Pre-Move Decluttering Made Simple

If you are getting ready to move house, and you don’t want this next move to be like all of the others – time-consuming, stressful and hard to manage for the whole family – then it might be a good idea to think about decluttering your space. Doing so will mean less stuff to pack, label and lug, after all, right? 

If that sounds like a plan, here are some tips to simplify the clutter-free process:

1. The Pre-Move Mindset Shift

Let’s face it: moving is basically controlled chaos. Boxes everywhere, misplaced tape guns, and that random sock that keeps reappearing under the couch. Whether you’re renting a van, bribing your neighbor with cookies, or paying a moving company, there’s no reason to lug the entire contents of your basement into your new digs. Think of pre-move decluttering as a chance to reinvent yourself and your space. After all, you’ll have enough to do with unboxing your favorite mugs and hooking up the Wi-Fi—why not kick some unnecessary baggage to the curb while you’re at it?

A pro tip: reframe “I need to throw things out” to “I’m making more room for what matters.” This shift makes every purge decision feel like you’re creating a blank canvas for future awesomeness.

2. Start Slow, But Start Now

The biggest mistake is waiting until the weekend before the movers arrive to start sorting through your stuff. Unless you have magical decluttering elves at your disposal, that’s a recipe for stress. Instead, begin early—like, as soon as you even think about moving. Tackle one area at a time, such as a single drawer in the kitchen or that dreaded “junk room” you’ve been pretending doesn’t exist. Set aside 15 or 30 minutes a day for “Operation: Clear Out.”

Breaking the process into small chunks helps prevent overwhelm, plus it gives you a chance to celebrate small victories. Trust me, tossing out that expired can of pumpkin pie filling from three Thanksgivings ago feels oddly liberating.

3. The One-Year Rule (Because Let’s Be Real)

We’ve all heard about the “Does it spark joy?” approach, but let’s get practical. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, odds are you won’t use it in the next one. That dusty keyboard you were going to “learn to play” seven years ago? Time to set it free. The logic is simple: if you can’t remember the last time you needed an item, it’s probably just hogging valuable space.

Make three piles: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash/Recycle. Be ruthless. And if you’re on the fence about something, ask yourself if it’s worth the box space or the moving fee. Usually, the answer is “no.”

4. Take Advantage of Technology

Have a filing cabinet that’s one Earth-shaking moment away from collapsing? You don’t need paper copies of every single receipt or that 1990s assignment you’re weirdly attached to. Go digital. Snap photos or scan important documents, then ditch the paper version (responsibly, of course—shred sensitive information).

By digitizing, you’ll not only reduce the clutter, but you’ll also give yourself a backup copy that’s infinitely easier to store. No more rummaging through musty folders or rummaging for that one receipt in the middle of tax season. Your sinuses and sanity will thank you.

5. Embrace the “Use It Up” Mentality

You know that stockpile of assorted shampoos, lotions, and half-burnt candles you’ve been “saving for later”? Now’s the time to use them. Light that fancy candle during your final days in the old place. Squeeze the last drop out of those conditioner bottles. It’s like hosting a farewell party for your current abode—complete with spa treatments.

By the time moving day rolls around, you’ll have less to pack and transport. Plus, you’ll get the bonus of actually enjoying all those items you once insisted on hoarding for a “special occasion.”

6. Get Real with Sentimental Items

Ah, the tricky stuff: old letters, childhood trophies, or that collection of porcelain frogs your aunt gave you every Christmas. Sentimental clutter can be the hardest to let go of. It’s not just stuff; it’s memories. But do you really need to keep all 59 “World’s Best Niece” mugs to remember your beloved aunt?

Instead, pick one or two items that truly represent the memory. Take photos of the rest if you must. That way, you’re preserving the sentiment while still trimming down the physical clutter. After all, you can’t fill your new closet with nostalgia alone—you’ll need room for those fresh outfits, too.

Your move just got a whole lot simpler!