How to Get Rid of Stuff Before Moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting and stressful time. As you prepare for your move, you may look around your current home and realize you’ve accumulated more possessions than you need or have room for in your new place. Getting rid of stuff before moving is essential to downsizing and organizing what you’ll bring with you. Here’s an in-depth guide on the best ways to declutter, sell, donate, trash, and pack what remains for your move.

Evaluate and Categorize Your Belongings

The first step is to take a deep look at everything you own. Go through each room and sort items into categories:

Keep

This pile is for the essentials you use daily, treasured items with sentimental value, and necessities for your new home. Be choosy and realistic about what makes the cut.

Sell

Include any quality items in good condition that you think you can get cash for. Furniture, electronics, designer clothes and accessories, sports equipment, and collectibles are prime options.

Donate

If it’s still usable but you no longer need it, a charity or thrift store will appreciate the donation. Clothing, shoes, linens, books, toys, and small household goods are ideal for donating.

Trash/Recycle

Toss anything that’s broken, damaged, expired, or that you simply no longer want. Don’t feel guilty about discarding it responsibly.

Storage

If you have off-season items or things you want to keep but won’t need right away in your new home, consider putting them into storage temporarily.

Be objective, honest, and brutal about whittling your belongings down to just what you really need and love. This will reduce moving hassles, waste, and costs.

Downsize Your Wardrobe

Clothing, shoes, and accessories are areas many people can downsize significantly before a move. Be practical – if you haven’t worn it in over a year, toss, donate, or sell it. Some tips:

Check fits: Anything too small or big gets the boot.
Evaluate condition: Stains, tears, missing buttons, or wear mean it’s time to let it go.
Ditch duplicates: Multiples of similar items just waste space.
Clear out old seasons: Bathings suits in winter? Heavy coats in summer? Lose them.
Sell designer pieces: Your unwanted luxury clothes, handbags, shoes, watches, or jewelry can earn you cash.
Donate the rest: Quality clothes still in good shape can help others.

Only keep closet essentials you feel fantastic wearing. Fewer, versatile staples are best for a move.

Declutter Every Room

Target all areas of your home room-by-room. Be systematic and ask tough questions about each item as you sort and purge.

Living Spaces

Furniture: What can you sell? What works in your new layout? Get rid of pieces that are broken, outdated, or won’t fit.

Décor: Keep cherished art and plants. Toss mass-produced items.

Books/movies: Be selective. Are they worth boxing up? Can you donate or sell them?

Kids’ toys: Donate any unused toys in good condition. Toss broken or incomplete games and sets.

Kitchen

Appliances: Determine what’s needed in your new kitchen. Sell or donate extras.

Cookware: Discard chipped or damaged items. Downsize to essential pots, pans, and utensils.

Tableware: Keep sturdy dinnerware, glassware, and utensils you use often. Ditch mismatches.

Food: Use up, donate, or compost any non-essentials.

Bathrooms

Supplies: Toss expired cosmetics, medications, and products.

Linens: Threadbare or mismatched towels get tossed or donated.

Accessories: Remove unused shower curtains, rug sets, scales, etc.

Garage & Storage Areas

Furniture: Eliminate any unused or broken furniture.

Seasonal items: Keep only current season gear. Store off-season items as needed.

Sports equipment: Sell costly gear you or your family no longer use.

Tools: Keep basics you’ll need. Sell or donate specialty tools.

Files and paperwork: Shred and recycle old bills, statements, and records.

Following these room-by-room tips will help pare down belongings for a less stressful move.

Have a Garage Sale

Having a garage, yard, or moving sale is an excellent way to clear out quality used items and make some extra cash. Advertise the sale through online listings, signs around your neighborhood, and by spreading the word to friends.

Tips for Garage Sale Success

Hold the sale 1-2 weeks before your moving date so there’s time to donate or discard whatever doesn’t sell.
Mark prices clearly on colored stickers.
Divide items into categories (furniture, electronics, clothes, toys, tools, etc.) with signs.
Pull out your most valuable antiques, collectibles, or designer items to sell individually through specialty auction sites.
Offer bundles or bulk discounts towards the end to sell more items quickly.
Have bags, newspaper, boxes, and tape on hand so customers can pack purchases.
Keep a lockbox near the checkout area to securely store cash.
Donate or recycle anything left over so it doesn’t come with you on the move.

Garage sales take some time and effort, but they’re a smart way to declutter and offset moving expenses. Price to sell and be willing to negotiate.

Sell Items Online

Selling quality items online nets the highest returns. Here are top options:

Consignment Shops

For designer fashion, accessories, furniture, artwork, and antiques, consignment shops sell items for you and take a commission. Benefits are quick cash without having to organize sales yourself.

