Moving to a new place means making a ton of decisions, but there’s one that can save you both money and headaches: decluttering before you pack. When you get rid of stuff you don’t need, you cut moving costs, speed up the process, and kick off your new chapter with a clean slate. Why pay to move things you don’t even want?
It doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know where to start. You’ll see how to set up a simple plan, tackle one room at a time, and figure out what should go first. Plus, you’ll find some good ways to get rid of unwanted things.
Whether you’re downsizing or just want a smoother move, a little planning goes a long way. You’ll save on moving supplies, spend less time packing, and show up at your new place with just the things you actually use and care about.
Why Declutter Before Moving House
Decluttering before a move saves you money, lowers stress, helps your current home sell faster, and sets you up for a better start in your new space. It’s a bit of work upfront, but it really pays off.
Save Money on Moving Costs
Decluttering before a move reduces moving expenses because you’re not paying to move things you don’t need. Movers usually charge by weight and volume, so less stuff means lower bills.
For local moves, pros charge $25-$50 per hour for each mover. If you shave just two hours off the move, that’s $100-$200 saved with a two-person crew.
Long-distance moves can run $2,500-$5,000. Cutting 1,000 pounds from your load might save you $500-$800 if you’re moving across the country.
You’ll spend less on boxes and packing tape too. Most homes use 60-80 boxes for a move, but if you declutter, you might need 20-30% fewer.
Don’t forget about storage costs. If you keep things you don’t need, you might end up paying for a bigger truck or a storage unit, which can run $50-$300 a month.
Reduce Stress and Overwhelm
Moving house is famously stressful, but decluttering first makes it so much easier. With fewer things, you have fewer decisions to make about where everything will go.
Packing goes faster when you’re only dealing with what you actually want. You won’t waste time wrapping up things you’ll just toss later.
Unpacking takes 40-50% less time when you only bring the essentials. That means you can settle in and get back to normal life faster.
Decision fatigue is real during a move. Every item needs a decision—pack, donate, toss? Decluttering ahead of time clears out a lot of these little choices before the chaos starts.
It’s easier to focus on the important stuff when you’re not distracted by piles of things you don’t even want.
Stage Your Home Effectively
A decluttered home looks better to buyers and photographs better for online listings. People can picture their own stuff in clean, open rooms.
Take out 60-70% of decorations and personal stuff from each room. That means family photos, collections, and any extra furniture that makes rooms feel cramped.
Closets should look half-empty so they seem spacious. Buyers always peek in closets, and packed ones make it look like there isn’t enough storage.
Clear off kitchen counters except for maybe one or two appliances. Same goes for bathrooms—keep toiletries out of sight.
Proper staging helps homes sell faster and usually for a better price. Decluttered homes tend to sell about 20% quicker than cluttered ones.
Stuff you remove for staging is usually perfect for donating or tossing instead of dragging along to your next place.
Create a Fresh Start in Your New Home
Decluttering gives you a chance to start fresh in your new home. You’ll only take things that fit your life now—not your life years ago.
Bringing old clutter just recreates the same problems in your new space. You miss out on a chance to build better habits and get organized from the very beginning.
Your new home’s layout might not work with the furniture or stuff you had before. Decluttering keeps you from hauling things that just won’t fit.
When you start with less, it’s easier to keep your new place organized. Every item should have a spot and a purpose.
With fewer things, you’ll spend less time cleaning and organizing and more time enjoying your new home. Less maintenance, less mess, and more freedom to just live.
How to Plan and Start the Decluttering Process
A good move starts with some planning. Give yourself enough time, go room by room, and have the right supplies ready so things go smoothly.
Establish Your Decluttering Timeline
Begin decluttering at least 6-8 weeks before your move. That way, you’re not rushing at the last minute.
Work backward from your moving day and set dates for each room. Bigger spaces like garages or basements might need a few days.
Sample Timeline:
- 8 weeks before: Storage areas, seasonal stuff
- 6 weeks before: Bedrooms, closets
- 4 weeks before: Living room, kitchen
- 2 weeks before: Last sweep for any missed items
It’s easier to stay on track with a clear plan. Break big jobs into small daily tasks so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Room-by-Room Strategy
Stick to one room at a time. It’s less stressful and you’ll see progress.
Start with the rooms you use the least, like storage or guest rooms.
Take everything out of one section at a time. Sort into four piles: keep, donate, sell, and trash. Finish one area before moving on.
Suggested Room Order:
- Storage spaces and attic
- Guest rooms or spare rooms
- Bedrooms and closets
- Bathrooms
- Kitchen and pantry
- Living room
- Garage or basement
Work in 2-3 hour sessions. Take breaks so you don’t get burned out or start making bad calls about what to keep.
Questions to Guide What to Keep
Ask yourself some quick questions about each item. It’ll help you decide faster.
Helpful Questions:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Will it fit in my new place?
- Does it actually serve a purpose?
- Would it be cheaper to replace than move?
- Do I have more than one of these?
Be honest. If something makes you happy or you really use it, keep it. Otherwise, let it go.
Think about the cost of moving heavy or bulky stuff. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy new than to ship old furniture across the country.
Essential Moving Supplies
Get your supplies together before you start. It keeps everything organized and moving along.
