Moving to a new home is the perfect opportunity to declutter and start fresh. By getting rid of unnecessary items before you pack, you’ll reduce the stress of moving, save time, and even cut down on moving costs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you declutter your home efficiently before moving.
1. Start Early
Decluttering can take time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Ideally, begin the process several weeks before your moving date. Starting early will give you plenty of time to sort through everything without feeling rushed.
Set a realistic timeline: Break the decluttering process into smaller tasks and tackle one room or area at a time.
Create a moving schedule: Make sure to factor in time for decluttering before packing, leaving enough time for sorting, donating, and discarding items.
2. Set Clear Goals
Before you begin, set clear goals for what you want to accomplish. Ask yourself:
What do I want to achieve by decluttering? (e.g., make moving easier, minimize items, donate unused goods)
How much stuff do I really need? Consider how much space you’ll have in your new home and what will fit.
Write these goals down and keep them in mind as you declutter each room. This will keep you focused and motivated throughout the process.
3. Gather Your Supplies
Prepare for the decluttering process by gathering some essential supplies:
Boxes or bins: For sorting through items (e.g., keep, donate, sell, discard)
Trash bags: For items that are no longer usable or necessary
Cleaning supplies: You’ll want to clean up areas as you declutter
Labels: If you’re storing items or planning to donate them, labels will help keep things organized
4. Start With a Small Area or Room
Tackling your whole home at once can be overwhelming, so start with one room or area. The smaller and more manageable the space, the easier it will be to make decisions quickly.
Suggested areas to start: Begin with spaces you don’t use often, like a guest room, closet, or storage area. Once you complete a room, you’ll feel accomplished and motivated to move on to the next area.
Focus on one section at a time: Break the room into smaller sections, such as drawers, closets, shelves, or surfaces, and tackle them one by one.
5. Sort Items into Categories
As you go through each area, sort items into four distinct categories:
Keep: Items you use frequently or have sentimental value.
Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need or use but can benefit someone else.
Sell: Valuable items that can be sold online, in a garage sale, or through consignment shops.
Trash: Broken, expired, or unusable items that cannot be donated or sold.
Be decisive and don’t linger on each item for too long. If you haven’t used it in months (or even years), chances are, you don’t need it.
6. Handle Each Category Immediately
Once you’ve sorted through your items, take immediate action with each category:
Donate: Drop off donation items to a local charity, or schedule a pick-up service. You can also research donation centers near you.
Sell: List sellable items on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. You may also want to hold a garage sale before your move.
Trash: Dispose of broken or unusable items immediately. If possible, recycle where applicable.
Store: For things you want to keep but don’t need in your immediate space (seasonal decorations, memorabilia), organize them in labeled boxes for easy storage.
7. Evaluate Furniture and Larger Items
Take a close look at your larger furniture items and appliances. Moving can be a good time to part with bulky pieces that no longer fit your new home or serve your needs.
Do you really need it? Consider whether your current furniture or appliances will work in your new space.
Is it worth the cost of moving? If something is old, damaged, or too big for your new home, it may be better to sell, donate, or discard it before the move.
8. Declutter Closets and Storage Spaces
Closets, basements, attics, and garages are often filled with items that you don’t use regularly. This is the time to go through these areas thoroughly and clear out anything unnecessary.
Clothes: Go through your wardrobe and get rid of anything you haven’t worn in over a year.
Storage bins: Sort through storage bins or boxes to see if any of the contents can be donated or tossed.
Holiday decorations: If you don’t plan to use certain decorations anymore, now is the time to part with them.
9. Prepare Your Kitchen and Pantry
The kitchen can accumulate a lot of items over time—utensils, appliances, pots, pans, and expired food in the pantry.
Throw away expired or outdated items: Check expiration dates on food and dispose of anything you won’t use.
Evaluate gadgets and appliances: Do you need that duplicate blender or toaster? Donate appliances and utensils you rarely use.
10. Take Photos and Make a Record
If you’re donating or selling valuable items, take photos for documentation purposes. This can be helpful for tax deductions (in the case of donations) or keeping a record of valuable items in case anything gets damaged or lost during the move.
11. Create a “Moving Day” Essentials Box
As you declutter, set aside the items you’ll need on moving day or during the first few days in your new home. This could include:
Toiletries
Medications
Cleaning supplies
Important documents (IDs, insurance)
Basic kitchenware (plates, cups, utensils)
Keep these items in a clearly marked box or bag so they’re easily accessible when you arrive at your new home.
12. Review Your Progress
Once you’ve finished decluttering, take a moment to step back and review your progress. If you’ve been decluttering over a period of time, it may be helpful to go through areas again and make sure nothing was missed.
13. Stay Organized for Moving
Now that you’ve decluttered, packing will be much easier. As you pack, ensure that your items are well-organized in labeled boxes or containers. This will make it easier to unpack in your new home and prevent you from keeping items you no longer need.
Final Tips for Decluttering Before Moving:
Be ruthless: The more items you get rid of, the less you’ll have to move. Don’t let sentimentality hold you back—if you haven’t used something in years, it’s probably time to let it go.
Stay consistent: Consistently declutter one room at a time until the entire home is tackled.
Ask for help: Moving and decluttering is a big task, so ask friends or family to help with sorting, donating, or packing.
By decluttering before moving, you’ll save time, money, and energy. You’ll also feel more organized and ready to start fresh in your new home. Happy decluttering!