Moving is a great time to refresh your home and your routine. As you pack, take a moment to review your belongings and decide what you truly need and what you can let go of. It’s a simple way to start fresh in your new place.
Decluttering before you move makes everything easier. You’ll have fewer boxes to pack, less to carry, and an easier time setting up your new home. Plus, when you only bring what you actually use and enjoy, it’s easier to stay organized and clutter-free in the future.
Why Decluttering is Important Before Moving
Moving often gives people the push they need to declutter. You’ll end up touching each item several times, packing it, loading it, unloading it, and unpacking it again. Going through this process makes it clear how much effort it takes to move things you don’t actually need or use.
Decluttering can also lead to real savings. Since moving costs are usually based on the total weight of your belongings and the time required, having fewer things to move means spending less. You’ll also use fewer boxes, less packing material, and may even get by with a smaller moving truck or less storage space.
Beyond saving time and money, decluttering helps you feel ready for a fresh start. Letting go of items that no longer add value clears both physical and mental space, helping you feel lighter and more focused as you begin your new chapter.
When To Start Decluttering: A Proper Timeline
Start Early (6+ Months Before Moving)
One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting too long to start decluttering. Try to begin at least six months before your move, if possible. Starting early gives you plenty of time to sort through everything carefully and make decisions without feeling rushed. Last-minute moves are, anyway, too stressful to handle.
Begin with items you don’t use often, like off-season clothing, holiday decorations, old books, or rarely used kitchen items. These are easier choices since you already know you haven’t needed them in a while.
Mid-Timeline (3–4 Months Before Moving)
This is the ideal time to tackle the bulk of your decluttering. Go through your home room by room to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Start with smaller, easier areas such as bathrooms, closets, or the laundry room. Once you’ve built some momentum, move on to more sentimental spaces like kids’ rooms or family memorabilia.
The Final Cut (1–2 Months Before Moving)
In the last stretch, focus on final decisions and getting rid of what’s left. Schedule donation drop-offs or pickups, plan a garage sale, and arrange for junk removal if needed. This is also the perfect time to start packing the things you’ve decided to keep, so you’re one step ahead when moving day arrives.
10 Tips To Help You Declutter Before Moving
Even with all its advantages, decluttering can seem overwhelming, especially when you’re also preparing for a move.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear plan and the right approach, you can make the process smoother, faster, and maybe even enjoyable.
Here are some simple, practical tips to help you declutter before your move and make the transition easier.
1. Plan Ahead- Don’t Procrastinate
Packing up your home and decluttering as you go always takes longer than expected, so it’s best to start sooner rather than later.
Moving is the perfect opportunity to sort through your belongings and let go of what you no longer need. Planning early helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and make moving day much smoother.
2. Take Before and After Photos
Before you begin your decluttering journey, take a few photos of the areas that tend to collect the most clutter, such as your garage, closets, cabinets, or pantry. Once you’ve finished organizing, click “after” photos to compare. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating and give you a real sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s always fun to share your hard work with friends and family!
3. Evaluate Everything
Moving is the perfect time to take a closer look at what you own. As you pack each item, think about the effort it takes to move and store it. This process naturally makes you reflect on what truly matters and what’s simply taking up space. Before putting something in a box, ask yourself: Why do I have this? Do I use it or enjoy it? Is it worth bringing with me? Being intentional about what you keep will help you create a lighter, more meaningful home in your new space.
4. Check the Dust Before You Pack
Take a moment to check items that haven’t been used in a while, such as old Tupperware, glasses, or appliances stored in cupboards. If dust has settled on them, it’s a good sign they aren’t serving a purpose in your daily life. Use this as a guide to determine what to keep and what to let go of. Clearing out these unused items helps reduce clutter, making packing and moving much easier.
5. Start Packing Room-By-Room
Breaking your decluttering process down by room makes it easier to stay organized and prevents overwhelm. Focusing on one area at a time allows you to make thoughtful decisions and keep steady progress as moving day approaches.
Kitchen
Kitchens tend to accumulate duplicates and items you rarely use. Start by going through cabinets and drawers. Do you really need three can openers or five spatulas?
Check expiration dates on food, spices, and cleaning supplies, and toss anything expired. Use up perishables before the move.
Small appliances you haven’t used in over a year are excellent candidates for donation.
Bedrooms and Closets
Clothing is one of the easiest categories to declutter. A simple rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, it’s time to let it go.
Be realistic about your current lifestyle and size; holding onto clothes “just in case” only adds clutter.
Don’t forget shoes, accessories, and items tucked under beds or in closet corners, as these forgotten pieces often take up valuable space.
Living Areas
Consider furniture that may not fit your new home’s layout. Measure your new rooms and compare them to your current pieces.
Evaluate electronics, books, and art items based on whether they’ll fit your new space and lifestyle.
Storage Areas: Garage, Basement, and Attic
These areas often hold the hardest-to-decline items since they’re out of sight and sometimes emotionally charged.
