10 Decluttering Tips Before Moving to Save Time, Space & Money
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Make your next move easier with these 10 decluttering tips before moving. Learn how to pack less, save money, and start fresh in your new home.
Moving is already stressful enough — why make it harder (and more expensive) by hauling stuff you don’t even like? Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, this is your golden opportunity to lighten the load, literally.
Below, you’ll find my favorite purge-before-you-pack strategies so you can move into your new space with less clutter, less stress, and a lot more room for the things you actually love.
1. The Moving Tax Test
Before you put anything in a box, ask yourself:
“Would I pay $5 to move this?”
If the answer is no, it’s not worth the space, effort, or moving fee. Think of every item as having a “moving tax” — your time, your energy, and your money. Not worth the tax? Not worth the tape.
2. Room-by-Room Rules
Pick a room and stay there until it’s done. Don’t wander into the kitchen holding a lamp from the living room — that’s how chaos starts. When you tackle one space at a time, you’ll see progress faster and avoid spreading the mess everywhere.
3. The One-Touch Rule
When you pick something up, decide its fate immediately. It goes in one of three spots:
- A box to keep
- A bag for donation
- The trash
No “I’ll decide later” piles — those just multiply when you’re not looking.
4. The “Someday” Purge
If you haven’t used it in the last year (and it’s not seasonal or sentimental), it’s probably safe to say goodbye. “Someday” is usually code for “never,” and it doesn’t deserve a spot in your moving truck.
5. The Double Purge Method
Your first purge is never your best purge. Make a pile of the things you think you want to keep, then go through it again before you seal the box. The second time around, you’ll be less emotional and way more ruthless.
6. Heavy Stuff = Small Boxes
This is a lifesaver for your back (and your movers). Books, dishes, and heavy decor go in small boxes. Big boxes are for lightweight things like linens and pillows.
7. The “Would I Buy It Again?” Test
If it broke tomorrow, would you replace it? If not, then you don’t need to move it.
8. The Staging Zone
Create a dedicated spot for your purge piles — donations and trash. Pro tip: Use different colored bags so it’s clear which is which. This saves you from accidentally tossing something meant for donation or hauling garbage to your new home.
9. The Energy & Space Test
If you were completely exhausted on move day or limited on moving truck space, would this item be worth lifting and taking up valuable real estate? If it’s not worth your energy or the square footage, it’s not worth keeping.
10. Pack an Essentials Box
Your first-day survival kit should be easy to grab and open. Include:
- Toilet paper
- Chargers
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Snacks and water
- Coffee (and the things to make it)
This way you’re not digging through 15 boxes looking for the coffee maker at 6 a.m.
The Bottom Line
Moving is the perfect excuse to start fresh. Less stuff means less packing, less unpacking, and more space in your new home for the things that actually matter. Be ruthless now and you’ll thank yourself later.
