My husband and I have lived in the same home for 38 years. We raised our family here, and while we don’t have immediate plans to downsize to a smaller home, I’ve been intentionally working to declutter our home, especially the basement and our children’s bedrooms.

Like many families, those spaces are filled with years of memories: Elementary school papers, high school keepsakes, college items, and even wedding items (including my daughter-in-law’s wedding dress!).

And here’s something that I often tell younger parents, and have experienced myself firsthand:

Your children will not want most of these items when they leave home. There, I said it!

The Hidden Clutter We All Carry

When working with clients, I frequently come across sealed boxes from previous moves, still sitting untouched in garages and basements years later.

If your garage looks like this, there is probably a lot you can let go of!

Here’s the honest truth: If you haven’t missed something in 1, 5, or even 15 years… you likely don’t need it.

Decluttering before a move isn’t just helpful – it can save you time, money, and stress. After all, why pay to pack, move and unpack a bunch of stuff that you don’t want in the first place?

If this topic is making you feel stuck or overwhelmed, stop and read 7 Ways You May be Sabotaging Your Organizing Efforts.

Good Reasons to Declutter Before You Move

Still looking for more reasons to declutter first? Here are some great ones that I see all the time.

1. Save Money on Moving Costs

Most moving companies charge based on volume or weight. The fewer boxes you have, the less you pay. You can learn more about how moving costs work from The Moving Cost Calculator.  Also, take a look at these 7 Tips To Make Your Move Easier, from Consumer Reports.

2. Reduce Packing Time

You’re already emptying cabinets, drawers, and closets. Take advantage of this moment to sort, purge, and simplify before packing. Spending a little extra time now, can save hours of unpacking and sorting later.

3. Start Fresh in Your New Home

A move is the perfect opportunity for a clean slate. Do your best to:

• Replace worn towels and linens
• Let go of outdated décor
• Keep only what truly fits your next chapter

Helpful Donation Resources:

• Donate gently used items to Goodwill Industries
• Find local donation centers for household items, furniture, appliances, and building materials, such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore
• Recycle household items responsibly with Earth911
• Animal shelters welcome old towels and blankets—call your local shelter to confirm needs.

You can also explore the list of where to donate, recycle or sell items on my website.  I find clients are much more willing to let things go, if they know the items will find a new home.

Short on Time? Get Help.

Let’s be honest – time is the biggest obstacle when decluttering before a move. If your schedule is packed, consider hiring a professional organizer. Many of my clients say that it’s worth the investment simply to finally “get it done.”

Working in focused time blocks can also make a huge difference:

• 2–3 hour sessions are ideal for most people
• Some clients can handle 5–6 hours (with breaks!)
• You’ll quickly learn what pace works best for you

A Simple System to Get Started

A satisfying pile of items to go to a new home!

Before you begin, set yourself up for success with three clearly labeled containers:

• Trash
• Recycling
• Donate / Sell / Give Away

This simple system keeps decisions quick and prevents piles from building up again.

Final Thoughts: Declutter First for a Lighter Move

Decluttering before a move is more than just a practical step, it’s a mindset shift. It allows you to move forward with less stress, less clutter, and more intention.

Think of it as the key to living lighter as you step into your next chapter.

I can’t say it enough: Start early!  Giving yourself time with this process is a gift. If time is not on your side, take a deep breath, reach out for help, and begin.

If you’re preparing for a move and want support, you can contact me here to get started. I have helped many clients with this process.  It is rewarding to get the work done. But, even more rewarding are the relationships that we have developed during these times together.

Happy Moving!