How to Declutter Before Moving: Simple and Effective Tips

Moving is stressful enough without packing things you don’t need. Decluttering before moving makes the process smoother. You’ll save on moving costs, have fewer items to unpack, and be more organized overall.

This guide will give you practical steps to decide what to keep, toss, or donate. Let’s make moving easier by getting rid of the extra stuff first.



Set a Decluttering Plan Before You Begin

Before you start, it's important to create a simple plan. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into smaller tasks makes it manageable. Start by deciding how you’ll tackle each area of your home. You can go room by room or sort by item category—like clothes, kitchenware, or furniture.

Set a realistic timeline. Don’t try to do everything in one day. Spread it out over a few days or weeks, depending on how much stuff you have. If you're hiring a moving company, plan to have your decluttering done a few days before they arrive so you’re ready to go.

Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Throw Away

Now comes the key part—sorting your items. The easiest way to do this is by creating three categories: keep, donate, or throw away. For each item, ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last year?
• Does it hold significant sentimental value?
• Will it be useful in my new place?

If the answer is no to any of these questions, it’s time to let it go. Donate usable items to local charities, recycle where you can, and responsibly dispose of the rest. Be strict with yourself—this is your chance to cut down on clutter.

Tips for Sorting by Categories

Sorting by category can make decluttering more efficient. Instead of jumping between different types of items, focus on one category at a time. Here’s how to handle the most common ones:

• Clothing: If you haven’t worn it in a year, consider donating or tossing it. Focus on keeping essentials and pieces you wear regularly.
• Furniture: Large items can be expensive to move. If they don’t fit your new space or you’re planning to redecorate, think about selling or donating them.
• Kitchenware: Only keep what you use frequently. Appliances, extra utensils, and old cookware often take up unnecessary space.
• Sentimental Items: These are the toughest. Try to limit yourself to a few meaningful pieces and consider taking photos of items before letting them go.

By focusing on categories, you can stay organized and make quicker decisions.



Start with the Least-Used Rooms

Begin decluttering in the rooms you use the least. Spaces like the attic, garage, and storage rooms often collect items you haven’t touched in years. These are great places to start since they typically contain things you can easily part with.

Tackling these areas first will create momentum, and you’ll feel accomplished when you see visible progress. Plus, once the least-used rooms are cleared, it’ll be easier to focus on the more frequently used spaces.

Use a “One-Year Rule” for Unused Items

A simple way to decide whether to keep something is by using the "one-year rule." If you haven't used an item in the past year, it's likely you won't use it in the future. This rule applies to clothing, electronics, and even kitchen gadgets.

While there are exceptions for seasonal items or sentimental belongings, this method helps you quickly make decisions without overthinking. It’s an effective way to cut down on clutter and focus on what truly matters in your home.



Use Smart Storage Solutions

For the items you decide to keep, organizing them properly is key. Invest in smart storage solutions like bins, vacuum-sealed bags, and labels. This keeps everything neat and accessible during the move. Make sure to store essential items separately so you can easily find them when you arrive at your new home.

Using smart storage methods will make both packing and unpacking a lot easier, saving you time and reducing frustration.

Recycle and Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly

Certain items, like old paint, batteries, and cleaning chemicals, can’t just be thrown away. It’s important to properly dispose of hazardous materials before moving. Check with your local recycling centers or waste management services for guidelines on how to safely handle these items.

By recycling or disposing of hazardous materials correctly, you not only protect the environment but also prevent potential risks during the move.

How Decluttering Can Save You Money on Moving Costs

Decluttering before moving can significantly reduce your moving costs. The fewer items you have, the less you’ll need to pay for packing materials, labor, and transportation. Moving companies typically charge based on the volume of your belongings, so by getting rid of unnecessary items, you’ll save money on the overall cost of the move.

Additionally, decluttering might help you avoid renting extra storage space or needing a larger moving truck. Every item you part with is one less thing to pack, move, and unpack—saving you both time and money.

Conclusion

Decluttering before moving is one of the smartest ways to make your move easier, faster, and more affordable. By getting rid of unnecessary items and organizing what’s left, you’ll reduce stress and save money on moving costs. Follow these steps, and you’ll feel more in control and ready for your new space.

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Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, 305 Movers will make the process smooth and stress-free. Contact 305 Movers today for a free quote and take the hassle out of your move.