1. Give Yourself Time to Plan
Whether you are moving to a larger place or downsizing, start the packing early. If you are using a moving company, contact them early in the process and make sure your selected date is reserved. If you are doing it yourself, start packing as soon as you finalize your closing date. You do not want to be forced to make a decision about whether or not to keep a certain family heirloom as you are loading boxes into a van.
2. Be Ready to Pack
Again, this falls under planning and timing. Load up on boxes and packing supplies. Get as many as you think you need, then get a few more. Now the work begins. Not only do you have to pack, but you also have to determine what goes with you, what goes to a donation center, and what gets trashed.
3. Unclutter
It’s possible, even likely, you are not going to need everything you have. Find areas of the home where you can eliminate duplicates (start in the kitchen) and put the stuff you are not using in a giant “give-away” pile as you start to dejunk. Don’t let all the coronavirus-cleaning you’ve done go to waste. Start by putting it on the curb with a sign marked “free.” If it has anything of value, try to sell it on social media. If that doesn’t work, donate it. Someone, somewhere, can use it.