You’ll need:
- Cardboard boxes (different sizes)
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Labels and markers
- Packing tape
- Cleaning wipes or spray
- Your phone or a camera for photos
Use different colored bags or boxes for each category. It makes sorting easier.
Keep a list or use your phone to track anything valuable you want to sell. Snap photos as you go so you’re ready to post things online.
Stock up early. Running out of boxes or bags in the middle of a decluttering spree is just annoying.
Key Areas and Items to Declutter Before Moving
Moving is the best excuse to cut back on what you own and start over with less. Focus on spots where clutter builds up—kitchens with old gadgets, bedrooms with clothes you never wear, and so on.
Kitchen: Appliances and Expired Food
Kitchens are sneaky; they hold way more stuff than you think. Start with expired food in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. Toss anything past its date or stuff you know you’ll never eat.
Next, check your appliances. How many coffee makers or blenders do you really use? Keep the ones you reach for all the time.
Things to let go of:
- Duplicate utensils and cookware
- Chipped or broken dishes
- Appliances you use once a year (if that)
- Old spices and condiments
- Stacks of takeout containers and plastic bags
Don’t forget the junk drawer—expired coupons, dead batteries, and random odds and ends can go. Empty cabinets to find things hiding in the back.
Bedroom and Closet: Clothing and Accessories
Most closets are full of clothes you never wear. Try the one-year rule: if you haven’t worn it in 12 months, donate it.
Clothes to clear out:
- Anything that doesn’t fit
- Stained or damaged pieces
- Shoes you ignore
- Old workout gear
- Outdated formalwear
Check dresser drawers for old underwear, socks with holes, and forgotten accessories. Go through jewelry boxes for broken or unwanted pieces.
Sort into keep, donate, and trash piles. Be real about what you actually wear versus what you wish you wore.
Living Room: Furniture and Decor
Big furniture costs more to move, so think about what will really fit in your new place. Measure your new living room before moving day.
Consider letting go of:
- Books you won’t read again
- DVDs and CDs (digital versions are easier)
- Old magazines and newspapers
- Decor that doesn’t fit your taste anymore
- Extra throw pillows and blankets
Check entertainment centers for old electronics, mystery cables, and remotes for devices you don’t even own. Artwork that doesn’t match your new style can go too.
Garage and Storage: Unused Tools and Equipment
Garages and storage spaces collect stuff for years. They’re usually full of things you can easily toss or donate.
Common things to get rid of:
- Broken tools and equipment
- Old paint cans (especially if they’re dried out)
- Sports gear you never use
- Worn-out holiday decorations
- Car parts for cars you don’t own anymore
Go through boxes you haven’t opened in ages. If you don’t even remember what’s in them, you probably don’t need it.
Keep only the best versions of tools if you have duplicates. Old chemicals and paint might need special disposal, so check local rules for hazardous waste.
Smart Ways to Discard, Donate, or Sell Unwanted Items
After sorting, you’ve got three main options for stuff you’re not taking: sell, donate, or dispose of it responsibly.
Organize a Yard Sale
A yard sale is a great way to make a little extra cash while clearing things out. Price items at about 10-20% of what they cost new to move things quickly.
Plan your sale a week or two in advance. Check if you need a permit and pick a weekend for best results.
What you’ll need:
- Price tags or stickers
- Tables for display
- Cash box with change
- Extension cords to test electronics
- Bags for buyers
Group similar items together. Hang up clothes if you can. Test all electronics before you start.
Price everything the night before and use removable stickers. Be ready to haggle, especially late in the day.
After the sale, donate anything left. That way, you’re not dragging it back inside.
Donation Options and Charities
Lots of charities take furniture, clothes, and household goods in good condition. Many will even pick up large items for free.
Popular places to donate:
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Homeless shelters
- Women’s shelters
- Local churches or religious groups
- Schools and daycares
Call ahead to see what each place will take. Some won’t accept mattresses, big appliances, or electronics.
Consignment stores will sell your stuff and split the earnings. This works for quality furniture, designer clothes, or collectibles.
Get a receipt for tax deductions and snap photos of anything valuable you donate.
Book pickup services early—some places fill up weeks ahead of time, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Responsible Disposal and Recycling
Some stuff just can’t go in the regular trash if we want to keep the environment in good shape. Hazardous materials? Those definitely need a different plan.
Items that need special disposal:
- Paint or chemicals
- Old batteries
- Electronics and computers
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Motor oil
It’s usually best to call your city’s waste management folks to ask about hazardous waste collection days. A lot of towns do this every month or so, but it really depends on where you live.
If you’ve got old phones, computers, or TVs lying around, most electronics stores will take them off your hands. Best Buy and Staples, for example, have drop-off spots for small electronics. Super handy.
Smart furniture disposal sometimes means checking if your city does bulk pickup. Sometimes there’s a fee, sometimes it’s just part of the usual service.
Got old appliances made of metal? Scrap yards will usually pay a bit for things like washers and dryers. It’s not a fortune, but hey, it’s something.
For the usual recycling, just separate your cardboard, plastic, and glass into the right bins. Breaking down boxes really helps save space—especially if you’re moving.