Auction Sites

On eBay, craigslist, and specialty auction platforms, you can auction off valuables to the highest bidder. Take clear photos and write detailed descriptions of flaws to get the best price.

Apps and Sites

Mobile apps and sites like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and Nextdoor make selling locally easy. Post photos, descriptions, and prices then communicate with buyers.

Classified Ads

You can still run sales ads in local newspapers and penny saver circulars. This traditional approach works for bigger, pricier items.

Selling online takes more time than holding a garage sale, but yields higher profits. Remove sold items immediately so they’re not packed accidentally.

Donate Generously

Donating quality used items you no longer need is a feel-good way to declutter before a move. Look for local charities, religious organizations, thrift stores, shelters, schools, community theaters, and other non-profits seeking donations.

What to Donate

Furniture and housewares in good shape
Clothing and shoes, clean with no stains/tears
Non-perishable foods within expiration dates
Books, toys, bikes, electronics, and media in working order
Linens, towels, blankets, and pillows with no holes or stains
Decorative items, vases, candles, frames, and knick-knacks

Check organization websites or call to find out what types of materials they accept, any restrictions, and dropoff hours. Get a receipt for tax purposes.

When To Toss It

During your decluttering, you’ll undoubtedly encounter items to trash or recycle. Use these guiding principles of when to throw stuff out before moving.

Toss It If:

It’s broken beyond repair
Parts or pieces are missing
It’s badly stained, worn out, or damaged
It doesn’t work or function, even with new batteries
It’s expired, used up, dried out, or spoiled
You have no idea what it is or why you still have it

Recycle These Materials:

Appliances, electronics, batteries
Used motor oil, paint cans
Plastic, glass, cardboard, paper
Fabric, clothing, shoes
Product containers and packaging

When In Doubt, Throw It Out!

Getting rid of clutter before moving helps pare down belongings to just what you need and love in your new home. Feel confident tossing or recycling anything that’s run its useful course.

Use Moving Day Boxes Wisely

An organized packing strategy is essential for an easy move. Use sturdy boxes in standard sizes to pack up what you’re taking with you. Here are smart tips to use moving boxes effectively:

Gather boxes: Start collecting clean boxes about 2 months before your move. Ask local stores for used boxes. Buy new specialty boxes for mattresses, wardrobes, etc. as needed.
Use the right size: Pack small, lightweight items in small boxes. Medium boxes suit books, toys, kitchenware. Large boxes are good for bulky bedding, clothes, and towels.
Protect fragile items: Use newsprint, bubble wrap, or packing paper to cushion breakables. Fill extra space in boxes with paper or towels to keep items from shifting.
Label every box: Clearly identify contents and destination room on all sides of each box (Kitchen Dishes, Master Bedroom Clothes, etc). Keep an inventory list.
Load boxes wisely: Heavier boxes go on bottom of stacks in the moving truck. Clearly mark boxes for essential first-day unpacking.
Use specialty boxes: Wardrobe boxes keep clothes wrinkle-free. Dish pack boxes protect glassware. Mattress boxes are mandatory.

Smart packing and labeling ensures you know what’s in each box during your move. It also prevents waste or loss of important items.

Declutter Emotionally Difficult Items

Parting with sentimental belongings like gifts, heirlooms, or mementos can be tough when moving. Use these tips to thoughtfully declutter items of emotional value:

Evaluate meaningfully: Which truly special pieces should move with you? Which are worth storing?
Photograph keepsakes: Take photos of items you’re finding hard to part with for memories.
Share with family: Is there a family member who would treasure certain heirlooms? Ask if they’d like them.
Donate memorabilia: Schools, community centers, and non-profits may appreciate nostalgic items.
Trash damaged goods: Don’t bother moving torn, broken, or mildewed pieces just for sentiment’s sake if they’re unusable.
Limit collections: Be selective about keeping full sets. Display only your very favorites.

Letting go ofsentimental items can be liberating. Decide what you truly treasure based on memories, not guilt.

Create a Moving Binder

Stay organized for your move with a dedicated binder to keep important docs and details handy. Include:

Moving checklist: Break down all tasks into a deadline schedule.
Contacts: List info for real estate agents, attorneys, moving company, utility providers, etc.
Inventory lists: Detail items to be moved, sold, donated, or trashed.
Receipts and bills: Keep paperwork for estimates, deposits, rentals, etc.
Important records: Have copies of legal, medical, pet, and family records.
New home info: Store paint chips, flooring samples, dimensions, closets, etc
Maps and directions: Print out any maps, routes, or directions needed for move.

The binder keeps crucial moving information organized in one place for easy access. Update it as needed throughout your move planning process.

Choose a Professional Mover

Trying to move everything solo in rented trucks, borrowed vehicles, or multiple trips is exhausting. Hiring professional movers is often worth the expense for a stress-free moving experience.

