Best Time to Declutter Before Moving and How to Make It Easy

Preparing for a move is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re staring at boxes, closets, and rooms full of stuff. One of the smartest ways to lighten your load (literally and mentally) is to declutter before you start packing. Doing this early helps reduce moving costs, saves time, and means you’ll arrive at your new place with only what truly matters.

Why You Should Declutter Before Packing

Before we get into timing, let’s talk about why decluttering early makes sense:

✔ Fewer Things to Pack and Move

Every item you get rid of now means one less box to tape, label, lift, and unpack later. Professional organizers and moving experts recommend starting early so you can make decisions thoughtfully, not rushed.

✔ Lower Moving Costs

Moving companies often charge based on weight and volume. Less clutter reduces truck space and labor costs — an immediate saving you’ll notice on moving day.

✔ Easier Transition Into Your New Home

Moving into a fresh space with only essentials helps you unpack faster, settle in sooner, and feel more at home quicker.

When to Start Decluttering

Here’s a practical timeline you can follow, depending on how much stuff you have and how soon your move is:

As Soon As You Know You’re Moving

The moment your move is confirmed, set aside time to begin sorting your belongings. If possible, start 8–12 weeks before moving day — this gives you room to work one room at a time without stress.

Start With Storage Spaces First

Areas like attics, basements, and garages tend to accumulate things you haven’t used in years and are great places to begin.

Work Through Rooms Gradually

Tackle bedrooms, closets, kitchens, and bathrooms next. By spreading it out over several weeks, you avoid burnout and stay organized throughout the process.

How to Declutter Like a Pro

Here are helpful methods to make your decluttering more effective:

1. Ask the Big Question

For each item, ask: Will I use this in my new home? Does it add value to my life? If the answer is “no,” it’s probably time to let it go.

2. Follow a Decluttering Rule

A popular tip among organizers is the one‑year rule: if you haven’t used something in the past year, consider donating or discarding it.

3. Sort Into Clear Categories

Create four piles or boxes labelled: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Trash. This helps keep decisions visual and manageable.

4. Take Photos to Track Progress

Snap before and after photos of spaces you’ve tackled. Seeing progress keeps motivation high throughout the process.

What to Declutter First

Here are a few places people often underestimate:

• Closets: Clothes you haven’t worn in a year

• Kitchen gadgets: Duplicates or rarely used tools

• Paperwork: Old documents you no longer need

• Storage areas: Boxes you’ve forgotten about

• Expired items: Old food or products that shouldn’t be moved with you
  

When to Ask for Help

Some situations make decluttering harder:

✅ You’re low on time ✅ You have lots of belongings ✅ You struggle to make decisions

In these cases, consider working with a professional organizer. They can streamline the process, keep you on track, and reduce stress from start to finish.

Final Tips Before Moving

• Start early — give yourself weeks, not days.

• Stay consistent — little effort now saves hours later.

• Let go of the unnecessary — your new home should feel open and intentional.

Decluttering before you move isn’t just about getting rid of things — it’s about creating space for the life you want in your new home.