How to Declutter Before Your Move

Moving is rarely fun, but there’s one thing that can make the process easier: decluttering. Getting rid of what you don’t need before your move doesn’t just make packing simpler; it also helps create a clean start in your new place. With a little planning and some smart decisions, you’ll lighten the load—literally and figuratively—and make moving day a lot less stressful.

Here’s how to declutter effectively without losing your mind.

Start Early and Set Realistic Goals

Let’s be honest: starting early is key. The last thing you want is to be digging through boxes of random stuff the night before your movers arrive. Aim to start at least six weeks before your move, giving yourself time to go through each room without the pressure of a ticking clock.

Set some realistic goals. Are you looking to cut down the number of boxes you’ll need? Trying to make your new place feel less cluttered from day one? Having clear goals will keep you focused when you inevitably find yourself holding up that souvenir from a holiday 10 years ago and thinking, “Do I really need this?”

Go Room by Room

Decluttering the entire house at once? Not a great idea. Instead, tackle one room at a time. Start with spaces you don’t use as often, like the guest bedroom or storage closet, and save the high-traffic areas for later. This keeps the process organized and manageable.

And don’t forget the garage. In fact, a U.S. study found that 25% of people with two-car garages can’t even park a car in them due to clutter. I’m not saying you’ve got a cluttered garage, but if your car’s outside while the garage is full of old tools and random boxes, it might be time to reconsider what’s taking up all that space.

Use the Three-Pile System

Decluttering can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, so keep it simple. Use the three-pile system: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Trash.

• Keep: Stick to the essentials—things you use regularly or that hold genuine value.
• Donate/Sell: If it’s in good condition but you haven’t used it in years, it might find a better home with someone else. Plus, selling some items can help cover moving costs.
• Trash: Broken, outdated, or no longer usable? Let it go. (Cue the Frozen soundtrack if you need motivation.)

Being ruthless can be tough, but it’s necessary. When I moved into my first house, I had to make the call on my old PlayStation 2. I hadn’t touched it in years, but it still had that nostalgic pull. Ultimately, I donated it to my nephew, and it felt good knowing it was getting some use.

Focus on the Clutter Hotspots

Some areas are notorious for collecting things you don’t need. Prioritize these when you’re decluttering:

• Closets: Clothes you haven’t worn in years, shoes that never quite fit—these are prime candidates for the donation pile.
• Kitchen: That bread maker you swore you’d use every weekend? It’s probably time to let it go if it’s been sitting in the cupboard for years.
• Bathroom: Expired products and half-used bottles can go straight in the trash.
• Garage/Basement: These are the black holes of clutter. Old paint cans, unused sports gear—clear it out and reclaim the space.

Be Practical About Sentimental Items

Sentimental items are often the hardest to deal with. It’s tempting to hold onto everything because of the memories attached, but be practical. Set a limit for yourself—maybe one or two boxes for items that truly matter.

If you’re struggling, box up sentimental items and revisit them later. You might find that with some distance, it’s easier to let go. I had the same experience with old photos and keepsakes. After stepping away for a bit, I realized that holding onto everything wasn’t necessary—just the things that really brought back meaningful memories.

Deal with the Paperwork

It’s easy to overlook paper clutter until you’re staring at piles of it. Now’s the time to sort through old bills, receipts, and documents. Shred what’s no longer needed and scan anything important into digital files. No need to move boxes full of paperwork when you could keep it organized on a hard drive.

Prepare a First-Night Box

This is one of those tips you’ll thank yourself for later: pack a first-night box with all your essentials. That includes toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and any important documents. Moving day is exhausting, and the last thing you’ll want is to dig through a dozen boxes just to find your toothbrush.

Take Breaks and Stay on Track

Decluttering is a process, and it can be draining. Instead of trying to do everything in one day, set small goals—whether it’s one room or just one category of items at a time. Take breaks when you need to, and stay motivated by keeping the end goal in mind: a clutter-free move and a fresh start in your new place.

Enjoy the Results

Decluttering before a move isn’t just about packing fewer boxes. It’s about starting fresh in your new home without the weight of things that no longer serve you. You’ll find the move itself easier, and when it’s time to unpack, everything will have a place and a purpose.

Plus, by letting go of what you don’t need, you’re not just saving space—you’re saving time, money, and energy. And who couldn’t use a bit more of that when moving? Now all that's left is to book a mover. Big Camel is Wellington & Auckland's trusted moving company.

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