Effective Ways to Declutter Before a Move

Published: October 01, 2024

Moving presents a perfect opportunity to declutter your home and lighten your load. Decluttering before a move not only helps you get organized but also reduces the number of items you need to pack, transport, and unpack in your new space. Here are some of the best ways to declutter before a move, helping you streamline the process and make the transition smoother.

Start Early

One key factor to successful decluttering is starting the process as early as possible. Begin sorting through your belongings several weeks or months before your move. This gives you ample time to go through each room and decide what you no longer need or want. By spacing out the decluttering process, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and make more thoughtful decisions about what to keep and what to part with.

Take It Room by Room

To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff in your home, tackle one room at a time. Start with the most cluttered areas, such as closets, basements, or attics. By focusing on one space at a time, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as each area is decluttered.

Sort Items Into Categories

When decluttering, it’s helpful to categorize your belongings. Use boxes to sort items into four categories: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash.

• Keep: These are the items that you use regularly and will need in your new home.
• Donate: Items in good condition that no longer serve a purpose can be donated to charity or given to friends and family.
• Sell: If you have higher-value items that you no longer need, consider selling them online or through a garage sale.
• Trash: Finally, dispose of any items that are broken, damaged, or no longer useful.

Be Ruthless as You Declutter

It’s easy to get attached to things, but moving is the perfect time to be honest about what you really need. If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s likely you won’t use it in the future. Be ruthless with your decisions, especially with items like clothes, kitchen gadgets, and old paperwork. The less you have to pack up and transport, the easier your move will be.

Consider Your New Space

As you declutter, keep your new home in mind. Will certain items fit in your new space? Do you need to downsize furniture or decor? Visualizing your new home can help you make better decisions about what to keep and what to leave behind. By thoughtfully considering the layout and storage options in your new space, you can ensure that your belongings will complement your new home’s functionality.

Use Portable Storage for Items You’re Unsure About

If you find yourself unsure about certain items but aren’t ready to get rid of them, consider renting a portable storage container from UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of San Antonio to store them in. You can store these items temporarily while you decide what to do with them. This is also a great solution if you’re downsizing and need more time to figure out what fits in your new home.

Decluttering before a move may seem like a daunting task, but with a plan and a bit of time, you can make the process manageable and stress-free. By starting early, taking it room by room, and being ruthless with your decisions, you’ll feel more organized and ready to enjoy your new space. Plus, fewer belongings mean less packing, which is always a win!

To rent a portable storage container for your move, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of San Antonio or give us a call at (210) 591-7437.