Your Key to a Simpler, Saner Move
A move across states or across town is the perfect opportunity to lighten your load—and your stress. This decluttering checklist helps families, first-time buyers, and corporate movers streamline every room before moving day. Follow our simple steps to reduce costs, stay organized, and arrive at your new home with only what you truly need.
Highlights:
- 30-day room-by-room decluttering guide
- Pro tips for donation, recycling, and resale
- Downloadable moving checklist included
- Save up to 30% on moving costs by decluttering first
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Why Decluttering Before a Move Is a Game-Changer
Moving is expensive—especially long-distance. The more you bring, the more you pay. Decluttering reduces:
- Moving weight and truck space (lower cost)
- Packing time (fewer boxes)
- Unpacking overwhelm (less chaos)
Whether you're relocating for a new job, upsizing for your growing family, or moving out of state for a fresh start, starting with a declutter is the first—and smartest—step.
Week-By-Week Decluttering Timeline (30 Days Out)
“Start small and start early. Decluttering isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.”
— Jordyn, Certified MoverMatch Consultant
30 Days Before Your Move: Get in the Mindset
- Create three zones: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash
- Order donation bins or bags
- Download your free Moving Declutter Checklist PDF
25 Days Out: Bedrooms & Closets
- Toss mismatched socks, unworn clothes, outdated styles
- Pack off-season gear in labeled totes
- Use the 1-year rule: “Haven’t worn it in 12 months? Let it go.”
21 Days Out: Kitchen Declutter
- Toss expired pantry items, duplicate utensils
- Donate extra mugs, gadgets, or appliances
- Use up freezer meals now
17 Days Out: Living Room & Media
- Sort through DVDs, books, and cords
- Sell furniture you won’t need
- Scan and digitize old photos
14 Days Out: Garage, Attic, Basement
- Properly dispose of paint, chemicals, or old tools
- Recycle broken sports gear and seasonal décor
- Set aside essentials for your “first night box”
10 Days Out: Bathroom & Linen Closets
- Trash expired medicine, old beauty products
- Donate excess towels and linens
- Keep 2 weeks of essentials, pack the rest
7 Days Out: Final Purge + Pickup
- Schedule donation pickup (Goodwill, Habitat ReStores)
- Sell items via Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp
- Trash anything that didn’t find a home
Pro Tip: Keep receipts for donations—they may be tax-deductible!
Decluttering Room-by-Room: Visual
Design Tip: Use clean zones (Keep / Donate / Trash) with color-coded boxes.
Decluttering = Real Savings on Moving Costs
Did you know that the average long-distance move costs $4,000 to $8,000? Cutting down your move size can save hundreds—or even thousands.
Here’s a simple example:
| Number of Boxes | Estimated Weight | Moving Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 100+ boxes | ~7,000 lbs | $6,500+ |
| 60 boxes (post-declutter) | ~4,000 lbs | ~$3,800 |
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Best Places to Donate or Sell Items Before a Move
Donation Centers
- Goodwill
- Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Local shelters and community centers
Resale & Recycle Options
- Facebook Marketplace
- OfferUp
- Poshmark (for clothes)
- eBay (for collectibles)
Many of these offer pickup services, so you can declutter faster.
FAQ: Decluttering Before Your Move
Avoid bringing broken furniture, expired items, duplicate tools, outdated clothes, and unread books. These add cost and clutter.
Begin decluttering at least 30 days before moving day. Tackling one area each week helps reduce stress.
Both! Sell valuable items (like furniture or electronics) and donate clothes, toys, and kitchenware to simplify the process.
Less weight and fewer boxes mean smaller trucks and faster loading times—which = lower moving fees.
If you haven’t used it or worn it in the past year, it’s probably safe to donate, sell, or toss.
