Published: November 01, 2024

7 Strategies to Declutter Before Moving

Decluttering before a move is one of the smartest steps you can take to make the process smoother, faster, and less stressful. Sorting through your belongings allows you to let go of things you no longer need, reduce packing time, and save money on moving supplies. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, these simple strategies can help you declutter effectively before your move. 

1. Start Early

The earlier you start decluttering, the better. Begin by going through the rooms you use the least, such as the attic, basement, or spare bedroom. Sorting through these spaces first allows you to deal with non-essential items, making the main living areas easier to tackle later on. Start at least a month before your move to give yourself ample time. This proactive approach helps prevent last-minute stress.

2. Declutter One Room at a Time

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially if you try to do too much at once. Focus on one room or even one section of a room at a time. This method helps break the process into smaller, manageable tasks. It’s also easier to stay organized and keep track of what you’ve already sorted. By concentrating on one area, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you see progress.

3. Categorize Items Into Four Piles

As you go through each room, sort your items into four categories:

• Keep: Items you use regularly and want to take to your new home.
• Donate: Items in good condition that someone else could benefit from.
• Sell: Items that are still valuable and could bring in some extra cash.
• Discard: Items that are broken, damaged, or no longer usable.

By categorizing your items, you’ll have a clear plan of what to do with everything and can reduce clutter quickly and efficiently.

4. Use the “One-Year Rule”

A helpful tip when deciding whether to keep or get rid of something is the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t used an item in the past year, it’s likely that you don’t need it. Seasonal items like holiday decorations or winter coats may be exceptions, but for the most part, this rule helps simplify decision-making. Applying this rule can lighten your load, making the packing process more manageable and your new space less cluttered.

5. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

Once you’ve sorted through your belongings, consider selling or donating items you no longer need. Host a garage sale, list items on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, or use apps like Decluttr and OfferUp. For donations, consider local charities, shelters, or thrift stores. Not only will you reduce clutter, but you’ll also give back to the community or make some extra money to offset moving expenses.

6. Avoid Sentimental Clutter

It’s common to hold onto items for sentimental reasons, but moving is the perfect time to reassess what truly matters to you. Take photos of sentimental items you don’t plan to keep as a way to remember them without taking up physical space. Limit keepsakes to a small box or container to avoid excess clutter. By doing this, you preserve cherished memories while creating a more organized living environment.

7. Keep Essential Items Separate

As you declutter and pack, keep essential items separate. These are things you’ll need immediately upon moving into your new home, such as toiletries, chargers, and important documents. Pack these items in a clearly labeled box or suitcase and set them aside.

By following these simple strategies to declutter before your move, you’ll not only reduce stress but also make your transition to a new home smoother and more efficient. Moving is a fresh start, and it’s the perfect opportunity to let go of things that no longer serve you while creating space for the things that do. Embrace this chance to curate a home that reflects your current lifestyle and priorities.

For help with your move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northeast Kansas or call (785) 465-4727.