Moving to a new home is the perfect opportunity to lighten your load and start fresh. Most people accumulate years of unnecessary items that end up taking valuable space in boxes, moving trucks, and eventually, their new home. By decluttering before moving day, you’ll save money on moving costs, reduce stress, and arrive at your new place with only the things you truly need and love.
Here’s how to effectively declutter your home before your move:
Create a Detailed Inventory
Start by making a comprehensive list of your belongings—yes, everything! While this might seem time-consuming upfront, it will actually save you hours of decision-making later.
Organize your inventory into three categories:
- Broken or damaged items – These should go straight to the trash or recycling
- Rarely or never used items – Perfect candidates for donation or selling
- Frequently used items – These are keepers
Be honest with yourself: if you haven’t used something in over a year, you probably won’t use it in your new home. Let go of the “someday” mindset and focus on what adds value to your life right now.
Work with Your Moving Company
Professional movers can be valuable partners in your decluttering journey. Many moving companies offer donation drop-off services, meaning they can transport your unwanted but usable items directly to a charity or donation center on moving day.
Contact your movers ahead of time to ask about this service—it’s an easy way to ensure your gently used furniture, appliances, and household goods find a second life while simplifying your move. Your new home deserves a fresh start, not a collection of outdated furniture you’ve been meaning to replace.
For guidance on selecting the right professionals, check out our blog post: How to Choose the Best Moving Company in Orlando.
Host a Moving Sale
Turn your clutter into cash! A moving sale accomplishes two goals: clearing out unwanted items and generating extra money to offset moving expenses.
Tips for a successful moving sale:
- Promote it widely through social media, neighborhood apps, signs, and word-of-mouth
- Price items clearly with tags to avoid constantly answering “how much?” questions
- Keep prices reasonable—remember, the goal is to get rid of things, not make a fortune
- Be willing to negotiate, especially with buyers purchasing multiple items
- Consider bundling similar items for quick sales
Rent a Storage Unit (Temporarily)
For those items you can’t quite part with but don’t have room for immediately, short-term storage is a practical solution. This gives you breathing room to make decisions without the pressure of moving day deadlines.
Storage options include:
- Climate-controlled storage units for temperature-sensitive items
- Traditional storage facilities with various unit sizes
- A friend or family member’s basement or garage (if they’re willing!)
Important storage tips:
- Seal moisture-sensitive items in waterproof containers
- Label every box clearly with detailed contents
- Create an inventory of what’s in storage so you won’t forget what you have
- Set a deadline to review stored items—don’t let “temporary” become permanent
Get Your Packing Strategy Right
Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is packing everything efficiently. Proper packing techniques will protect your belongings and make unpacking at your new home much easier. For expert advice on organizing, protecting, and labeling your boxes, read our comprehensive packing tips guide.
Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By decluttering systematically before you start packing, you’ll reduce stress, save money, and begin your new chapter surrounded only by things that matter. Start early, be ruthless in your decisions, and remember: a lighter move means a brighter start.
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Looking for the best moving company in Orlando, FL? Contact us today for a free moving quote on a local or long-distance move.
