Moving is undeniably stressful. For over a decade, apartment living has honed my skills in minimizing possessions and navigating the chaos of relocation. While it’s not always easy, decluttering has become an invaluable tool in making each move smoother and less overwhelming.
My decluttering journey intensified when my wife and I decided to downsize from a one-bedroom apartment to a studio. This required a serious reckoning with our accumulated belongings – a process that, while emotionally challenging, proved incredibly rewarding. The timing coincided with the rise of Marie Kondo’s *The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up*, and while the “spark joy” concept is somewhat subjective, it provided a helpful framework for beginning the process.
The key for me is starting with the less sentimental items. Tackling clothes first, for example, is often less emotionally taxing than confronting a cherished collection of gadgets. Remember, decluttering isn’t just about removing things; it’s also about responsibly disposing of them. We have a separate guide on [how to do that sustainably](placeholder_link_to_article_about_responsible_disposal), if you’re interested.
The satisfaction of clearing out unnecessary items and freeing up space is immense. However, I’ve also learned from experience that it’s possible to go too far. I regret discarding certain books with sentimental value, despite not actively reading them. My high school yearbooks, for instance, are now dearly missed. Similarly, parting with my old Harry Potter books, though seemingly practical at the time, is a decision I now question. And some old gaming consoles? I could use those now!
Despite a few regrets, I overwhelmingly don’t miss the majority of what I’ve let go. The practice of decluttering has made subsequent moves significantly easier. From our Seattle-to-Portland move (again to a studio!), to our current two-bedroom condo, managing our belongings has become second nature. Even with a toddler’s seemingly endless supply of toys, we’ve maintained a surprisingly organized home.
Decluttering isn’t easy, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. The less stuff you have, the less stressful moving becomes. It’s a skill I’ve refined over many moves, and one I’m incredibly grateful to have. The next move will be that much simpler.
