Moving out of your current home and into a new one is a life-changing moment that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Regardless, it is important for you to know that you are not alone in this process, and that moving during spring can be just what you need for a change.
In this AP Pro Moving guide, we’ll share how to use moving and cleaning during spring to your advantage, as well as we offer some helpful post-move cleaning and settling in tips, too. Whether you’re a first-time mover or a seasoned pro, this article will help you take a simpler, cleaner approach to your move.
Table of Contents
Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Declutter Before a Move
There’s something about springtime that naturally gets us in the mood to clear out the clutter. Maybe it’s the warmer weather and longer days, or maybe it’s just that post-winter urge to open the windows and start anew — so why not use that energy to lighten your load and walk into your new home feeling organized and refreshed?
Either way, spring and moving go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to paring down your belongings. Moving fewer items means less to pack, less to lift, and lower moving costs. This also gives you a chance to reevaluate what you truly want to bring into your next chapter. So before you start loading boxes, take a little time to do a clear out.
Some Benefits of Starting Fresh in Spring
The Psychological Benefits of a Fresh Start
There’s real power in starting fresh, not just in your surroundings, but your mindset. Decluttering before a move gives you the chance to let go of items and things that no longer serve a purpose in your home, and give them another chance somewhere else.
That sweater you haven’t worn in two years? Those extra decorations that you don’t really like and are collecting dust as time goes by? Letting go of the unnecessary clears physical space, and also brings peace of mind. After letting go, you will feel more in control, more at ease, and more excited about what your new home might bring along.
Save on Moving Costs by Letting Go
The more things and items you own, the more boxes you’ll pack, and the more your move will cost. So, whether you’re paying for a full-service move or relocating on your own, fewer items mean:
- Less time spent packing and less effort loading things in a vehicle
- Use of a smaller moving truck and/or fewer loading trips to the vehicle
- Fewer boxes and packing materials used
- Less fuel usage if you’re relocating on your own
Even donating or recycling heavy furniture that no longer fits your new plce can make a considerable difference. So before you pack it, it’ll be good to ask yourself: Do I really need to bring this?
If you are looking to make your move affordable, look no further than AP Pro Moving. With a team of expert movers, and an array of moving services you can choose from, we assure you will find the moving services that best suit your needs.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for Movers
Make a Checklist
Track the tasks that need to get done and your progress with a trustworthy and handy checklist. Before you dive into boxes and bubble wrap, sit down and make a simple moving/spring-cleaning checklist. Make sure to tailor it to your home’s needs and the free time you have available.
Go room by room and write down categories of items that need to be sorted: clothes, kitchenware, linens, tools, decor, electronics, and so on, and assign cleaning tasks that need to get done in each room, or within each category. Writing it out will give some structure to your moving plans and efforts, and it will make things easier overall.
Deep-Cleaning Before You Pack
Cleaning as you pack might sound like overkill, during an already overwhelming time, but we assure you it can make a significant difference when it comes to unpacking and settling into your new place. Opening a box to find clean, dust free items can be the best start to your new house setup.
As you go through each area:
- Wipe down surfaces and dust off items
- Clean out drawers, closets, and under furniture
- Wash blankets, sheets, curtains, and other fabrics
- Sanitize small appliances and electronics
Strategize: Keep, Donate, Discard
The peak of strategizing can well be the Keep, Donate or Discard rule. This rule goes as follows: if you haven’t used it in the past year, or you don’t think you will, it is probably time to let it go. For each item, make sure to ask yourself: Do I use it regularly? Do I love it or need it?
Keep in mind that this rule of thumb can be applied to various possessions, from clothing and kitchenware to books and electronics. By letting go of unused items, you can create a more organized and clutter-free environment, reduce stress, and make room for new possessions that you’ll actually use and enjoy.
Cleaning as You Pack
Once you’ve decided what items are coming along with you to your new place, give those items one last wipe-down as you start to place them into boxes. Remember to wipe dishes and glassware before packing them, wiping electronic cords and getting rid of old labels on them, dusting off decor and books before placing them into boxes, vacuuming pillows, and so on.