Give yourself extra time for these spaces, and involve family members when making decisions about shared belongings or your children’s items.
6. Donate and Sell Items
Every move is an excellent opportunity to give back and earn a little extra money. As you sort through your belongings, consider donating items that are still in good condition but no longer serve your needs. Take them to Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, local shelters, or other non-profit organizations where someone in need can reuse them.
For valuable or gently used items, consider selling them through online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or at a local consignment or thrift shop. Not only does this help you declutter efficiently, but it also keeps usable items out of landfills and supports sustainable living.
Giving your belongings a second life benefits everyone; you reduce waste, help others, and make your move lighter and more purposeful.
7. Use The One-Year Rule
A great way to make decluttering easier is to follow the “one-year rule.” Let go of anything you haven’t used in the past year, because if you didn’t need it then, chances are you won’t need it now. Remember, the goal isn’t to get rid of everything; it’s to create a comfortable, clutter-free environment that makes your upcoming move easier and your new space more enjoyable.
8. Consider Hiring Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers can make your move much easier. They know how to pack, lift, and move your things safely and quickly. Many movers also offer junk removal services, ensuring that everything you don’t need is disposed of in an eco-friendly manner. With the right tools and experience, they can handle heavy furniture and valuables with care. By letting professionals handle the hard work, you can relax and focus on making your new home feel comfortable.
9. Think About Your Space and Layout
Once you’ve finalized your new home, take a close look at its floor plan and imagine how your existing furniture and belongings will fit into each room. This becomes especially important if you’re downsizing or moving into a smaller space. You may need to part with items that won’t fit or complement your new layout. Being intentional about what you bring ensures your new home feels open, comfortable, and well-organized.
10. Create a List of Must-Haves
Whether you’re using the services of professional movers or managing the move on your own, starting your decluttering process early is the perfect opportunity to make a list of must-have items that you’ll need immediate access to.
This includes important valuables and essential documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and insurance papers.
You should also set aside everyday items you’ll want within easy reach when you arrive, such as toiletries, a few changes of clothes, basic kitchen supplies, and electronics. Having these essentials ready will make settling into your new home much smoother.
4 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Decluttering
Starting the Decluttering Process Too Late
One of the most common mistakes people make is underestimating the time it takes to declutter. It’s not just a physical task; it’s also emotionally demanding. Sorting through years of belongings, making decisions about what to keep and what to let go, and dealing with sentimental items can take longer than expected. Starting early gives you the time to work at a comfortable pace, reduces stress, and allows for more transparent decision-making without feeling rushed.
Focusing on Organizing Instead of Letting Go
It’s easy to get sidetracked by organizing systems, storage bins, or clever shelving ideas. However, the main goal of decluttering is to reduce the number of items you own, not just to find better ways to store them. Trying to organize without first eliminating excess items can create more work and clutter. Save organizing for after you’ve decided what truly belongs in your new home.
Making Decisions When You’re Tired or Stressed
Decluttering requires mental clarity and emotional energy. Attempting it when you’re exhausted or stressed often leads to indecision, with a tendency to keep items “just in case.” This defeats the purpose of simplifying your space. Schedule decluttering sessions when you’re well-rested and in a positive frame of mind. Short, focused sessions are often more effective than long, exhausting marathons.
Not Having a Plan for Disposal
Deciding what to discard is only part of the process. If you don’t know where items will go, donation centers, recycling, trash, and sorting can become frustrating and inefficient. Prepare ahead with clearly labeled bags or bins for donations, recycling, and trash. Having a disposal plan in place helps you declutter faster and prevents second-guessing your choices.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering is an essential step in any move; it helps you lighten your load, stay organized, and make your new space feel fresh and manageable. By sorting through your belongings and letting go of what you no longer need, you can save time, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters in your new home.
At the same time, hiring professional movers can make the entire process much easier. They handle the heavy lifting, packing, and transportation, so you can concentrate on settling in and enjoying your new space. Combining thoughtful decluttering with expert moving help ensures a smoother, more organized, and stress-free move.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I remove first when decluttering?
Start by removing duplicates, expired products, seasonal items you no longer use, and anything that has been gathering dust. These “easy wins” provide quick progress and motivation, making it easier to tackle bigger or more challenging items later.
2. What is the 10 10 10 rule for decluttering?
The 10-10 method is a simple way to declutter without feeling overwhelmed. Over 10 days, pick 10 items each day from different rooms or areas of your home to get rid of. To make it even easier, spend just 10 minutes on each session. In about a week, you could clear out 100 items, making your home feel lighter, cleaner, and more organized.
3. What clothes should I discard?
Let go of clothes that don’t fit, are damaged, or haven’t been worn in over a year. Also, get rid of anything that no longer suits your lifestyle or personal style, especially pieces that make you uncomfortable, need constant fixing, or simply feel outdated. Keeping only what you love and wear regularly will make your wardrobe feel lighter and more functional.
