Moving is the perfect time to get rid of unnecessary clutter and make room for new things. Many people use this opportunity to get rid of their old belongings or start the new phase of their lives in better condition. But disposal and decluttering is often not as easy as it sounds. You have to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or dispose of. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about disposal and decluttering in connection with a move, from planning and the right disposal methods to professional decluttering services.
Why is disposal and clearing out important?
Many people accumulate a multitude of items over the years that no longer have room in their new home. Moving offers an excellent opportunity to free yourself of old baggage and start afresh with a tidy home. A thorough decluttering is not only a way to create space, but also a matter of sustainability and efficiency.
1. Make room for new things
Moving is an ideal opportunity to sort through your belongings and get rid of things that no longer add value. Especially when moving to a smaller apartment or a new house, you'll often find that you don't need to take everything with you. By sorting out unnecessary items, you not only free up space but also reduce the hassle and cost of transport.
2. Sustainability and environmental protection
Disposing of old furniture, household appliances, or clothing should always be done in an environmentally friendly manner. Many items can be recycled or reused. By properly separating and disposing of your old belongings, you'll help protect the environment. Furthermore, many still-usable items can be donated or sold, which benefits a sustainable circular economy.
3. Time saving and stress reduction
Moving can be stressful enough without having to deal with sorting and disposing of things. Starting your decluttering early can make the move more efficient and less stressful. By only transporting what you really need, you not only reduce the space required but also save time and money on transport.
When is the right time for disposal and clearing out?
Disposal and decluttering shouldn't be left to the last minute. Ideally, you should start sorting through your belongings at least a month before the move. This way, you have enough time to complete all tasks calmly and avoid rushing into anything.
1. Start early
Decluttering should be done gradually and in an organized manner. Start with one room that you can tackle relatively quickly and work your way forward. This way, you can also gradually decide which items you want to keep and which you don't.
2. Gradually sort out
Set realistic goals to manage the decluttering process. Each day or week, you can commit to decluttering a specific area of your home—be it your closet, kitchen, or living room. By setting small milestones, you'll avoid stress and feelings of being overwhelmed.
How do you dispose of it properly?
Disposing of old items isn't always as simple as throwing them in the trash. For certain items, there are special disposal methods that ensure they are recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
1. Furniture disposal
Old furniture that's no longer needed can't usually be simply thrown away in the regular trash. There are several disposal options:
- Donation or sale: Furniture that is still in good condition can be donated to charities or sold through flea markets and online platforms.
- Bulky waste: In many cities, larger pieces of furniture can be disposed of as bulky waste. This is often a city or municipality service that allows you to schedule a specific collection date for larger items.
- Furniture disposal services: Professional disposal services take care of furniture disposal if it is too large or too heavy for normal bulky waste.
2. Dispose of electrical devices
Old electrical appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, and computers should not simply be thrown in the trash. They often contain harmful substances that must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
- Recycling caves: Most cities offer collection points or recycling centers for electrical appliances where you can drop off your old devices.
- Electrical stores: Many electronics stores will take back your old devices when you buy new ones so that they can be disposed of properly.
3. Old clothes and household goods
Clothes and household items that are still wearable or in good condition can be donated or sold. If they are in poor condition, they can be disposed of via clothing recycling bins or special recycling stations.
How to declutter professional clearance services?
If you don't want to handle the decluttering process yourself, or if you have a particularly large amount of stuff to dispose of, it may be a good idea to hire a professional decluttering service. These experts will take care of the complete decluttering and disposal of your old belongings.
1. What does a clearance service do?
A clearance service will help you clear out your apartment or house quickly and efficiently. The professionals will take care of sorting your items, picking them up, and disposing of them properly. They also bring their own disposal vehicles, so you don't have to worry about transportation.
2. Advantages a professional clearance service
- Time savings: Professionals will get the job done faster and more efficiently than if you were to do everything yourself.
- Versatility: Clearance services take care of furniture, electrical appliances, clothing and other items.
- Recycling and reuse: The professionals ensure that the items are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner or taken to the right place for disposal.
3. Costs of a clearance service
The Costs for a professional clearance service Prices vary depending on the scope of the work, the size of the apartment, and the region. Typically, you can expect to pay between CHF 300 and CHF 800 for a standard clearance.
Conclusion
Disposal and decluttering are essential steps when planning a move. By getting rid of unnecessary clutter, you not only create space in your new home but also contribute to sustainability. Whether you do the decluttering yourself or enlist professional help, a thorough decluttering process ensures a stress-free move and a tidy home. Remember to start early and organize the disposal in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner.
