Welcome to Moving May, my four week series dedicated to making your next move smoother, simpler and way more organized. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, one thing is always true: decluttering before moving is a total game-changer.
Let’s kick off Week one by talking about the most important (and often the most emotional) part of the process — letting go.
Why Decluttering Before Moving Is a Must
Moving is the perfect opportunity to take stock of what you own, what you love, and what you’re ready to part with. Why pay to move boxes of things you no longer use? Why waste time unpacking clutter in your fresh new home?
Here’s the truth: decluttering before a move saves you time, money, and stress — plus, it sets the tone for a more peaceful, intentional home.
How to Get Rid of Clutter: The 3-Pile System
Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I recommend using a super simple method I use with my own organizing clients: the Keep, Toss, Donate system.
Download Your Free Printable Decluttering Checklist Here!
Keep:
- Items you use regularly
- Things you truly love or that bring you joy
- Pieces that serve a real purpose in your next home
Toss:
- Broken items or things that are beyond repair
- Expired products (think pantry, makeup, and medicine cabinets)
- Old paperwork or anything no longer relevant
Donate:
- Gently used clothing, books, toys, and home goods
- Duplicates (how many spatulas do you really need?)
- Items that someone else could love or use more than you
Downsizing Tips: Room-by-Room Quick Wins
Don’t try to tackle the whole house in a day. Instead, take it room-by-room, starting with the easiest spaces (think: linen closets, bathroom drawers, or the garage).
Here are some downsizing tips to get you started:
Bedrooms: Pare down to your favorite sheets, clothes that fit and feel good, and ditch mismatched socks or anything with holes.
Kitchen: Keep only what you use weekly. Say goodbye to that bread maker you haven’t touched since 2009.
Office: Scan important documents and shred the rest. Limit keepsakes to a small, labeled bin.
Bonus tip: If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to part ways.
Emotional Clutter? You’re Not Alone.
Letting go of items tied to memories is hard, I get it. Here’s a little trick: take a photo of sentimental items before donating them. You’ll keep the memory without the clutter. Or set a small limit, like one keepsake bin per person.
Call in the Home Organization Help if You Need It
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. A professional organizer (hi!) can help you make confident decisions, keep the process moving, and actually make it fun. Yes — decluttering can be fun with the right guidance.
Let Go to Move Forward
Decluttering before a move isn’t just about organizing stuff — it’s about creating space for a fresh start. And you deserve that!
So, download your Keep, Toss, Donate Guide, put on your favorite podcast, and let’s get started!
Stay tuned next week for Week 2 of Moving May. We will be discussing how depersonalizing your space can help to sell your home fast. You won’t want to miss these simple staging tips!
Happy decluttering!