Moving to a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially when faced with piles of belongings that have accumulated over the years.
Packing up everything you own forces you to confront just how much stuff you have, and if you’re not careful, you might end up bringing unnecessary clutter into your new space.
Instead of feeling buried under boxes and stressed about what to do with everything, this move can actually be the perfect opportunity to declutter and start fresh. By making intentional choices now, you can create a home that feels lighter, more organized, and free of things you no longer need.
In this guide, we’ll go over why decluttering before a move is important, where to start, what to keep and let go of, and how to make the process easier so that you can settle into your new home with only the things that truly matter.
Why Is Decluttering Before a Move So Important?
Moving is already a big task, but packing up clutter makes it even harder. The more stuff you have, the longer it takes to sort, pack, and transport everything to your new place.
And once you’re there, unpacking boxes full of things you don’t actually need can make settling in feel chaotic rather than exciting. By decluttering before you pack, you can save time, money, and energy.
You won’t waste time wrapping and boxing up things that should have been donated or thrown away. Plus, moving companies charge based on weight and number of boxes, so getting rid of unnecessary items can lower moving costs.
Most importantly, decluttering gives you a fresh start in your new home.
Instead of dragging clutter from one place to another, you get to decide what’s worth keeping and what no longer serves a purpose. Imagine unpacking in a space that feels open, calm, and free of unnecessary stuff.
Doesn’t that sound better than filling your new home with things you don’t even use?
So, Where Should You Start?
The best way to begin is by tackling one area at a time. Instead of trying to declutter your whole house in a day, break it down into smaller steps so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Start with the Easy Stuff
Begin with items that don’t carry much sentimental value, clothes you haven’t worn in years, expired pantry items, old papers, or broken appliances. These decisions are easier to make and help build momentum before moving on to harder categories.
Work Room by Room
Going through one space at a time helps you see real progress. If you try to declutter everything at once, you might end up making a bigger mess. Focus on areas like closets, the garage, or storage rooms where clutter tends to pile up.
Use the “Keep, Donate, or Toss” Method
As you go through each item, decide if it’s something you truly need, use, or love. If not, consider donating or tossing it. If you hesitate too long, ask yourself: Do I really want to unpack and store this in my new home?
What Should You Keep, Donate, or Let Go Of?
Deciding what stays and what goes is one of the hardest part of decluttering, especially when certain things have sentimental value. If you haven’t used it in the past year, it probably doesn’t need to come with you.
What to Keep?
Hold onto things that are useful, meaningful, or essential for your new home. These include everyday necessities, sentimental keepsakes that truly bring you joy, and quality items that will have a place in your new space.
What to Donate or Sell?
Gently used clothes, furniture that won’t fit in your new home, duplicate kitchen gadgets, and books you no longer read can all be donated or sold. Local charities, thrift stores, or online marketplaces are great options for giving these items a second life.
What to Let Go Of?
Broken or outdated electronics, expired pantry items, stacks of old magazines, mismatched Tupperware, and things you’ve been meaning to fix but never have are all safe to let go. These are things that often take up space without adding real value.
But How Can You Make the Process Easier
Decluttering before a move doesn’t have to be exhausting. Here are some ways to make it smoother and less stressful:
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to sort through your things. Begin at least a few weeks (or months) before your move.
- Set a Goal Each Day: Give yourself a small, achievable target, like decluttering one drawer, one shelf, or one closet at a time.
- Use Up What You Have: If you have half-empty cleaning products, pantry items, or toiletries, try to use them up before moving so you don’t have to pack them.
- Ask for Help: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a friend or family member to help. Sometimes an outside perspective makes it easier to decide what to keep and let go of.
- Picture Your New Home: Before packing something, ask yourself if it will have a purpose in your new space. If not, it’s better to let it go now than to store it and never use it again.
Moving Into Your New Home with Less Clutter
Decluttering before a move isn’t just about getting rid of stuff, it's about making intentional choices about what deserves space in your new home.
By taking the time to sort through your belongings now, you’re making the transition smoother, more organized, and less stressful.
When you finally unpack, you’ll thank yourself for only bringing the things that truly matter. Instead of being weighed down by clutter, you’ll have a fresh start in a home that feels lighter, cleaner, and more aligned with the life you want to create.
If you need extra help figuring out what to keep, store, or let go of, the Space Saver Binder is a great tool to guide you through the process. It helps break things down into simple steps, making decluttering more manageable.
No matter where you are in your moving journey, remember this… Every item you let go of is one less thing to pack, carry, and store.
The goal isn’t just to move, it's to move forward with intention.
And if you ever feel unsure about how to organize your new space efficiently, the Space Saver Binder can help you create a home that you love.
Follow me elsewhere!
