Sorting can be an overwhelming task. Thoughts of piles and uncertain “keep” or “never see it ever again,” can be just the right combo to hold us back. Time can be ticking and shortening your gap until the fateful day when “the movers” are scheduled to arrive. So what are some ways to tackle this arduous task? Let’s dive in and consider some ideas. 

Here are some quick tips to alleviate your path to “keeping”, ensuring your move goes smoother. 

1. Start with the 100~75%  KEEP. 

It’s too easy when moving to get caught looking at the whole task as a giant pile, literally. So for that we recommend starting with what you know you’ll be taking… or if it makes the “cut”. Even if it has a 75% feeling of “yes”, go with that. Starting here allows for space to immediately clear up. You’ll need that for the purging to come. 

2. Heirloom and Sentimental pieces matter. 

There are some of the items in your “for sure” will go, and they are your heirlooms or legacy items. These items are what convert your house into a home. They are part of your story and your legacy. Hold on to these as long as you can… or consider who would benefit from them. 

3. Take it room by room. 

Segmenting your packing tasks, sorting and the eventual inventory, taking it room by room allows you the ease of parsing out by theme. Consider tackling the hardest one first, which can often be the Garage or Office. Inventory becomes easier to track as well. For labeling purposes it helps to follow consistent names for each room.  Limit space for sentimentales.   

4. Keep up the pace, AND, stop and breathe.

Allow yourself a measurable amount of time to make progress. Establishing a minimum amount of time enables you to keep a pace and see the results. Ultimately it will become something to relish in… so be sure to allow yourself a moment to look around. Appreciating the shift is just as important as going through the work of making it happen. Stop and Breathe. 

Do a little everyday. Have a deadline. 

5. Establish an inventory system. 

If you anticipate partially packing yourself, you need to make an inventory. The more detail in your description, always is better. However, 3-4 description words are also a good way to spark a memory and save time. Ask Golden Bear INTL for a copy of our template. 

6. Designate an Outgoing Area.

If it didn’t make the cut, then it’s time to put it away. Designate a special area, in order  to both declutter and to have a resolution for what is going to leave your space. Not only is this a good mental practice, but it also helps friends or family come by and see if they could use your treasures.