How To Declutter Your Home Before a Move

Moving can be a challenge. Not only do you come to realize how much stuff you own, but the thought of packing it all becomes unnerving.

But one positive associated with a move is that it forces you to decide on what household items are worth keeping. While this can be a time-consuming process, getting rid of these unwanted items can make for a less stressful move. (Plus, it will save you money!)

In this guide, we’ll give you our best tips on how to declutter a home before a move.

Why Declutter Before a Move?

Let’s face it, it can be hard to motivate yourself to add an extra step to your moving checklist, especially if you have to move in a hurry. Why shouldn’t you just throw everything you have into boxes and let the movers deal with it?

For one, decluttering beforehand often leads to a significant savings on the cost of your move. The fewer boxes you have, the quicker your move will go. Whether your movers charge by the hour or by the item, less stuff equals more in your wallet.

Another benefit of decluttering before your move is that it gets your home ready for staging.

According to the National Association of Realtors, staging your home makes it easier to sell and often leads to higher offers from buyers.

But most of all, decluttering your home before you start packing allows yourself a fresh start in your new place. Instead of having to scramble to find room for all your extra stuff, you’ll get off on the right foot from the start.

How to Declutter Your Home Before a Move

Tip #1: Declutter Room-By-Room

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff in your home? You’re not alone!

The best way to tackle the decluttering process is to go through each room in your home one by one (yes, even the laundry room!). If that sounds like too much, focus on a small area, such as a drawer or shelf.

Limiting your focus to one room at a time will keep the job manageable.

Tip #2: Declutter With Your New Home In Mind

Most decluttering tips tend to focus on what belongs in your current home. After all, if your new house has a bigger closet with plenty of room for clothes and shoes, there’s no need to donate them.

Start by looking at photos or floorplans of your new home to get a better idea of what you can fit into the new space. How many storage spaces does it have? What are the dimensions of each room?

Bear in mind that you may have to spend a few weeks in your new home before you come up with an arrangement you’re comfortable with.

Tip #3: Sort, Toss, Pack

When it’s time to declutter a room, get more done in less time if you pack as you go.

First, sort items into three categories:

• Items you want to bring into your new home
• Items you no longer want or need
• Items to be thrown away

Everything that will be coming with you into the new space should be carefully packed to minimize damage (and trash is easily taken care of). Everything else can be donated.

Tip #4: Be Honest With Yourself

It’s very common to find ourselves holding on to things out of habit. But even small items can pile up and before you know it, you’re paying a moving crew to haul boxes full of items you don’t use.

This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of those items that will only contribute to clutter in your new home.

With every item you pick up, ask yourself whether it’s truly useful to you. For example, there may be shoes you don’t wear anymore, toys your kids have outgrown, or even a food processor taking up valuable space on your kitchen countertop.

If you don’t, can’t, or won’t use it, it may be time to pass it on to someone else.

Tip #5: Keep Up the Good Work

Decluttering doesn’t stop when you move—you should revisit your clutter situation on a regular basis.

If you’re able to work with one, a professional organizer can help get your new home to a place where you’re able to keep it clutter-free all by yourself.

Want A Stress-Free Move?

Let’s face it, there’s a lot on your plate when it comes to your upcoming move. Fortunately, decluttering can help alleviate your stress.

Another easy way to have a stress-free move? Work with a reputable moving company like Cento Family Moving.

As a full-service moving company, we’re not only happy to get your belongings from Point A to Point B, we can tackle many of the other items on your to-do list as well. From packing services to secure storage, you can trust us with your possessions at every step of the way.

Visit our website for a free quote!