Decluttering/Downsizing for a Move

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 19, 2025 • 4 min read

Fact Checked by: Parker King

Moving soon? Decluttering before you pack is one of the fastest ways to shrink your move, cut costs, and reduce stress. Fewer boxes means less to move, less to insure, and a cleaner start in your new place.

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How to declutter for a move

Here’s our step-by-step guide to decluttering and downsizing before a move.

Start early with a simple plan

A light structure prevents burnout and last-minute decisions. Use this quick timeline to declutter over time.

4–6 weeks out: Set goals for each room, gather packing supplies (boxes, contractor bags, labels, painter’s tape, and permanent markers), and pick charities to donate to.
3–4 weeks out: Tackle storage areas (garage, attic, and closets). List bulky items to sell first (items like heavy sofas duplicate dressers).
2–3 weeks out: Declutter daily-use spaces (kitchen and bedrooms) in 20–30 minute sprints.
1–2 weeks out: Schedule donation pickup, e-waste drop-off, and (if needed) junk removal. Box up what’s left over.
Move week: Do one last sweep. Return any borrowed items, shred old papers, and photograph your valuables before packing them.

Use efficient planning tips

Make steady progress without grinding yourself down.

Block time by room: Assign start and finish dates for each space. Short sprints will prevent decision fatigue.
Work in 20–30 minute bursts: Set a timer and stop while you still have momentum.
Use a master checklist: Track tasks, donation receipts, and items to sell. Take advantage of our moving checklist.
Stage supplies by room: Keep boxes, heavy-duty bags, labels, and a marker handy. Use free moving boxes to save money.

Pick a framework

Here are a few surefire strategies for tackling the decluttering process:

Four-bin method: Label boxes Keep, Sell, Donate, Discard. Recycle electronics and hazardous items responsibly. See the EPA’s e-waste guidance for help.
One-in, one-out: For every item you keep in a category, let one go.
90/90 rule: If you haven’t used it in 90 days and won’t in the next 90, you’re looking at a strong candidate to donate or sell.

“I spent longer than expected decluttering, but it was worth it. I managed to sustainably reduce my belongings while preparing for the move.” — Read Diem’s full story

Quickly decide what to let go of

“What if I need it?” and getting sentimental before a move are normal. Use these guardrails to make decisions about what to keep or toss faster.

Decide on a timer: Give yourself 60–90 seconds per item. Making quick choices will reduce second-guessing.
Small memory box: Save 1 shoe-box per person and photograph the rest to preserve the story without adding too much to your move.
Future-home test: Would you pay to move or store it at your new place? If not, let it go.

Go room by room for quick wins

Empty the space you’re tackling, sort your stuff quickly, and only put back what you truly want to keep. Here’s how to successfully empty out each room in the house:

Kitchen: Toss expired food and spices, warped Tupperware, duplicate utensils, and chipped mugs. Keep 1–2 of each staple.
Closets: Donate close that don’t fit, duplicate tees, and single-use formalwear. Keep some seasonal essentials and use slim hangers to take up less space when packing clothes.
Bedroom: Toss extra linens (keep 2 sets per bed), worn pillows, and old unused chargers and gadgets.
Living room: Pare down décor, untouched DVDs, and books you won’t re-read.
Bathroom: Trash expired makeup and meds using a pharmacy take-back program, and keep a 90-day supply.
Garage/basement: Rehome any duplicate tools, old paint (as hazardous waste), broken sports gear, and mystery cables.

Clear small spaces

In studios and tight apartments, visibility and vertical storage are everything.

Go vertical: Wall shelves, pegboards, and over-door racks can help you reclaim floor space and keep your daily items within reach.
Contain categories: Clear bins + labels = instant limits (as soon as the bin is full, that’s the cap).
Use drawer dividers: Drawer dividers lead to less rummaging and make it easier to spot duplicates.

Track your progress (and keep motivation high)

Make wins visible so you want to keep going.

Before/after photos: Snap pictures of each space; it’s motivating to see surfaces reappear.
Box count: Track how many boxes you eliminate in each room and write it on your checklist.
Weight saved: Long-distance movers’ rates are heavily weight-based. Removing 500–1,000 lbs can save roughly $250–$800+ on many routes and give you faster load and unload times.

What to do with the “let-go” pile

Option	Best for	Pros	Cons	Typical Cost
Sell (Marketplace/OfferUp)	Furniture, exercise gear, electronics	Recoup cash; quick local pickup	Time/messages; safety meetups	Free (platform fees vary)
Donate (charities/ReStore)	Usable furniture, décor, tools	Pickup available; tax receipt	Pickup windows vary	Free
Junk removal	Mixed debris, damaged items	One-and-done labor & haul	Costly for large loads	$150–$700+
Dumpster/bag service	Renovation debris, heavy clutter	Work at your pace	Placement/permits may apply	$150–$400+ plus dump fees
Recycle/HHW	E-waste, paint, chemicals	Safe, compliant disposal	Limited drop-off hours	Often free/low-cost

FAQs

When should I start decluttering before a move?

Begin 6–8 weeks before moving day. Tackle one room per week (the garage and attic get their own weeks). This pace leaves time to sell items, schedule donation pickups, and avoid last-minute dump runs.

What should I definitely get rid of before moving?

Toss expired pantry goods and medications, duplicates like extra spatulas and worn towels, damaged furniture, old hobby gear you haven’t touched in a year, and bulky low-value items that cost more to move than replace at your new home.

How do I decide what to sell vs. donate vs. trash?

Sell mid and high-value items in good condition (furniture and appliances). Donate clean, working items that are easier to give away than list. Trash or recycle broken, unsafe, or unsellable items, especially e-waste and chemicals.

Can decluttering really lower my moving quote?

Yes. Movers price by weight or volume and labor time. Cutting 10–15 boxes or a bulky furniture piece can reduce load time and cost, especially on long-distance moves. Use our packing and moving box calculator to get an idea how much room your stuff will take up.

Any tips for selling items quickly?

Set a hard deadline. Use bundle pricing (“Everything in this photo: $60”), post clear photos and dimensions, and opt for porch pickup to move things fast. Anything unsold by your deadline should be donated.

Downsize your move like a pro

Decluttering takes time, but the payoff is big. You’ll be rewarded with a smaller move, lower costs, and a calmer unpacking experience on the other side. Want to see how much you could save by cutting the load?

Use the moving cost calculator to get personalized moving quotes.