Moving can feel like an insurmountable job. For many people, the task feels so daunting that they are tempted to put it off to the last possible moment, and then it really does feel like a disaster. Instead of trying to avoid all thoughts of the move, begin making lists early on (you'll be glad for those lists when the chaos starts to mount). You can chart out your course of action by creating a “moving schedule,” and thus, begin to take small, concrete steps toward moving.

The Clutter Crunch

While you may have wanted to get the clutter in your home under control for some time now, moving might just give you that final push to really crack down on clutter. If you're not sure you're going to move but you're beginning to entertain it as a possibility, the best thing you can do is purge. If you do move, purging will make the move more manageable, and if you don't move, purging will make your home nicer anyway (so you might even lose the desire to move). Purging is a win-win situation.

One way to get aggressive about clutter is to rent a dumpster. While this may seem drastic, you need to think in terms of just getting as much stuff out of your home as possible. A dumpster will allow you to move bulk and volume without having to plan in extra time to take frequent trips to the drop-off charity of your choice. Another option, which is free and more convenient, is to call one of these charities and have them come to your home on a weekly basis to pick-up items. If you know that someone is driving to your home to carry off your clutter, the deadline pressure may help you get a good deal done in a small amount of time.

Realtor Missions

Even before you put your home on the market, Marla Cilley, the FlyLady, recommends that you perform “realtor missions” in your own home. What this means is that you'll come into your home through the front door carrying a clipboard. You'll go through every room and make notations of things that you'd like to change. It is okay to dream big here — you can jot down “Replace living-room carpet” even if you know you can't afford to do it. The point is to constructively brainstorm about how you can improve your living space. You want to try to look at your home as objectively as possible — as if you were a total stranger and you'd never before set foot in your home.

You'll also want to take note of any areas that are full of clutter and need to be cleared out. The idea of possibly putting your home on the market involves a total paradigm shift. While you can still entertain houseguests even if your bedroom closet is in chaos, potential buyers have the right to open every closet door and peer inside. If you can tidy up these spaces, they'll be better able to know what they're buying.