Decluttering before moving isn’t just about packing fewer boxes. It’s about bringing the right things into your next chapter of life. When you declutter before a move, you’ll save time, money, and stress—and free up valuable physical, mental, and emotional space.

Less clutter means:

• Less to pack
• Lower moving costs
• A smoother, more organized transition into your new home

If you’re preparing for a move, here are four essential categories to declutter before packing up for a move.

 

1. Clothes and Shoes: Streamline Your Wardrobe Before Moving

Clothing is often the first thing people think about when decluttering. Many of us hold on to clothes we no longer wear—whether for sentimental reasons or the hope they’ll fit again someday. Moving is the perfect opportunity to simplify your wardrobe.

Tips for decluttering clothes and shoes:

• Start with what doesn’t fit. Keep only a few favorites if you’re holding on to items for “just in case” moments like weight fluctuations or pregnancy.
• Try the hanger method. Turn hangers backward for a set time. If they’re still turned by the end, those are the clothes you never reached for.
• Declutter seasonally. If you’re moving to a warmer climate, edit your winter wardrobe more aggressively than your summer clothes.

 

2. Bathroom and Pantry Items: Toss the Expired and Unused

Bathroom and pantry items are some of the least sentimental things to declutter—and the easiest place to start. Clearing them out will instantly lighten your moving load.

Tips for decluttering bathroom and pantry items:

• Start with an easy win. A bathroom cabinet or pantry shelf is a quick way to build momentum. Toss anything expired, empty, or broken.
  
• Sort into piles. Create a trash pile, donate pile, and keep pile to make decisions easier.
• Share gently used items. While you can’t sell half-used beauty products, unopened items like nail polish or lotions can be gifted to friends—just be mindful of hygiene and allergy concerns.

 

3. Toys, Books, and Hobby Items: Cut Down on Clutter Before Packing

For families with kids, toys can be one of the most overwhelming categories to tackle. For adults, hobby items like board games, craft supplies, or collections can pile up in the same way. Decluttering these before moving makes a big difference in the number of boxes you’ll need.

Tips for decluttering toys, books, and hobbies:

• Consider age-appropriateness. Younger children may not understand decluttering, so decide what’s best done with or without them in the room.
• Check condition. Now is a great time to fix or donate gently used toys, books, or games.
• Be selective. Keep favorites and let go of extras. A move is a natural time to pass items on to friends, family, or local charities.

 

4. Furniture and Home Décor: Decide What Fits Your New Space

Over time, our style and lifestyle needs change. The furniture or décor you loved two homes ago may no longer serve you. Don’t waste time, money, or energy moving large pieces that won’t fit your new home—or your current style.

Tips for decluttering furniture and décor:

• Plan ahead for large items. Don’t wait until the last minute to sell or donate furniture. Schedule pickups or arrange sales in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Rethink sentimental items. It’s okay to let go of décor or heirlooms that no longer fit your life. Remind yourself that someone else can enjoy and give new life to those pieces.
• Keep only what excites you. If a décor item doesn’t bring joy or inspiration, it doesn’t need to take up space in your moving truck—or your new home.

 

Final Thoughts: Decluttering Before a Move Makes Life Easier!

Before you tape up another box, ask yourself: Do I really want or need this in my new home? Decluttering before moving ensures you only bring items that serve you in your next season of life.

By focusing on clothes, pantry and bathroom items, toys and hobbies, and furniture and décor, you’ll cut down on clutter, reduce stress, and make moving day far more manageable.

Moving is the ultimate fresh start—so why not arrive with less baggage, both physical and mental?

 

📦 Need help decluttering and organizing? We've got you. Grab one of our DO NOT PACK tool kits to prep the home and block off any areas that include donation boxes, do not carry items, and anything else that needs to stay off the truck. Organize the rest of the shipment with our Fragile and Unpack First category labels.

✨ Want more moving tips and organizing hacks? Follow us on Instagram @TeamBoxOps and share it with a friend who’s planning a move!