Clutter accumulates in any living space. We throw mail in a pile on the counter, we keep our old torn up shoes in the back of our closet and every top drawer, whether in the kitchen, the bathroom or the nightstand contains a wide range of random items we swear we might one day use.

We don’t actually want this clutter – its really just organised mess—but still we find it hard to throw away. A move to a new home is the perfect opportunity to throw away the clutter in our lives and start fresh. You’ll feel lighter and so will your moving boxes!

 

Here are a few things we suggest throwing away as you’re packing:

1.The entire contents of that top drawer. Put the spare change in your wallet and throw out that junk mail. Unless you’re a scrapbook enthusiast, you don’t need to save those plane tickets or those movie stubs or that birthday card mum gave you in 2012. We hold on to these things for sentimental value, but at the end of the day they just sit in a drawer. Besides, it’s time to make new memories!

2.Old, broken, destroyed clothes & accessories. If you haven’t worn it in the past year, if it’s torn or if it’s missing its pair, throw it out. You already got new shoes to replace the old ones and honestly, when will you ever wear just the one earring?

3.Electronics & cables. Still holding on to that pink Razr flip phone? Any phone pre-iPhone 4 probably won’t get used again. We’re used to our technology and even if you do break your current phone and your old phone its very unlikely you’ll be willing to settle for the old old phone. While you’re at it you can also get rid of all those random, unidentified wires and cables.

4.Worn or stained linens, towels & rugs. Moving house is a great time to get fresh linens. All of these items won’t necessarily match your new place anyway. Plus, its just good to replace these for hygiene reasons as they get a lot of use. Particularly white linens get stained and dirty no matter how clean you keep them.

5.Mismatched Tupperware. When you pack your kitchen take the time to make sure each container still has a lid. No lid? Don’t pack it. You can also get rid of those bent takeaway containers and anything that’s been stained a weird colour.

Have you been feeling like your company has outgrown its current space? Are you tired of commuting to an inconvenient location that’s nowhere near your customers? Maybe you would like to be in Melbourne CBD or a specific suburb like Port Melbourne or Hawthorn? There are a number of reasons it might be time to relocate. Figuring out what your company will achieve by moving and how the move will support your business objectives can help you make a strategic decision.

1. Perception:The location of your office can affect the way your business is perceived. If your office is in an unappealing neighborhood or not visible to traffic, that will lead people to have a low opinion of your business. On the other hand, if you are in a nice location and easily visible from the street, then your location works to promote your business and attract customers.

2. Proximity to clients: If your office is hard to find or in an inconvenient location, it makes it hard for your clients to find you or for you to go out and see them. Being closer to your client base is more convenient for everyone and helps to grow that relationship.

3. Reach new markets:While your current customers are important, moving in order to reach a new market is a strategic way to grow. A new location, if planned properly, gives you access to a whole new group of clients. Just having the sign outside your office in a new location can spread awareness of your business.

4. Expansion:: A big challenge for growth is ensuring that you have room to grow. The office that fit 10 people isn’t going to fit 20 or 30 or 50. If you don’t move in to a space that is big enough for your team it will negatively impact workflows and processes with everyone working on top of one another.

Moving offices is a big decision. You have to take into account what is best for your team and for your business. However, it is important to remember all of the opportunities that a new location can offer.