Benefits of Movers

Efficiency: They move faster with proper equipment and techniques.

Convenience: No rental trucks, gas, or mileage for you.

Safety: They expertly load, secure items, and drive safely.

Security: Your belongings are insured against damage or loss.

No heavy lifting: You avoid back strain from moving heavy pieces.

Tips for Choosing Movers

Get recommendations from trusted friends.
Check ratings on review sites like Yelp.
Get in-home estimates from 3-4 companies.
Read all terms and confirm insurance coverage.
See if they also provide packing services.
Book early to reserve your preferred moving dates.

Letting a pro moving company transport your possessions will give you greater peace of mind during your move.

Start Packing Early

Waiting until the last days before your moving date to start packing is incredibly stressful. Begin sorting and packing non-essentials about 2 months in advance. Follow this timeline:

2 Months Before Moving

Start decluttering items room-by-room.
Hold any garage sales to earn extra cash.
Begin selling valuable items online.
Research moving companies and get quotes.

1 Month Before Moving

Confirm moving company booking and details.
Begin packing seldom used items.
Label boxes by room and contents.
Make any home repairs that need addressing.
Change mailing address with post office.

2 Weeks Before Moving

Confirm services being shut off and turned on.
Begin packing everyday items you can live without.
Have movers deliver moving boxes and supplies.
Confirm travel plans if driving or flying to your new home.

1 Week Before Moving

Finish packing everything except daily essentials.
Confirm moving date, time and final costs.
Fill any prescriptions you may need during move.
Start eating up perishable foods.

Moving an entire household in 1-2 days is hugely stressful. Packing over several weeks makes the process far smoother.

How to Pack Like a Pro

Packing efficiently minimizes move time, costs, and hassles. Follow these professional packing tips:

Work room by room and complete all packing there before moving on.
Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothing to prevent wrinkling.
Place heavy items like books on bottom, lighter ones on top.
Surround fragile items completely with packing materials – no rattling or shifting!
Load boxes by room and importance – need immediately or not until unpacked?
Color code or number box labels by room for easy identification.
Mark boxes clearly with origin and destination room names – Kitchen Dishes, Master Bedroom, etc.
Wrap furniture blankets securely around furniture to avoid nicks and damage.
Use mattress and TV boxes specially designed to hold them securely.
Fill partially packed boxes to top with packing paper to cushion items during transit.
Tape boxes extremely securely across tops and bottoms.

Professional packing maximizes efficiency and ensures possessions survive the move damage-free. Invest time and care into doing it right.

Purge Before Unpacking

You just moved into your new home with all your belongings. Before settling in and decorating each room, use these post-move decluttering tips:

Unpack room by room, sorting items into “keep”, “donate”, and “trash” piles.
Be ruthless about duplicates or items that no longer fit your space or lifestyle. Don’t just transfer clutter!
Donate quality used items soon after your move to help families in need.
Recycle old electronics, batteries, and other hazardous materials responsibly.
Set up a garage sale to quickly sell unwanted furniture and household goods locally.
Use online selling apps and sites to sell unwanted clothes, decor, appliances, and electronics easily.
Schedule bulk item pickups as needed.
Clear out moving boxes, packing materials, and paper immediately after unpacking.
Getting rid of post-move clutter ASAP creates space to enjoy your new home.

Unpacking selectively helps start fresh and organize your new place how you want it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Decluttering Before Moving

Q: How soon before moving should I start decluttering?

A: It’s best to start sorting through your belongings and determining what to toss, sell, or donate at least 2-3 months in advance. This gives you ample time for garage sales, online listings, donations, and discards.

Q: Should I declutter room-by-room or do a full home sweep first?

A: Decluttering room-by-room is more thorough and organized. You can immediately box up each room as you complete it. A full home sweep risks feeling overwhelmed.

Q: What’s the best way to declutter sentimental items?

A: Be choosy about what’s worth moving based on the memories connected to it. Photograph or scan sentimental items to keep digitally. Donate anything useable that you can part with.

Q: Do I need to empty dresser drawers before moving?

A: Yes, it’s best practice to remove all clothing and items from furniture before moving. Securing loose drawers also prevents damage.

Q: How early should I start packing for my move?

A: Start packing 2-3 months in advance if possible. Begin with items you rarely use, then gradually pack up more essential everyday items closer to moving day.

Conclusion

Decluttering completely before a move takes time, decision-making, and commitment. But the benefits make it well worthwhile. Purging excess possessions and carefully packing the rest streamlines moving day, reduces costs, prevents losing items in transition, and sets up your new home how you want it. Use the tips in this guide to thoughtfully declutter room-by-room and pare down to just the belongings that serve your lifestyle and bring you joy. Your move will be smoother, easier, and less stressful so you can fully enjoy your new home