How To Declutter Before a Move

Moving is a fresh start… but first, you’ve gotta deal with the junk.

Okay, maybe that’s not an actual quote, but it should be, right?

Because moving isn’t all sunshine and rainbows.

There’s this exciting new chapter in your life waiting to be opened, but first, you've to wade through piles of stuff you’ve accumulated over the years.

You know, the “I might need this someday” items and the “where did this even come from?” mystery boxes.

How to declutter before a move isn’t just some over-hyped task; it's the difference between moving like a pro or drowning in a sea of random things that don’t fit anywhere.

Did you know that, according to a study by the National Association of Professional Organizers, the average American family has around 300,000 items in its home?

When it comes to moving, most of us hold on to way more than we actually use.

So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of sorting through years of accumulated junk, relax. We've got your back.

In this guide, we'll share some tips for decluttering when moving and efficient ways to downsize before a move that will make you wonder why you didn't do this sooner.

Why Do You Need to Declutter Before a Move?

You might be wondering, "Why should I even bother decluttering when moving?"

Well, decluttering when moving isn’t just about making your new home look nice. It’s about saving time, money, and energy.

Save Some Cash: Moving companies usually charge by the weight or the number of items. So, the less you have, the less you pay.

Less Stress, More Chill: Imagine trying to pack up a ton of stuff you don’t even use. It’s a nightmare. Decluttering makes packing so much easier and faster.

New Start, New Vibe: Sometimes, less is more. Letting go of stuff you don’t need or love gives you the space to breathe and settle into your new place without the baggage.

Decluttering your place is hard, but moving doesn't have to be! Get your free moving quote. instantly. 

How to Declutter Before a Move

Now that we know why we're doing this let's get into the how-to part.

We're breaking this down into simple steps so you can actually do this without stressing out.

Start Early (Seriously, Don’t Procrastinate!)

The more time you give yourself, the less overwhelmed you'll feel. If possible, start decluttering at least two months before your moving date. Don't rush; you'll want to tackle it in chunks.

Set Some Realistic Goals

Think about what you want to achieve. Is your goal to donate a certain amount of stuff? Or maybe you just want to reduce the number of boxes you'll have to pack.

Whatever it is, set some goals for yourself to stay on track.

The Four-Box Method

This is our favorite trick to make decisions easy. Set up four boxes or bags:

•  Keep: Stuff you’re actually using or love.
•  Donate: Stuff that's in good condition, but you're just not vibing with anymore.
•  Sell: Things that are in great condition and could make you a few bucks.
•  Toss: Anything broken, old, or just useless.

This method is like Marie Kondo's for decluttering. Don't overthink it; just go with your gut.

If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s probably time to let it go.

Not sure where or how to donate? Check out our detailed guide on where, how, and why you should donate clothes to make the most out of your decluttering process. 

Room-by-Room Decluttering (Focus on One Thing at a Time)

Don’t try to tackle your whole house at once. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Focus on one room at a time.

Start with the easy stuff—like clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets.

It's better to knock out small sections first, so you feel like you're making progress.

Plus, when you’re moving, How to organize before relocating is key, and getting a handle on each room will make packing much smoother.

Decluttering Strategies That Actually Work

We’ve talked about the basics, but let’s get into some decluttering strategies that are going to make you feel like a pro:

Declutter in Categories: Instead of decluttering by room, try it by category. All your books in one go, all your shoes in another. It’s super-efficient and makes you realize how much stuff you’ve really got.

Set a Timer: Give yourself a time limit. Whether it’s 30 minutes a day or an hour a weekend, this helps avoid burnout and makes it easier to stick to the plan.

Do It with Friends: Get a buddy to help, and make it a fun day of sorting, donating, and laughing. Just don’t get sidetracked by old memories.

How to Decide What to Keep (Because It’s Hard)

This part can get emotional.

Maybe that old shirt from your high school prom still holds memories, or your grandma’s china set is just so special (even though it’s never been used).

But how to decide what to keep when moving comes down to one question: “Do I need this in my new life?”

•  Use it or Lose it: If you haven’t used it in the last year, let it go.
•  Duplicates: Do you really need three can openers? Didn’t think so.
•  Sentimental Stuff: For those emotional keepsakes, take a picture instead. No need to lug around stuff you’re just storing for nostalgia.

Packing and Decluttering Checklist

Once you've done your decluttering, now it’s time to actually pack up what you’re keeping.

Here’s your packing and decluttering checklist so you can get your life together:

Label Everything: Trust me on this one. Label your boxes with what’s inside and what room it belongs in. You don’t want to open a box in your new house and find an odd mix of kitchenware and socks.

Start With Non-Essentials: Pack up all the things you won’t need in the last couple of weeks before the move. Think seasonal clothing, extra kitchen items, or home décor.

Take Photos of Your Electronics: This is just a good idea so you can easily set everything back up at your new place.

Essential Items: Make a box of essential items, such as toiletries, a few days' worth of clothes, chargers, and snacks. This will keep you sane the first night in your new place.

Ready to get your move organized? Our free checklist can help! Download it now and make your transition smoother.

Essential Items to Pack When Moving (Don’t Forget These!)

Here’s a quick list of essential items to pack when moving so you don’t end up scrambling:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, shampoo, etc.)
• A few sets of clothes
• Important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
• Snacks and water (because moving is thirsty work!)
• A toolkit for assembling furniture

Wondering about moving costs after clearing out the clutter? Check out our tips and get a reliable estimate for your move. 

Recommended Resources

• How to Estimate Your Move Size

• How to Find Affordable Movers

• A Checklist for Moving to a New State

• How to Help Your Child Copy With Moving Anxiety