Moving Blog
Learn how to effectively declutter before moving with our comprehensive guide. Save money on moving costs, reduce packing stress, and start fresh in your new home with our time-based decluttering guide.
Have you ever found yourself unpacking boxes months after moving in, only to realise you didn't really need what was inside? You're not alone. So many of us carry clutter from home to home, holding onto items we no longer use, need, or even remember owning in the first place. But when moving day comes, all that extra stuff becomes a surprisingly expensive collection of things that just adds to moving stress, especially if you’re downsizing. Having a clear out before moving isn't just about tidying up—it's a chance to lighten your load and start fresh. This guide will walk you through a smart, manageable decluttering plan for your home that will save you time, money, and more than a little sanity.
Every extra box you pack costs you money, time, and energy. Between rising removal costs and the added expense of moving supplies, holding onto things you "might use someday" can quickly turn into a pricey mistake. The truth is, moving clutter from one home to the next adds up—financially and emotionally. By getting rid of unwanted items, you'll not only save on removal costs, you could even pocket a little extra cash by selling unwanted items you no longer need.
Taking the time to evaluate possessions creates not just physical space but mental clarity too. With fewer belongings, the packing process becomes quicker, more efficient, and far less overwhelming. And when it's time for unpacking, you’ll find yourself making clearer decisions about where everything belongs, enjoying the fresh start that comes with a clutter-free space and considerably less moving-day stress.
Moving home is a complicated experence, so start decluttering early to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Not everyone is ready to embrace minimalism, so our goal is to help you create a manageable decluttering strategy to help you stick to your moving timeline. Conduct a survey and begin with small, easy-to-organise areas first.
Walk through your home and pinpoint clutter hotspots, such as:
Doing this early will help you categorise and make the process much easier, regardless of how much you need to sort through.
In every home, there are common areas where items accumulate, such as entryways (mail, shoes), junk drawers, and utility closets. Start with these high-impact areas for visible results to keep you motivated to continue.
Set clear, move-specific goals (like donate or sell 4 large boxes worth of items by 2 weeks before the move date). Remember, this process is about making smarter decisions with your space and energy. Evaluate your possessions and categorise items using the "Use, Need, Love" framework:
Use
Need
Love
Decide how to handle sentimental items mindfully by setting a limit on how much to keep or taking photos and making a scrapbook of those items you decide to let go.
This timeline is 4 weeks, but we recommend starting months in advance-sometimes 2 or even 6 months before your move date. This allows a more manageable, less intense process and builds in plenty of buffer time.
Goals:
Tasks:
Goals:
Tasks:
Pro tip: Tackling storage areas early, a bit at a time, not only helps reduce what you move, but you’ll also get a clear, out of the way space to store packed boxes. If you’ve kept boxes from previous moves, take them down and use them for sorting and donating items as well.
Goals:
Tasks:
Goals:
Tasks:
This is also a good opportunity to start boxing up areas as you go - packing efficiently, starting with least used or seasonal items, is a smart way to stay on track.
Decluttering can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, but a few smart strategies can help keep the momentum going and make the process less overwhelming. Here are some tips for decluttering when motivation wanes:
When decision fatigue hits, commit to just 10 minutes of focused sorting . Set a timer and tackle a small section—whether it's a drawer or a shelf. Knowing there's a clear endpoint can relieve the pressure, and you'll often find the motivation to continue once you've started. This approach helps you declutter fast without feeling overwhelmed.
The dreaded "maybe" pile can stall progress, so give it a purpose. Assign a specific space for these items and set a time limit, about 2 weeks, to revisit them. If you don't miss or use the items within that period, it may be time to let it go.
Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes is all you need. Don't hesitate to ask a trusted friend or professional organising service to offer perspective and help you make tough decisions. This is especially useful when sorting clothing or sentimental items. It’s important to know that sometimes, passing a loved item on to a friend where you know it will be used can make a difference when deciding what to let go of.
Every step forward is progress worth celebrating. Treat yourself when you clear a challenging space—whether it's with a favourite snack, a relaxing activity, or even simply enjoying the newfound order in your home. Take decluttering before and after photos to visualise your progress and maintain motivation.
Keep these practical tips in mind, and your decluttering journey can feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding transformation. Even if you're not planning on moving soon, getting started on decluttering early can help lighten your living space and bring clarity to your everyday life. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you!
Ready to make your move easier and stress-free? Let Find My Man and Van take care of the heavy lifting, so you can focus on what really matters - starting fresh in your new home. Join the thousands of happy customers and book your reliable, affordable moving service today!