Published: July 15, 2023

How to Get Rid of Clutter Before Moving: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to a new home can be an exciting and refreshing experience, but the process of packing and organizing can be daunting, especially if you have accumulated a lot of clutter over the years. Before you start packing, it’s crucial to declutter your belongings and get rid of unnecessary items. Not only will this save you time and effort during the moving process, but it will also help you start fresh in your new space. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to get rid of clutter before moving.

Plan and Set Goals: Before you begin decluttering, create a plan and set realistic goals. Decide which areas of your home you want to tackle first and establish a timeline to ensure you stay on track. Setting goals will help you stay motivated throughout the decluttering process.

Sort and Categorize: Start by sorting your belongings into different categories such as “keep,” “donate/sell,” and “discard.” Take one room or area at a time and go through each item, making decisions based on its usefulness, sentimental value, or frequency of use. Be honest with yourself and try to let go of things that no longer serve a purpose in your life.

The Four-Box Method: As you go through each item, use the four-box method: label four boxes as “keep,” “donate/sell,” “relocate,” and “discard.” As you are going through your belongings, place each item in the appropriate box based on your decision. This method helps streamline the decluttering process and keeps you organized.

Be Ruthless: When decluttering, it’s important to be ruthless and avoid sentimentality. Ask yourself if an item truly adds value to your life. If not, it’s time to let go. Consider donating or selling items that are still in good condition and can benefit someone else.

Donate or Sell: Once you have identified items to donate or sell, research local charities, shelters, or organizations that accept donations. Many online platforms also make it easy to sell unwanted items. Schedule pickups or plan a garage sale to get rid of these items efficiently.

Dispose of Unusable Items: Items that are broken, damaged, or beyond repair should be discarded responsibly. Check with your local waste management services to find out how to properly dispose of items like electronics, hazardous materials, or large furniture.

Paperwork and Documents: Organize your paperwork and shred any unnecessary documents or outdated records. Digitize important documents to save space and reduce clutter.

Minimize Duplicate Items: Identify duplicate items in your home and choose the best ones to keep. Eliminating duplicates will reduce clutter and save you from unnecessary expenses when buying replacements.

Clean As You Go: While decluttering, take the opportunity to clean your home thoroughly. Dust, sweep, and vacuum each area as you go along. This will leave your current home in a better state and make moving day less stressful.

Getting rid of clutter before moving is crucial in ensuring a smooth and organized transition to your new home. Following these steps and staying focused can declutter your space effectively and start fresh in your new surroundings. Remember, letting go of unnecessary items will make the moving process easier and help create a more peaceful and clutter-free living environment.

Need a reliable way to move? Contact UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Seattle at (206) 347-8201. Good luck!