How to Declutter Before a Move – What to Keep, Donate, or Throw Away

Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding what to take with you. Decluttering before a move is essential – it saves time, effort, and money while ensuring a fresh start in your new home. In this guide, we’ll take you through a step-by-step process to efficiently declutter and decide what to keep, donate, recycle, or discard.

The Benefits of Decluttering Before Moving

There are many advantages to decluttering before a move. Firstly, it reduces moving costs since fewer items mean lower transportation fees. It also makes the packing and unpacking process much more manageable, giving you a clutter-free and organized space in your new home. Additionally, it’s an opportunity to give back—items you no longer need can be donated or sold to benefit others.

Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering

Step 1: Plan & Set Goals

Jumping straight into decluttering without a plan can be overwhelming. Instead, create a realistic timeline. Start at least a few weeks before moving and tackle one space at a time, such as a single room or closet per day. This method prevents last-minute stress and makes the process more efficient.

Step 2: Categorize Your Items

To make decisions easier, use the Four-Box Method while sorting through your belongings:

  • Keep – Items you regularly use and want in your new home.
  • Donate/Sell – Good-condition items you no longer need.
  • Recycle – Items that can be repurposed instead of thrown away.
  • Throw Away – Unusable, broken, or expired items.

If you’re unsure about an item, ask yourself: Have I used this in the past year? Does it hold sentimental or practical value? Is it worth the space in my new home? If the answer is no, it’s time to let go.

Step 3: Decluttering Room by Room

Each part of your home has different decluttering challenges. Here’s how to tackle them efficiently:

Kitchen

Sort through expired food, duplicate utensils, and appliances you rarely use. Those mismatched plastic containers with missing lids? Time to let them go.

Living Room

Declutter unnecessary décor, outdated electronics, and stacks of magazines that have been collecting dust. If you haven’t used it in months, you likely won’t miss it.

Bedrooms

Clothing takes up a significant amount of space. If it no longer fits, hasn’t been worn in a year, or doesn’t make you feel good, donate or sell it. Don’t forget to assess your bedding, accessories, and shoes as well.

Bathroom

Dispose of expired cosmetics, unused toiletries, and medications. If you have half-used products you no longer use, consider discarding them responsibly.

Garage/Loft

These spaces often become storage dumps for items long forgotten. Clear out broken tools, old sports equipment, or decorations that haven’t been used in years.

decluttering your house

Step 4: Dispose of Unwanted Items Responsibly

Once you’ve sorted your belongings, ensure you dispose of them properly:

  • Donate to charity shops or local shelters.
  • Sell items online through eBay or Facebook Marketplace.
  • Recycle whenever possible by taking items to designated collection points.
  • Dispose of waste properly, especially hazardous materials like batteries or paint.

Packing After Decluttering

Now that you’ve streamlined your belongings, packing becomes much easier. Organize your items by category, label boxes clearly, and prepare an “essentials” box with daily necessities like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes. This will make settling into your new home more convenient. To make things even easier, we offer a professional packing service to ensure your items are securely packed and transported safely to your new home.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering before a move is a game-changer, making the process smoother and less stressful. By planning ahead, sorting methodically, and disposing of items responsibly, you’ll lighten your load and start fresh in your new home. Need help with your move? Our expert removals team is here to make your transition hassle-free. Get in touch today!