Get Organized and Declutter Before Your Next Move: The Ultimate Guide
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. One of the best ways to ensure a smooth transition is by getting organized and decluttering before your next move. In fact, organizing and decluttering can save you time, reduce moving costs, and help make your new home feel fresh and stress-free from day one. If you're preparing for an upcoming move and want to learn the most effective ways to organize and declutter, this comprehensive guide is here to help!
Why Is Decluttering and Organizing Essential Before a Move?
Getting organized and decluttering before your move has numerous benefits. Here's why you should make this a priority:
- Simplifies packing: The less you have, the easier and quicker it is to pack and unpack.
- Reduces moving expenses: Movers often charge by weight or volume, so fewer items mean a cheaper move.
- A fresh start: Starting your life in a new home with only the things you need and love makes settling in more pleasant and less chaotic.
- Helps with organization: Moving is the perfect opportunity to reassess what you own and plan for better organization at your new place.
- Less stress: Fewer belongings mean less hassle managing, tracking, and unpacking things during your move.
Key Steps to Get Organized and Declutter Before Moving
Let's break down a strategic plan to organize your belongings and declutter your home before your big move:
1. Start Early and Make a Plan
- Give yourself enough time. The process can be overwhelming, so start at least 4-6 weeks before your move.
- Create a timeline. Set specific goals for each week, such as which rooms to tackle and when to schedule your move.
- List your tasks. Write down everything you need to do, from decluttering every room to gathering packing supplies.
Pro Tip: Use a moving checklist to track progress and avoid missing important steps.
2. Gather Supplies for Decluttering and Organizing
Before you begin, gather everything you'll need to get organized. This includes:
- Strong boxes (for packing and donations)
- Trash bags
- Labels or masking tape and markers
- Cleaning supplies
- Sticky notes (for marking items or areas)
- Storage bins
3. Sort Items Room by Room
Approach decluttering one space at a time. Here's a simple sorting system you can follow in each room:
- Keep: Items you use regularly or truly love.
- Donate/Sell: Good-quality items you no longer need that could serve others.
- Trash/Recycling: Broken, outdated, or unusable items.
Take everything out of closets, drawers, and cabinets. Handle each item and decide categorically which pile it belongs in.
4. Tackle Challenging Spaces First
- Start with places that typically accumulate clutter such as the garage, attic, or basement. These areas often contain old, unused, or forgotten items.
- Next, tackle storage spaces like your closet, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets.
- Finally, move to living areas such as bedrooms and living rooms, where you're more likely to find items you want to keep or need frequently.
5. Declutter Sentimental Items Carefully
Sentimental items like family heirlooms, gifts, or children's artwork can be especially tough to declutter. Here are some tips:
- Set a limit on what you keep.
- Take photos of cherished items you want to remember but don't have room for.
- Ask yourself if the item truly has a place in your new home.
- Consider passing down meaningful pieces to other family members.
6. Organize As You Go
As you sort items, keep organizing in mind. When you decide what to keep:
- Group similar items together for easier packing and unpacking.
- Label boxes by room and content for easy identification.
- Use storage bins for out-of-season clothes or holiday decorations and label them clearly.
Best Practices for Decluttering Before a Move
Set Decluttering Rules
- If you haven't used something in over a year, it's probably time to let it go.
- Don't move "just in case" items you haven't needed in your current home.
- Be picky--your new home deserves only things you truly value or use.
Involve the Whole Family
- Get each family member involved by having them sort through their own areas.
- Use moving as a chance to teach children about organization and generosity by donating unused toys or clothes.
Dispose of Hazardous or Unwanted Items Properly
- Check your community guidelines for disposing of paint, batteries, electronics, or other hazardous materials.
- Recycling centers or scheduled pick-up days are often available for large or unusual items.
Packing With Decluttering in Mind
Pack by Category, Not Just by Room
After decluttering, smart packing will make your move and unpacking more efficient.
- Group items by use or similarity (e.g., all seasonal clothes together, all kitchen gadgets together).
- This method makes organizing your new space much simpler.
Label Everything Clearly
- Label each box with its destination room and a brief summary of contents.
- Use different colored tape or markers for each room for quick identification at a glance.
Keep "Essentials" Bags Ready
Pack a bag or small box of essentials that you'll need immediately upon arrival in your new home so you don't have to hunt through boxes.
- Toiletries
- Change of clothes
- Important documents
- Medication
- Basic kitchen items
How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, Sell, or Discard
Unsure where to start? Ask yourself these questions for each item:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Does it fit with my lifestyle or my new home?
- Is it in good condition?
- Would I buy this again if I didn't already own it?
- Is it worth the cost to move it?
Answering "no" to most of these? It's probably time to let the item go.
Organizing and Decluttering Tips for Every Room
Kitchen
- Purge expired food and half-used condiments.
- Donate extra dishes, utensils, and appliances you rarely use.
- Consider what will fit into your new space--will you have the same storage or counter space?
Bedroom Closets
- Sort clothes by season and get rid of anything that no longer fits or that you haven't worn in a year.
- Shoes and accessories can be similarly decluttered.
Bathrooms
- Dispose of expired medications or beauty products.
- Streamline towels and keep only what you need for your new home.
Living Room
- Go through books, DVDs, and decor--only keep what you love or will use in your new layout.
- Donate or sell extra furniture to lighten your load.
Garage/Basement/Attic
- Tools, yard equipment, and storage boxes: keep essentials, dispose of duplicates or broken items.
- Sort through holiday decorations and sports gear, keeping only what is in good condition and needed.
Where to Donate, Sell, or Discard Unwanted Items
Donate
- Local thrift stores or charities
- Shelters and non-profits
- Libraries for books, schools for supplies
Sell
- Garage or yard sales
- Online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist
- Consignment shops for clothes, children's items, or furniture
Recycle or Dispose
- Recycle old electronics at designated centers
- Dispose of hazardous waste at community drop-off events
- Use municipal bulk collection days for large items
Moving Into Your New Home: Staying Organized
Moving day doesn't have to be overwhelming when you decluttered and organized in advance. Here's how to keep the momentum going:
- Unpack essentials first and set up beds and bathrooms for comfort.
- Room-by-room unpacking helps maintain organization.
- Implement storage systems right away so clutter doesn't accumulate in your new spaces.
- Continue to reassess your belongings in your new home and adjust as needed.
Declutter and Organize Before Moving: Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I allow to declutter before a move?
Ideally, start decluttering at least one month before your move. Large homes may need 6-8 weeks. Begin with the least used areas and work one room at a time.
What should I never move?
Don't move items that are broken, expired, or that you haven't used in over a year. Also avoid moving hazardous waste, perishable foods, or anything that can be easily replaced at your new location.
Are there any moving companies that help with decluttering?
Yes, many professional organizers and some moving companies offer pre-move decluttering services. These experts can help you sort, donate, and organize before the moving day rush.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Stress-Free Move by Getting Organized and Decluttering!
Getting organized and decluttering before your next move isn't just about lightening your load--it's about creating a calm and fresh beginning in your new home. When you approach your move with intention, you save time, money, and reduce stress for the whole family. Start early, involve everyone, and celebrate letting go of what you no longer need.
If you're considering a move soon, use these strategies to transform your transition into a positive experience. After all, your new home deserves your best--and least cluttered--self!
Ready to get organized and declutter before moving? Start today for your smoothest move ever!