The process of planning a long trip is not just about preparing an itinerary and packing your bags. If you are leaving for more than 2 to 4 weeks, you must take care of the extra stuff in your house to keep it clean and organized. Whether you are shifting for a long-term or moving out on a sabbatical, it is necessary to get rid of your extra junk to make the process more manageable. Consider this process a cleaning spree to keep your house neater and more organized. Here are some effective solutions to deal with the extra junk in your house and be ready for the trip.
1. Make a “Discard” Plan
Since the process of cleaning and moving can be a bit tricky, you need a concrete plan to begin. Start by differentiating between important and unimportant things. What are the things you absolutely need every day? Have you used a certain item in the past 2 years? Do you think you will ever need it in the future? Ask these questions to sort your stuff and mark them “necessary” and “unnecessary”. Do not cling to your stuff just because they have an emotional value. Be practical and prioritize your needs. Next, gather boxes and other packing materials to prepare your stuff for moving.
2. Throw Away or Donate Your Stuff
Now that you are aware of the things you need and the stuff you can discard, throw away the items that you will barely use even after you return from your trip. A better option is to donate all your stuff to a local charity. You can easily find a charity or an NGO in your locality on the web. Donate clothes like t-shirts, old jackets, and other clothing items that you do not use frequently and are in a wearable condition. You can also donate old CDs, books, musical instruments, games, and electronic equipment to the people in need.
3. Convert Your Garage into a Storage Space
If you own a garage space that you hardly use, convert it into a storage space to keep your extra stuff safe. Before you convert your garage space, you must first tend to all damages and leaks to avoid your stuff from getting ruined. Hire an expert to inspect your garage and repair every damage. Make a rough plan of the space and create a layout based on the items you want to store. Measure the boxes and keep delicate stuff away from the walls to avoid moisture retention. This tip works if you will return within a few months and need all your stuff back.
4. Find Local Storage Points
Storing your items in a locker is another convenient and safe option. Today, numerous locker services and storage points are available in every city to keep luggage secure for several days to weeks (even months). If you live in Australia, you can easily find several storage points. Whether you need to drop off your vehicle or your home items, you can access secure self storage in Perth with a quick Google search. Irrespective of how big your boxes are or how much luggage you have, you can store them at these points with ease and travel peacefully. Compare different services and get quotes from every point to get a better deal and save extra money.
5. Consider Renting or Selling Your Possessions
If you do not want to throw your stuff away, consider renting or selling unused items. With this, you can earn some extra bucks and use it during your trip. Selling your belongings is recommended over renting them as you can get rid of the extra junk in your house. Click high-quality photographs of your unwanted things and put them up on eBay or other similar sites. You can sell everything on similar e-commerce sites- cars, clothes, gadgets, books, etc. Facebook Marketplace is another great platform to sell unwanted items within your area. This also gives you a higher chance to sell your stuff as locals can instantly pick them up.
6. Learn to Reduce and Reuse
While getting rid of your stuff is the best option to minimize clutter and deal with your belongings, you can also learn how to reduce and reuse to retain this mindset for the long term. Learn to live with the bare essentials. Know that you just need a few items to survive. This minimalist mindset will also keep your house neat and make it look more spacious. It may be difficult in the beginning but will eventually feel liberating. Start by discarding all decorative items as they do not serve any practical purpose in your life. Slowly and steadily, as the junk from your house reduces, you will see cleaner and tidier shelves, drawers, and cupboards. Reuse as many items as you can to further reduce clutter. Eventually, you will also save a lot of money.
7. Rent Someone’s Basement
If you do not have a garage or basement of your own, you can ask your family members or friends to lend theirs to you for a few days. Use it to store your boxes and extra junk. While storing your belongings for a few days is not an issue, suggest the idea of paying rent to your loved one in case you are traveling for a few months or longer duration. If they refuse, take them out for lunch. Basically, this will ensure that they are willingly letting you use their space instead of considering it a burden.
Vacuum packing your stuff is also another option as it keeps things secure and confined. Make sure that your items are packed with proper sealants and are away from moisture, insects, and weather changes. Depending on the type of items you have, consider getting boxes and storage containers that will retain their quality for a long period. As mentioned, the best idea is to rent a storage space at local lockers. With this plan in place, you are now ready to travel and keep your stuff secure at the same time. Use the extra money you earned by renting or selling your belongings on your vacation.
