Moving is the perfect opportunity to start fresh, and what better way to do that than by decluttering your home? Getting rid of things you no longer need will not only make your move easier but will also help you feel more organized and lighter as you start your new chapter. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry—this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to declutter effectively before your move.
1. Start Early and Set Realistic Goals
Decluttering can be a big task, especially if you’ve accumulated years of belongings. Start early to give yourself enough time to go through everything at a comfortable pace. Set realistic goals for each day or week, breaking down the process into smaller chunks.
Pro Tip: Tackle one room at a time, and if possible, set aside a few hours each day to declutter. Don’t try to do it all at once—this will only lead to burnout.
2. Sort Your Belongings into Categories
A key part of decluttering is making decisions about what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. To make this process easier, sort your belongings into four categories:
- Keep: Items you use regularly or have sentimental value.
- Donate: Items in good condition that you no longer need or use.
- Sell: Things you could sell online or at a garage sale.
- Trash: Items that are broken, outdated, or no longer useful.
Pro Tip: Be ruthless. If you haven’t used an item in the past year or don’t see a need for it in your new space, let it go.
3. Tackle One Room at a Time
Instead of trying to declutter your entire house all at once, focus on one room or area at a time. Start with spaces that have the most clutter, like the garage, basement, or attic. As you work your way through each room, organize items into the four categories mentioned above.
Pro Tip: Work in 30-minute bursts to stay focused. Set a timer, and when it goes off, take a break before continuing.
4. Utilize the “Box Method” for Sentimental Items
Sentimental items—photos, old letters, gifts—can be some of the hardest things to part with. If you’re struggling to decide what to keep, try the “Box Method.” Place all sentimental items in a box, and only keep those that truly bring you joy or hold significant meaning. This will prevent you from holding onto items out of guilt or obligation.
Pro Tip: Consider digitizing old photos or mementos that take up space but don’t necessarily need to be physically stored.
5. Donate or Sell As You Go
Don’t wait until the last minute to donate or sell your unwanted items. Once you’ve made a decision to part with something, act on it immediately. Drop off donations at a local charity, schedule a pick-up, or list items for sale online. The sooner you get rid of things, the less you’ll have to worry about as your move date approaches.
Pro Tip: Keep a donation bin or box near the exit of your home. Whenever you find something you no longer need, drop it in the box to keep the momentum going.
