Moving house can be one of life’s most exciting transitions—but also one of the most stressful. Between packing boxes and redirecting mail, there’s a crucial step that often gets overlooked: decluttering before the move. Tackling your belongings ahead of time can save you time, money, and effort on both ends of the journey.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to declutter before moving, including what to keep, toss, or donate. You’ll also learn practical strategies, expert tips, and how a professional organiser can make the process smoother than ever.
Why Declutter Before Moving?
Decluttering before a move isn’t just about clearing space—it’s about making the entire process easier and more intentional. Here’s why it matters:
- Save on Moving Costs: The fewer items you take, the less you’ll pay in transport fees and packing materials.
- Reduce Stress: Less clutter means fewer decisions, quicker packing, and easier unpacking at the other end.
- Start Fresh: Decluttering helps you create room for a simpler lifestyle in your new home.
- Maximise Space: Especially if you’re downsizing, decluttering ensures everything fits with ease.
So, instead of boxing up unnecessary clutter, you’ll move only what truly matters.
Step-by-Step: How to Declutter Before a Move
Step 1: Start Early
Don’t wait until the last week. Begin at least 4–6 weeks before your move, especially if you have a larger home or family. Start with rooms you use the least, like spare bedrooms or storage areas.
Tip: Create a weekly checklist to stay on track. Set a realistic goal to complete one room or category per week so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Before sorting, collect boxes, garbage bags, sticky notes, markers, and labels. Having these ready makes the process smoother and more efficient.
Tip: Use different coloured labels for “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Toss” because it simplifies identification.
Step 3: Sort Into Four Piles
As you go through each item, assign it to one of four categories:
- Keep: Items you use regularly or love.
- Donate: Gently used items that could benefit someone else.
- Sell: Items in good condition with resale value.
- Toss: Broken, expired, or unusable items.
Tip: Avoid a “maybe” pile—it slows you down and adds stress.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Decluttering can be emotional, but asking the right questions helps you stay practical:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Do I truly love it?
- Does it suit my new home or lifestyle?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Is it worth the effort and cost to move it?
Tip: If the answer isn’t a confident “yes,” let it go.
Step 5: Use the “One-Year Rule”
If you haven’t used an item in the last 12 months, it’s likely you don’t need it. This works well for clothes, kitchen gadgets, and hobby supplies.
Tip: Make exceptions for seasonal or emergency items like holiday decorations or first-aid kits.
Step 6: Pack with Purpose
Only pack what you’re keeping. Group similar items and label boxes with contents and room destination.
Tip: Number each box and keep a master list. That way, if something goes missing, you’ll know exactly what’s inside.
Step 7: Dispose Responsibly
Plan rubbish removal, donation drop-offs, or resale pickups ahead of time.
Tip: Schedule donation pick-ups early because charities often book out.
Step 8: Celebrate Your Progress
Decluttering takes effort, so celebrate your wins.
Tip: Take before-and-after photos so you can see your progress and reward yourself after each stage.
Room-by-Room Guide to Declutter Before Moving
Kitchen: What to Keep, Donate, or Toss
The kitchen is often cluttered with duplicates and unused gadgets.
- Keep: Everyday dishware, quality cookware, appliances you use regularly.
- Donate: Duplicates, gently used small appliances, old cookbooks.
- Toss: Expired food, chipped crockery, plastic containers missing lids.
Tips: Use the “one in, one out” rule, and label pantry items before packing so unpacking is quicker.
Bedroom: Declutter Wardrobes and Drawers
Bedrooms should feel restful, but clutter can get in the way.
- Keep: Clothing you love and wear, good-quality linen, meaningful keepsakes.
- Donate: Clothes that no longer fit, unworn shoes, unused accessories.
- Toss: Worn-out socks, broken zips, outdated jewellery.
Tips: Try the hanger test and consider under-bed storage to streamline.
Living Room: Streamline Shared Spaces
Living rooms often hide unused decor and electronics.
- Keep: Furniture that fits your new home, working electronics, favourite books.
- Donate: Extra cushions, DVDs, or board games in good condition.
- Toss: Broken remotes, tangled cords, worn-out rugs.
Tips: Digitise music or movies, and sort cords into labelled bags so they don’t get lost.
Bathroom: Declutter Toiletries and Towels
Bathrooms benefit from minimalism.
- Keep: Daily toiletries, fresh towels, first-aid essentials.
- Donate: Unopened products or grooming tools.
- Toss: Expired medicines, empty bottles, mildewed items.
Tips: Check expiry dates and use organisers to group categories.
Home Office: Declutter Papers and Supplies
A tidy workspace makes moving smoother and increases productivity.
- Keep: Important documents, necessary equipment, current references.
- Donate: Extra stationery, spare furniture.
- Toss: Outdated paperwork, broken tech accessories.
Tips: Scan important files and label cords for easier setup later.
Garage or Shed: Clear the Catch-All Space
Garages often hold the toughest clutter.
- Keep: Functional tools, seasonal items, sports gear in use.
- Donate: Duplicate tools, outgrown bikes, garden extras.
- Toss: Rusted tools, expired chemicals, broken gear.
Tips: Use pegboards to store tools vertically, and take waste to a recycling centre for safe disposal.
Bonus Tip: Take It One Room at a Time
It’s tempting to multitask, but focusing on one room keeps you motivated and prevents burnout. Starting small (like with a bathroom) helps you build momentum.
Final Thoughts: Declutter Before Moving to Live Better
When you declutter before moving, you let go of what no longer serves you and step into your new home with clarity. Every box you lighten makes space for fresh experiences, so your move becomes more than just a change of address—it becomes a shift toward a simpler, more organised lifestyle.
Book your free consultation with Ducks in a Row Home Organisation, and let us help you declutter before moving so your transition is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