Tasks as simple as the ones we have just mention can go a long way when settling into your new home, making sure that everything is already clean, organized, and ready to use. In this way, you’ll also be able to use your time for other important things rather than cleaning your belongings as soon as you arrive.
Post-Move Cleaning Tips for Your New Place
What to Clean First When You Arrive
When you arrive to your new place, and before unpacking all at once, we recommend going over some simple cleaning tasks so that you can settle in a clean and healthy environment that quickly makes you feel at home.
- Go over your new kitchen surfaces and appliances
- Wipe down the bathroom, including the toilet, sink, shower, and mirror.
- Go over doorknobs and light switches with a sanitizing cloth.
- Give a quick mop of the floors and swipe stairs or entryways.
Unpack the Essentials First
Also remember that there’s no need, nor rush, to unpack everything on day one. So, we recommend you focus on the essentials first. Unpack toiletries and shower supplies, a few days’ worth of clothes, the bedding, the basics for the kitchen to be usable, frequently used electronics with its chargers, and medications or important documents you might need.
Packing Supplies That Do Double Duty
When thinking about moving, spring cleaning and keeping your home organized, we cannot recommend you enough to look into packing supplies that do a double duty. These item may include some of the following:
- Storage bins: These are great for packing and then organizing closets or the storage room.
- Vacuum-seal bags: These handy bags shrink down bulky bedding and sweaters to save space, which can come useful later on to save space in the closet.
- Old towels or linens: You can use these as padding for fragile items, or to prevent scratches. Simply use them during the move and toss them in the laundry when you arrive to your new place.
- Reusable moving boxes: These boxes nor only do a double duty, but also tend to be durable and environmentally friendly. Once you’ve unpacked, you can simply fold them and store them to use later on, or you can repurpose them to organize the storage room.
Relocate During Spring With AP Pro Moving’s Services
Local and Long-distance Relocation
AP Pro Moving can help with local and long-distance moves. Our team of professional movers will handle the logistics, ensuring a streamlined relocation. We’ll take care of your belongings, ensuring prompt and secure transport to your new destination.
Packing Services
AP Pro Moving‘s professional packing service can alleviate the stress of packing. Our expert team will carefully and efficiently pack your belongings using high-quality materials, ensuring their safety during transport to your new home.
Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly
AP Pro Moving knows that relocating can be stressful, but hiring a furniture disassembly and reassembly service can ease the burden significantly. Our team can disassemble, transport, and reassemble your furniture in your new home, allowing for a quick and easy transition so you can focus on settling in.
Relocate With AP Pro Moving’s Expert Movers
AP Pro Moving offers comprehensive moving services for both residential and commercial needs. Our team of professional movers will handle your belongings with care, eliminating the stress of moving. Call us today at +1 (703) 757-6969 for a free estimate and to discuss the moving services that best suit your needs. Visit our website for more information.
FAQs
Why is spring considered an ideal time for moving and decluttering?
Spring naturally encourages a fresh start with its longer days and warmer weather, making it the perfect time to declutter. You’re more motivated to clean, reevaluate your belongings, and lighten your load before a move, which not only boosts your mood but also simplifies and lowers your moving costs.
How can I organize my spring cleaning before a move effectively?
Start with a personalized checklist by going room-by-room, listing items to sort and tasks to clean. Use the “Keep, Donate, Discard” method to simplify decision-making. Cleaning as you pack ensures you unpack clean items, helping you settle into your new space faster and more comfortably with less hassle.
What should I prioritize cleaning after moving into a new home?
Before unpacking, focus on cleaning kitchen counters, appliances, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, and floors. Unpack essentials like toiletries, clothes, and kitchen basics first. Use packing supplies like storage bins and vacuum-seal bags to stay organized. These early steps make your new home feel clean, functional, and welcoming right away.
