions allow online access to bank statements, utility bills, or tax documents. Shred or recycle outdated paper documents following proper security protocols for sensitive information.

Pro Tip: Invest in a simple filing system for important documents you need to keep physically. Label folders clearly and purge them regularly to avoid future paper clutter!

4. Books:

Books are treasures, but overflowing shelves can be overwhelming and not to mention really heavy to pack! Here are some tips to create space for the books you love:

Unopened Books: Be honest. Are there unread books you don't plan to get to? Donate them to a library, bookstore, or used bookstore. Someone else might enjoy them!
Seldom-Read Books: Consider boxing up books with sentimental value but that you rarely reread. Store them elsewhere to free up shelf space for frequently used books.
Duplicate Books: Do you have multiple copies of the same book? Keep your favorite and donate or sell the rest.

Moving Tip: Books are one of the heaviest things to pack! Make sure to use a small box, or better yet, if you have a rolling suitcase, pack your books in that!

4. Beauty And Personal Care Products

Moving into your first apartment is exciting! But overflowing makeup bags and cluttered shelves can feel stressful. Let's streamline your beauty routine and create a collection you genuinely love. Think of it as a fresh start for your self-care essentials!

Here's your guide to a beauty inventory that minimizes clutter:

Expired Products: Toss any makeup past its prime or skincare products that have gone bad. Expired products can irritate your skin, so it's best to let them go.
Unused Samples: Be honest! Do you really love and use those free samples from stores? Donate them to a women's shelter or local charity if not. Someone else might enjoy trying them out.
Unloved Makeup: Are there half-used products you don't want anymore? Maybe you never wear eyeshadow colors or a foundation shade that doesn't quite match your skin tone? Consider donating these products to a friend or a makeup recycling program.
Worn Brushes: Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria over time. Toss any brushes that are shedding, frayed, or just plain dirty. Invest in a good brush-cleaning routine for the ones you keep.

5. Linens & Bedding

Fresh linens are essential for a comfortable first apartment! However, overflowing linen closets can be a hassle. Let's create a streamlined collection of bedding you genuinely love.

Here's your guide to decluttering your linens:

Worn Linens: Be honest! Do you have sheets with holes or stains? Or comforters that are past their prime? Thank them for their service and donate or toss them responsibly.
Mismatched Linens: A collection of random sheets or mismatched towels of various sizes? Keep only what you truly use and donate or toss the rest. A cohesive set of linens creates a more peaceful and put-together feel in your new apartment.
Old Pillows: Throw out any old or uncomfortable pillows and invest in new ones. I swear by adjustable pillows! They are seriously the best!

6. Games & Entertainment

Here are a few ideas to declutter your games and entertainment and make space for new favorites!

Games & Puzzles:

Board Games: Donate unused board games to thrift stores, community centers, or children's hospitals. Someone else might rediscover the joy of those hidden gems!
Puzzles: Sort through your collection and keep the ones you love. Donate or recycle the rest.

Movies & Shows:

Movies: Let go of movies you don’t like or never watch. You can also ditch all the cases and opt for a DVD storage binder! This saves SO MUCH space!
Digital Detox: Unsubscribe from unused streaming services and delete any digital clutter that takes up space.

This post was about decluttering items before you move into your future apartment!

Decluttering before your move isn't just about creating a calmer space – it's about making the moving process smoother and less stressful!

Now you have fewer boxes to pack, a lighter load to carry, and a head start on creating a peaceful haven in your new apartment.

Feeling motivated? Share your top decluttering tips in the comments below! Let's help each other conquer the clutter and have a stress-free move to our future apartments. Happy decluttering and happy moving! Hugs.