Published: February 01, 2025

8 Tips for Decluttering Before a Move

Moving to a new home is the perfect opportunity to start fresh, and that means getting rid of things you no longer need. A little planning now can save you time and stress later. Decluttering before a move not only lightens your load but also makes packing, unpacking, and settling into your new home much easier. If you’re ready to simplify your belongings, here are eight practical tips to help you declutter effectively.

1. Start Early to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

Decluttering takes time, so don’t wait until moving day is around the corner. Begin at least a few weeks in advance to sort through your items with less pressure. Starting early gives you time to make thoughtful decisions rather than rushing to pack everything, reducing the chance of packing items you don’t need. Tackling one room at a time makes the process more manageable and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

2. Sort Items Into Keep, Donate, and Toss Piles

A simple yet effective method for decluttering is the three-pile system: keep, donate, and toss. Being decisive with each item will speed up the process and prevent second-guessing, making it easier to stay on track. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it might be time to let it go. Donate gently used items to local charities, sell valuable but unneeded belongings, and responsibly dispose of items broken or beyond repair.

3. Focus on Decluttering One Category at a Time

Instead of going room by room, another approach is to declutter by category. Sorting similar items together helps prevent unnecessary duplicates. For example, gather all your clothes from different areas of your home and sort through them at once. Then, move on to books, kitchenware, or sentimental items. This method helps you see the full extent of what you own and makes it easier to downsize.

4. Be Honest About What You Really Need

It’s easy to hold onto things because of sentimental value or “just in case” thinking. However, if an item no longer serves a purpose in your life, it’s best to part ways. Letting go of unused items creates space for things that truly add value to your new home, making it feel less cluttered and more functional from the start. Ask yourself if you’d buy the item again today—if the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go.

5. Use the One-Year Rule for Clothing and Household Items

If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing or used a household item in the past year, chances are you won’t miss it after moving. This simple decluttering rule helps prevent clutter from creeping back into your new space, ensuring that every item you bring serves a purpose or brings you joy. Seasonal exceptions aside, this rule helps eliminate clutter and ensures that only the things you truly use make the move with you.

6. Digitize Paperwork and Sentimental Items

Paper clutter can quickly pile up, so take time to digitize important documents, old photos, and sentimental keepsakes. A digital backup ensures your important files are safe and easily accessible when needed. Scan paperwork and store it securely in cloud storage to reduce physical clutter. If you have sentimental items that take up too much space, consider taking photos of them before letting them go.

7. Get Rid of Duplicates and Unused Items

When decluttering before a move, check for duplicate items—especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas. Do you really need three sets of measuring cups or multiple hairdryers? Keeping only what you truly use will make unpacking much easier. Keep only the best-quality version and donate or discard the rest. The same goes for unused appliances, outdated electronics, and other rarely touched items.

8. Schedule a Pickup for Donations

Once you’ve sorted everything, don’t let donation piles sit around for too long. Many local charities, thrift stores, and nonprofit organizations offer free pickup services for furniture, clothes, and household goods. Setting a pickup date keeps you accountable and prevents you from second-guessing. Scheduling a donation pickup makes it easier to part with items and ensures they go to a good cause in the end.

Decluttering before a move makes the entire process smoother, from packing to unpacking in your new home. By starting early, making intentional decisions, and letting go of what you no longer need, you’ll create a fresh, organized space without unnecessary clutter. An organized move sets the stage for a stress-free transition into your new home. So, grab some boxes, start sorting, and enjoy a stress-free move!

Need help moving? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Bucks & Mercer County or call (609) 245-6226 for a free quote.