You’re standing in the middle of your living room, boxes all around, tape in one hand… and no idea where to begin.
You thought packing would be easy, until you realised just how much stuff you’ve got.
Old cables, unread books, clothes you haven’t worn in years… and now it all feels like a mountain.
That’s why decluttering before moving is the smartest thing you can do.
Whether you’re moving house next week or just starting to plan, learning how to declutter before a move will save you time, space, and stress.
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In this guide, you’ll discover how to declutter your home before moving—with practical tips, room-by-room checklists, and expert advice to help you pack lighter and move smarter.
Why Skipping Decluttering Can Wreck Your Move
Think moving is just about packing and loading boxes?
Think again.
Most people make the mistake of throwing everything into boxes, hoping they’ll sort it out “later.”
But later never comes.
That junk drawer?
It ends up in a moving box.
The clothes you never wear?
You’ll pay to move them, only to ignore them in your new wardrobe too.
Here’s what skipping decluttering really costs you:
- More time wasted packing things you don’t need
- Higher moving costs from unnecessary boxes and extra weight
- Stress and overwhelm on moving day when you realise how much you’re taking
- Clutter in your new home, stealing your fresh-start feeling
The truth is, every item you pack is a decision.
And when you don’t declutter, you’re choosing to carry old baggage, literally and emotionally, into your next chapter.
But here’s the good news: decluttering doesn’t have to be hard.
You don’t need to be a minimalist.
You just need a smart system, and that’s exactly what you’re about to get.
How to Declutter Before Moving: Step-by-Step Guide
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow a clear plan.
Here’s how to make the process faster, easier, and way less stressful:
1. Start Early (Seriously, Don’t Wait)
Give yourself at least 4–6 weeks before moving day to start decluttering.
Trying to do it all in the final week leads to rushed decisions and packed panic boxes.
2. Take It One Room at a Time
Don’t try to tackle your whole house in one go.
Start with low-stress areas (like the laundry or hallway closet), and build momentum.
Leave high-emotion spaces like your bedroom or home office for later.
3. Use the 4-Box Method
Grab four boxes or bags and label them: Keep, Donate, Sell, Toss.
Every single item must go into one of these; no “maybe” piles allowed.
Be ruthless.
4. Ask Yourself the Right Questions
If you’re stuck on something, ask:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does this add value to my life or space?
- If the answer is “no,” it’s time to let it go.
5. Don’t Declutter While You Pack
Trying to declutter and pack at the same time creates chaos.
Finish decluttering first, then start packing only the things you’ve chosen to keep.
You’ll feel 10x more organised.
6. Be Honest About “Sentimental Stuff”
We all have that box of memories, but not every item is worth keeping.
Save the meaningful things, but don’t let guilt force you to hang on to stuff that no longer serves you.
7. Schedule Donation Drop-Offs (or Sell Online for Extra Cash)
Once you’ve decided what to let go, don’t let it pile up in the hallway.
Get it out of the house ASAP.
You’ve got two solid options:
- Sell it online on free marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree. It’s quick, local, and puts a bit of extra cash in your pocket before the move.
- Donate it to someone in need. If you don’t care about the money and just want to help, local charities will be more than happy to take it off your hands.
Whatever you do, set a deadline; otherwise, those “to-go” bags have a sneaky way of becoming “to-move” boxes.
Pro Tips for a Smoother Decluttered Move
You’ve got the basics down, but here are a few pro-level tips to elevate your decluttering and make your move even easier:
1. Use Decluttering as a Mindset Shift
Think of this as a chance to rethink your lifestyle.
Decluttering isn’t just about removing stuff, it’s about clearing your space for a fresh start in your new home.
Approach it with the mindset that you’re not just moving; you’re upgrading your life.
2. Tackle Seasonal Items First
Seasonal items (like winter coats or holiday decorations) are often the easiest to part with since you won’t need them in the near future.
If they’re tucked away in storage, tackle those items first to free up space and make room for more important decisions.
3. Pack an Essentials Box Early
Alongside your decluttering, set aside an “essentials box” containing everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new place, think toiletries, clothes, electronics, snacks, and important documents.
This way, you don’t have to dig through boxes when you arrive at your new home.
4. Take Pictures of Sentimental Items Before Letting Go
If you struggle with sentimental items, consider taking pictures before parting with them.
This way, you can keep the memory without holding onto the physical object.
5. Get Your New Home Ready First
Before moving in, take a little time to clean and prep your new place.
If you can, arrange for a professional cleaning service so that you have a fresh, decluttered space to put your items into.
Ready for a Stress-Free Move?
Now that you know how to declutter like a pro, are you ready to make your move even smoother?
If the thought of packing, unpacking, and lifting feels overwhelming, Six Brothers Removalists is here to help.
From expert packing services to full relocation support, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
If you need help with your move, contact us today, and let’s make your transition as easy and stress-free as possible!
Don’t worry about the price, we will give you the best price that no one else can.
