{"id":49370,"date":"2025-09-15T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/?p=49370"},"modified":"2025-11-23T18:47:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T09:47:02","slug":"declutter-before-your-fall-move-small-space-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.villagehouse.jp\/en\/moving-tips\/declutter-before-your-fall-move-small-space-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Declutter Before Your Fall Move: Small-Space Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spring isn\u2019t the only peak season for moving, autumn is also known as one of the busiest times of the year for moving. Before preparing for a move, you’ll want to start decluttering in order to reduce your belongings. However, for those who have never gone through the process before, you may be wondering, “Where should I start?” or “How do I decide what to keep and what to let go of?” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll share tips for decluttering in five steps. If you have too many belongings and want to declutter before moving, please use this article as a reference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At Village House<\/a>, we offer over 1,000 rental properties all across Japan at affordable prices. If you’re looking for a rental property, be sure to check out our website! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step \u2460: Define the criteria for what to keep and what to let go of <\/h2>\n\n\n
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An important aspect of decluttering is not to hold onto items thinking, \u201cI might use this someday,\u201d but rather to focus on keeping the things you actually use right now.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s unlikely that you’ll use it in the future. For seasonal items that are not used frequently, be a little more flexible and ask yourself, “Do I really need this in my current lifestyle?” This perspective will make it easier for you to make a decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for sentimental items or personal favorites that you just can\u2019t bear to part with, there\u2019s no need to force yourself to throw them away. However, it’s a good idea to set a limit so that you don’t end up with too much stuff. If you live in a space like a studio apartment with limited storage, it\u2019s important to only keep what fits comfortably within that space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make the decluttering process more efficient, prepare 3 separate containers: one for items you\u2019ll keep, one for items you put on hold, and a trash bag for items you\u2019ve decided to let go of. This method of sorting will make it easier for you to get things done. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Step \u2461: Make the most of reselling to declutter efficiently <\/h2>\n\n\n
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If you have unwanted items like furniture, appliances, or clothing that are still in good condition, consider selling them through auction websites or flea market apps. Not only will this contribute to your moving costs, but it also reduces disposal fees. However, keep in mind that selling items may take time, and you\u2019ll need to factor in platform fees and shipping costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When disposing of large items like furniture and home appliances, they are classified as “bulky waste” by the local municipality. To dispose of bulky waste, you\u2019ll need to contact your local municipality\u2019s \u201cbulky waste collection center\u201d online or by phone to schedule a pickup. After that, purchase a designated \u201cbulky waste disposal sticker\u201d from a convenience store or supermarket, and attach it to the item for collection on the scheduled day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t have enough time to finish tidying up before the moving day, another option is to hire a professional \u201cjunk removal service.\u201d Unlike municipal bulky waste collection, the company will come directly to your home and handle everything, from carrying the items out to loading them onto the truck. While the cost tends to be higher, it\u2019s a convenient solution for those who don\u2019t want to go through the hassle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step \u2462: Sort your clothes by season <\/h2>\n\n\n
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When packing clothing for a move, it\u2019s a good idea to sort items by season. When you group them by season, you can store them until the season changes, which saves you the trouble of unpacking. Additionally, be sure to label the outside of each cardboard box so you can easily see what\u2019s inside at a glance. It\u2019s also recommended to use different colored tapes to categorize the boxes more easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re hesitant about storing clothes in cardboard boxes for a long time, consider placing them directly into storage containers during the packing process. You can even add mothballs or insect repellents to keep your clothes fresh. This way, once you arrive at your new home, you can place the containers directly into your closet without unpacking. Aside from items that are prone to wrinkles or losing their shape, storing them this way can significantly reduce the time and energy needed for unpacking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the steps for sorting your clothes efficiently: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Figure out how much clothing you have <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by emptying everything out of your closet and drawers to get a clear sense of how much clothing you actually have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Sort by season <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group your clothes by season: fall, winter, spring, and summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Check how often you use them and their condition <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get rid of clothes you haven’t worn in over a year, as well as anything that\u2019s worn out or no longer fits you. On the other hand, keep items you wear often and pieces you can layer. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Step \u2463: Prepare the right packing materials <\/h2>\n\n\n
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