6 Tips to Declutter and Organize before Moving

Many sources claim that moving residences is one of the top life stressors.  And, if you’ve moved recently, or if it’s been some time since you’ve moved, you’re likely in agreement.  

If you think about your moving experiences, there are probably some things that you would do differently.  About 30 years ago I was moving residences, however, waited until the absolute last minute to pack.  I figured that it wouldn’t be a lot of work, after all, I lived in a small apartment at the time.  Needless to say, I was super wrong! 

So, if you’ve got a move coming up, now’s a good time to declutter and organize before moving day.  And, if you’re considering a move within the next year, getting started with decluttering will put you ahead of the game. 

Why not reduce the stress, overwhelm, and clutter, and move into your new place feeling less frazzled?

Let’s dive into these tips to declutter and organize before moving.

Reasons to declutter before moving

Ideally, moving signifies a fresh start. A chance to start over in a new space. 

Here are 4 good reasons:

• Reduced packing time: the more you pare down, the less time you’ll spend packing boxes.
• More money in your pocket: decluttering before moving will mean less money spent on moving costs.  If you have less to move, the size of your moving vehicle will be smaller and therefore, less expensive.  
• More room in your new place: with a smaller number of items, you are less likely to be overcrowded in your new space.
• Efficiency: regardless of whether you’re paying for a moving service or your friends and family are kind enough to help out, the move will go faster if there are fewer things to move and everything’s well organized.

Tips to Declutter and Organize Before Moving

1. Give yourself enough time to pack
   Make the time to pack well in advance of your move. Typically, you’ll have plenty of notice of your impending move. So, as soon as you know the date, get started.
   
   Don’t wait until the last minute like I did all those years ago. Talk about stress!
   
   When you’re not rushing, your mind is clearer to make sound decisions. So, instead of packing in haste and moving your clutter from one home to the next, take your time. This is a good opportunity to go through your home and decide what you’ll be keeping, donating, and throwing out.
   
   Carving out some time every day to go through your items and pack will reap dividends.
   
   Start with items you know you won’t be using before your move, such as seasonal clothing, to reduce the chances of rooting through boxes looking for something to wear.

1. One room at a time
   Be strategic and work on one room at a time. It’s tempting to start in one particular room and move to another when feeling indecisive.
   
   As best as possible, stick with a room until it’s completed. Except don’t pack your essentials right away. You’ll pack them last.
   
   For each room, bring your trash bags, and boxes for what you’ll keep and donate. This way, the trash gets disposed of right away. And, items to be packed will be in their respective boxes.
   
   Here are some decluttering considerations for each room:
   
   Kitchen:
   • Purge duplicates, items that are broken, things you don’t use, and expired food items
   
   Bathroom:
   • Throw out the expired items that tend to accumulate in the bathroom
   
   Bedroom:
   • Go through closets, dresser drawers, shoes and pare down what you no longer wear
   
   Linen Closet:
   • Get rid of torn, faded linen, extra sheet sets, and items you no longer use
   
   Garage:
   • Often contains items you plan to get rid of “someday” such as skates that no longer fit, old bikes, that broken garden hose
   
   Living/Family Room:
   • You’ll likely find things from all family members, such as outdated magazines, DVDs, game consoles
   
   For some suggestions on what to declutter before moving, take a look at 100 easy things to declutter.

3. Be clear about what you’re keeping and what you’re letting go
   As much as you may want to, it’s not practical to keep everything when moving. Keep your new space in mind, when making decisions about what to keep and what to purge.
   
   It’s easier to start decluttering the room that contains the items you don’t use as often, for instance, the guest room. By doing so, you can pare down and pack faster, with less stress around decision-making.
   
   Now, as you go through your rooms, cupboards, closets, etc., there’s no question that difficult decisions will arise. Especially when you consider your sentimental items. Use the S.O.R.T. Decluttering Process to aid in your decision-making when it comes to paring down the more difficult items. 
   

4. Rent a dumpster bin
   This is an effective way to declutter before moving, particularly your larger items. And, it will save you some time from driving somewhere to dispose of things that you cannot easily throw out. It’s important to check your local guidelines regarding what is acceptable to go in a dumpster bin.

5. Label your boxes and list the contents
   Label your boxes on the outside by room as you pack. And make a list of each box’s contents which you can tape either on the outside of the box or inside. These are advantages that come with working on one room at a time.
   
   And, this process makes for a smoother unpacking experience, as your boxes will be easily identifiable.

6. Set aside a box of must-haves
   Set aside a separate box containing your must-haves for the first few days in your new place. Things such as medication, a couple of work outfits, toiletries, etc.
   
   In fact, make a list of your essentials ahead of time, and set these items aside in a separate container so that you don’t forget anything.

Recap:

Moving is less hectic when you pare down in advance.  With fewer items to transport, your moving process will be more efficient.  

Carve out the time to declutter and organize before moving and start off on the right foot in your new home.