How to Declutter Your Home Before Moving

Whether you’re moving across town or the country, decluttering before a move is a crucial step that can save you time, money, and emotional energy.

In this week’s home moving blog, you’ll learn the benefits of decluttering, practical decluttering methods, how to emotionally detach from your belongings, and tips to stay motivated throughout the process.

Why Decluttering Is Essential Before a Move

When planning a move, it’s tempting to pack everything you own and “sort it out later.” But this mindset can lead to unnecessary moving costs, chaotic unpacking, and unwanted clutter in your new home.

Reasons why decluttering before moving is so important

1. Lower Moving Costs

Professional movers typically charge by the hour, by weight, or by volume. The less you have to load, transport, and then unload, the cheaper your move will be.

2. Save Time Packing and Unpacking

Fewer items mean faster packing and unpacking, and cheaper packing costs.

3. Start Fresh in Your New Space

A move is the perfect time to create the home you’ve always wanted and remove anything that you no longer need or no longer brings you joy.

4. Improve Mental Clarity

Clutter has been linked to anxiety and stress. Decluttering can give you a psychological fresh start in your new home.

You may also like to read: Cheap Ways to Move Home. If looking after your moving budget is a priority, then you will find these tips for saving money on your moving costs invaluable.

Benefits of Decluttering Before a Move

Decluttering doesn’t just simplify your move; it can transform your mindset and lifestyle.

More Organized Living: You’ll only move what you truly need and love, creating a more functional and peaceful home.

Increased Resale or Rental Appeal: A clutter-free home is more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

Eco-Friendly Disposal: Selling, donating, or recycling unwanted items reduces landfill waste and promotes sustainability.

Financial Gain: Sell high-quality items you no longer need to fund part of your move.

You may also like to read: Move It or Sell It? In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of selling stuff when moving home and how to sell those items you do want to get rid of.

Popular Decluttering Methods That Work

There are several different decluttering techniques to suit a variety of personalities and situations:

1. The KonMari Method

Made popular by Marie Kondo, this method encourages you to keep only items that spark joy. Go category by category: clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous, sentimental. Touch each item to see if it invokes any joy in you before deciding.

Best for: Emotional clarity, intentional living.

2. Four-Box Method

Label four boxes: Keep, Donate, Sell, Trash. Each item in your home must go into one of these categories. It’s simple, visual, and effective.

Best for: Systematic thinkers and families.

3. One-Year Rule

If you haven’t used it in the past 12 months (excluding seasonal items), it’s time to let it go. This method is particularly useful for clothes, kitchen tools, and hobby gear.

Best for: Logical decision-makers.

4. Minimalist Game

Make it a challenge: get rid of one item on Day 1, two on Day 2, and so on for 30 days. By the end, you’ll have removed nearly 500 items.

Best for: Turning the process into a game and building momentum.

You may also like to read: How to Organize a Garage Sale. In this guide, we offer some tips to make your garage sale super successful.

How to Emotionally Detach from Belongings

One of the hardest things about decluttering is letting go of sentimental items. Here are strategies to help you detach emotionally from your possessions:

1. Understand Why You Want to Keep the Item

Ask yourself: “Am I keeping this because it’s useful, or just because I feel guilty letting it go?” Even if you don’t have the physical item, you still have your memories.

2. Take Photos of Sentimental Items

Digital memories take up no space. If an item holds emotional value but no practical use, take a picture, upload it to a digital frame, and let the item go.

3. Limit the Memory Box

Set a physical limit, like one memory box per family member. When space is limited, you’re forced to prioritize what truly matters.

4. Honor the Past, Embrace the Future

Remind yourself that decluttering doesn’t erase your history; it makes room for your next chapter.

You may also like to read: How to Say Goodbye to Your Old Home. It is not just objects that you may have a hard time saying goodbye to. In this guide, we suggest 8 ways to say goodbye to a home you love.

Tips to Stay Motivated While Decluttering

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, especially during the chaos of a move. Here’s how to stay motivated and on track:

1. Set Clear Goals and Deadlines

Break the process into manageable tasks. Instead of “declutter the house,” try “declutter the hallway closet by Friday.”

2. Visualize Your New Space

Keep a vision of your clean, organized new home in mind. Create a vision board or Pinterest folder to stay inspired.

3. Track Your Progress

Before-and-after photos, checklists, or a decluttering journal can help you see how far you’ve come.

4. Reward Yourself

Celebrate milestones like finishing a room or hitting a decluttering goal with small rewards.

5. Enlist Support

Decluttering is easier with accountability. Invite a friend to help or join a decluttering challenge online.

You may also like to read: Where to Donate Used Items Before Moving. In this guide, we share the organizations that will take your unwanted items and the types of things they will take.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far in advance should I start decluttering before a move?

Ideally, start at least 6–8 weeks before your move. Tackle one area at a time to avoid burnout.

What items should I get rid of before moving?

Old clothes, expired pantry goods, duplicate kitchen tools, outdated electronics, and unused furniture are good candidates for donation or disposal.

Should I hire a professional organizer to help declutter?

If you’re short on time or emotionally overwhelmed, a professional organizer can streamline the process and offer expert advice.

Can decluttering reduce moving costs?

Absolutely. Less stuff means fewer packing materials, reduced labor costs, and potentially a smaller moving truck.

You may also like to read: Where to Get Rid of Unwanted Items. In this guide, we suggest the places where you can sell, donate, or recycle your unwanted items.

Decluttering For a Fresh Start

Decluttering before a home move is more than just a packing strategy; it can be the start of a new way of life. Letting go of what you no longer want or need creates space for what truly matters.

Every item you choose to let go of is a step toward a more intentional lifestyle.

A decluttered move makes the relocation cheaper, smoother, and more meaningful.

Be sure to check out our home moving blog to discover more ways to make your home move cheaper, easier, and safer.