Moving is perfect for decluttering
“Moving is the best way to declutter your living space,” says Trond Ramsøskar.
He is an interior designer and partner at Monn Interiørarkitekter, a company that has partnered up with Thon Eiendom. Ramsøskar and his colleagues work to create the most optimal homes possible, so that houses and apartments become good and efficient homes for those moving into them.
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Anyone who has moved at least once in their life knows it’s a process that requires going through everything you own and dusting off things hidden for years in storage rooms and the attic.
It may feel like a boring chore, but if you do it properly before you move, the moving process itself and life in your new home will be much easier and more enjoyable.
“With a few simple steps, the moving process can be much easier, so it’s just a matter of taking advantage of the opportunity,” says Ramsøskar.
Here are his 7 best tips to prepare for moving:
1. Study your home and floor plan to decide where to put all your furniture
When everything you own is to be moved from one home to another, it can be a good idea to plan where everything will go beforehand," says Ramsøskar.
"Take your time and familiarise yourself well with the apartment during the viewing. Take pictures and measurements and write down where all the power sockets are. Is the ceiling height the same everywhere? Can you already see where you could install shelves or place a wardrobe?
You should also use the brochure for the project as much as possible."
"Most apartments are sold with a drawing of the floor plan with exact dimensions. You can use it to figure out different interior design solutions and storage options - for example, by cutting out a drawing of your furniture in the right proportions or marking the size directly on the drawing," the interior designer advises.
"You can also buy a shelving system that fits your new home before you move in. This way, you can simply unpack everything directly after moving in."
2. Don't take things you don't need
You save a lot of time and effort by figuring out what you need and finding space for in your new home before moving in. This means you don't have to take everything with you in the moving van and don't have to fill your new home with more than necessary.
There’s no point bringing things you can't use in your new home. They'll just take up space. Does it look like your dresser won't fit into your new entrance hallway? Sell it before moving," recommends Ramsøskar.
3. Put it to the 'will I miss it?' test
Deciding what to take with you can be easier said than done. What do you keep and what do you leave behind?
"When I’m not sure whether I’m going to keep something, I put it in a bag and place it at the back of a cupboard or in a storage area. If I haven't missed it after six months, I’ll probably never miss it, so the decision is an easy one," says Ramsøskar.
But the interior designer believes there are certain exceptions.
"There are some things you should save and these are things with sentimental value, things you have inherited or that for some other reason are important to you, so you should take them with you."
4. Make the most of the space
When planning how to furnish your new home, it’s a good idea to think in practical terms. How do you find space for everything you need without things getting chaotic?
“When it comes to a wardrobe, for example, drawers are very often practical up to a certain height,” the interior designer says.
"Another tip is to try to use the space up to the ceiling as efficiently as possible. This is usually space that is not used for anything else. "
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You save a lot of time and effort by figuring out what you need and finding space for in your new home before moving in. -
As you shop, it’s a good idea to put everything in clear containers, so you can quickly see where the different items are. This also makes things easier to move around! -
Drawers are highly practical up to a certain height in a wardrobe.
5. Take your time
When deciding how to furnish your new home, the interior designer believes there is much to be gained from taking your time.
"Start by thinking about what kind of style you want in your new home. What fits in with what you already have? Which options should you choose to make the most of your style? And what does it take to create a holistic look?" asks Ramsøskar.
Once you’ve determined the style you want, the interior designer recommends taking plenty of time.
"Don't buy everything at once, but wait until you find exactly what you want. Just remember the overall look while shopping, so that you don't end up buying a few pieces here and there that end up being a mismatch.
As you shop, it’s a good idea to put everything in clear containers, so you can quickly see where the different items are. This also makes them easy to move around! "
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6. Keep things organised
Once you’ve moved into your new home, it’s important to have a good system for keeping things organised.
According to the interior designer, it’s important to not have too many things.
"If not, things can get very full very quickly. And that makes it hard to maintain an overview. It’s a bit like shopping sales: you can't see the clothes because they’re so many of them so close together."
Another good piece of advice is to give everything a designated place - preferably close to where it is used most.
This makes it easier for both children and adults to tidy up because everyone knows where to put everything. Put a label on a shelf in the wardrobe in the hallway, for example, so everyone knows where to put their sunglasses and keys.
David-Andersen also reminds us that it is a good idea to think about how to use each room to determine which furniture is needed there.
"Take the entrance, for example: There should be a place to put your shoes and hang your clothes, but also a place to put things down after you enter, such as sunglasses, keys and mail. You need a place to store reflective gear, gloves and dog leashes, and perhaps a place for Grandma to sit down when she comes to visit. Making sure you have everything you need makes everyday life easier and better organised."
7. Treat yourself to an exception
Although the interior designer recommends having a well-organised system at home, he also believes in having a little exception.
"Everyone needs a junk drawer. This way, you always have a place to put that one loose button or pen that would have otherwise ended up on the kitchen counter," concludes Ramsøskar.