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.
Decluttering Before Moving: A Practical Guide to Saving Time, Space and Moving Costs
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.
Why Decluttering Before Moving Matters
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.
How to Start Decluttering: A Step-by-Step Plan
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:
- Storage spaces: Closets, lofts, storage areas and garages.
- Living spaces: Shelves, countertops, side tables, and entertainment units.
- Bedrooms: Nightstands, under-the-bed storage, and dressers.
- Utility areas: Kitchen cabinets, pantry, refrigerator, bathroom drawers, and cabinets
Doing this early will help you categorise and make the process much easier, regardless of how much you need to sort through.
Quick Wins
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.
Getting a Decluttering Plan in Place
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
- Does this item get regular use in your day-to-day life?
- Is it practical, functional, or necessary for regular tasks?
Need
- Is this item essential for your current lifestyle or future plans?
- Do you need it for specific activities (e.g., seasonal gear or sports equipment)?
- Is it something you need to hold on to legally, like old paychecks, bills or P60s?
Love
- Does this item bring you joy, comfort, or have sentimental value?
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.
4-Week Decluttering Timeline
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.
Week 1: Start Small & Sort Smart
Goals:
- Set up your decluttering plan. Think about how to sustainably dispose of items you don't want to keep.
- Tackle the least sentimental/easiest areas first.(bathroom, hallway, junk drawer)
Tasks:
- Create a Decluttering Kit: Boxes/bags for “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” “dispose”
- Paperwork: Sort through mail, old bills, magazines, and shred or recycle what you don't need.
- Entryway & Coat Closet: Donate unused coats, shoes, and accessories.
- Laundry Room: Dispose of old cleaning supplies, empty bottles, and single socks. (Make sure you're clear on regulations for hazardous items disposal)
Week 2: Tackle Storage Spaces
- ✅ Declutter attic, garage, and under-bed storage space
- ✅ Be honest about "just in case" items
- ✅ List or sell anything of value you no longer use
Goals:
- Tackle storage spaces, common areas and decorative items.
- Take items that should be grouped together like clothes in storage and combine them with the wardrobe.
Tasks:
- Living Room: Sort through books, DVDs, games, magazines, and décor. Keep only what you love or use.
- Garage/Basement/Storage: Clear out tools, sports gear, seasonal items, and holiday décor.
- Decor: Remove wall art, knick-knacks, and decorative pieces you no longer want.
- Electronics: Recycle or donate unused gadgets, chargers, and cords.
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.
Week 3: Wardrobes & Living Areas
- ✅ Go through clothing: keep only what fits & gets worn
- ✅ Donate or sell duplicates & unworn items
- ✅ Review books, DVDs, décor, and electronics
Goals:
- Focus on personal items and clothing.
Tasks:
- Clothing: Go through every closet and dresser. Donate or sell items you haven't worn in the last year.
- Shoes & Accessories: Pare down to favourites and essentials.
- Bedding & Linens: Keep only what you need; donate extras.
- Personal Items: Sort jewellery, bags, and keepsakes.
Week 4: The Essentials Edit
- ✅ Review kitchenware & pantry-bin expired items
- ✅ Pack non-essentials, label moving boxes clearly
Goals:
- Finish with the most-used and last-to-pack areas.
Tasks:
- Kitchen: Toss expired food, donate unused gadgets, and pare down dishes and cookware.
- Pantry: Use up or donate non-perishables.
- Bathrooms: Dispose of old toiletries, makeup, and medicine.
- Final Sweep: Check every room, closet, and drawer for missed items.
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.
Maintaining Momentum: Tips for When You Get Stuck
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:
The 10-Minute Rule
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.
How to Handle the "Maybe" Pile
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.
When to Ask for Help
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.
Celebrate Decluttering Milestones
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.
Final thoughts
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!
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