It’s best to sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you won’t need before your residential move. That way, when you finally get to your new place, there will be less chaos and fewer boxes to unpack.
When it comes time to pack up the kitchen, you may feel overwhelmed. Although your kitchenware may fit in the new space, it’s still best to plan ahead.
Here are five suggestions to help you minimize the stuff in your kitchen without sacrificing functionality.
1. Plan your decluttering strategy
The first step in any downsizing project is to establish some objectives. You probably have a good idea of where you can make cuts. A quick inventory of your kitchenware will be helpful.
Focus on limiting the number of large cooking tools or small appliances if space is an issue. However, if organizing is your top priority, you should spend more time reviewing your smaller tools.
2. Discard any broken items and sort the rest
It’s easier to downsize your home if you start by getting rid of the things you don’t use or need. Discard all items that have been severely damaged or worn.
Also, eliminate any duplicate kitchen tools. Now is the ideal time to scale back and only keep what you need.
3. Evaluate your small appliances
Like many others, you might have various small appliances and use certain ones more frequently than others. For instance, some might sit in the cupboard or take up valuable space on the countertop, but you rarely use them.
Make a prioritized list of the small appliances you own. You should move any devices you use at least once a week to your new house. Then, donate the others that you rarely use.
4. Start a “maybe” stack
As you work through the kitchen, you may have a growing collection of items you need clarification on whether or not to keep. Therefore, creating a “maybe pile” for these tools is wise.
Consider storing them in a box if you will need them later. To help you identify what is inside each box, clearly label each one.
Review the items in the “maybe” box after you’ve moved. Then you might be able to make a more solid decision.
5. Eliminate pantry items
Taking all your food with you can be tempting if you have a large stockpile. However, many factors make this impractical. For example, the cost of moving your pantry could be higher than the cost of replacing it, and most movers will only move certain food items.
Wait to throw out those pantry staples; instead, figure out how you’ll put them to good use. For example, dedicate time to meal preparation and use your pantry staples in the lead-up to your relocation.
Throw away anything past its expiration date in the final two to three weeks before the move. Everything else could be donated to Move for Hunger or a nearby food bank.
Relocation Help
An excellent way to start over in your new house is to simplify your kitchen. Contact us today for more information on planning your upcoming move. In addition, we can assist with your packing and moving.