1. Moving checklist
  2. Before the move
  3. Declutter your home

Declutter Your Home Before a Move: A Checklist

Decluttering your home before you move is an important step to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you get started.

Declutter Your Home Before a Move: A Checklist

Moving house is a stressful experience, and it can be easy to overlook some important tasks. One of the key steps you should take before moving is to declutter your home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect, don’t worry – we have a checklist to help you make sure that all your items are organized and ready for your move. Read on for our top tips on how to declutter your home before a move.

Create a List

- The first step in decluttering your home before a move is to create a list of items that you no longer need or want.

This can include furniture, clothes, books, decorations, and any other items that you no longer need. As you go through each item, make sure to decide if it’s something you want to keep or get rid of.

Organize Items

- Once you’ve created your list, organize all of the items into four categories: keep, donate/sell, recycle/dispose of, and relocate. This will help you keep track of all the items that need to be handled differently. For example, any items that are in good condition should be placed in the donate/sell category, and items that are damaged beyond repair should be placed in the recycle/dispose of category.

Pack Items

- Once you’ve organized your items, it’s time to start packing the items you’re keeping for the move.

Make sure to pack the items carefully and label each box clearly so that you can easily find what you need once you arrive at your new home.

Dispose and Donate Items

- Finally, make sure to dispose of any items that need to be recycled or disposed of properly. You should also make sure to donate or sell any items that can still be used. This will help reduce waste and give someone else the chance to enjoy the item.

Dispose of Unneeded Items Properly

When decluttering your home, it's important to dispose of any items that need to be recycled or disposed of properly. This includes items like old electronics, hazardous materials, and other items that cannot be donated or sold.

You should also make sure to contact your local waste management department to find out what materials can and cannot be recycled. You should also make sure to donate or sell any items that can still be used. There are many organizations that accept donations of gently used items, such as clothing, furniture, and household goods. You can also try to sell items online or through a local consignment store. By donating or selling your unwanted items, you can help someone else while getting rid of clutter at the same time.

Create a List of Items to Declutter

Start by creating a list of all the items in your home that you no longer need or want.

Go through each room in your house and decide what needs to stay and what needs to go. Make sure to be thorough during this process. Take a look at furniture, clothing, books, knick-knacks, and other items that may have been forgotten over time. Ask yourself: Do I still use this item? If the answer is no, then it’s time to let it go.

You can also use this time to identify items that can be sold or donated. Selling gently used items can be a great way to make some extra money before your move. Donating items to friends, family, or charity can help you clear out your home while giving back to the community.

Start Packing

When it comes to packing for your move, start by sorting through the items that you plan on keeping. Make sure to label each box clearly so that you can easily find what you need once you arrive at your new home.

Be sure to add a short description of the contents on the outside of the box. You may also want to number each box and keep a list of the contents for easy reference. If you’re using professional movers, be sure to label any items that are fragile or require special handling. It’s also a good idea to separate out any items that you’ll need during the move – like a change of clothes, toiletries, medications, and important documents. When packing, try to use smaller boxes whenever possible. This will make it easier for you and your movers to move them into your new home.

And it will also help to avoid over-packing or stuffing boxes too full, as this can lead to broken items. If you’re moving long-distance, make sure to pack a “survival kit” with all the items you’ll need during the first few days in your new home. This should include essential items like toiletries, a change of clothes, and any medications you may need.

Organize Your Items Into Categories

Organizing your items into categories is the best way to keep track of everything during your move. Start by sorting your belongings into four distinct categories: keep, donate/sell, recycle/dispose of, and relocate.

Keep:

This category should include any items that you need or want to keep, such as furniture, clothing, dishes, and books.

Make sure to consider how much space you’ll have in your new home before deciding what to keep.

Donate/Sell:

Items in this category can be sold or donated, such as furniture, clothes, and electronics that are still in good condition. You can donate them to a charity or local thrift store, or you can list them on online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist.

Recycle/Dispose of:

This category should include any items that you don’t need anymore or can’t be donated or sold.

These items should be recycled or disposed of responsibly in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Relocate:

This category should include any items that you need to take with you but don’t necessarily need right away, such as holiday decorations or seasonal clothing. Consider storing these items at a family member’s house or a storage facility until you’re ready to move them into your new home. Decluttering your home before a move is an important step in ensuring a smooth transition. By creating a list of items to declutter, organizing them into categories, and disposing of unneeded items properly, you'll be able to make your move easier and more cost-effective.

Start packing early and make sure that you have enough time to finish the task and get rid of all the items that you no longer need. Following this checklist will make your move much simpler and give you peace of mind knowing that you're not bringing anything extra with you. You'll also save money by not having to pay for extra storage or additional moving costs.

Rosemary Kichline
Rosemary Kichline

Amateur bacon fan. Passionate troublemaker. Award-winning internet trailblazer. Avid travel nerd. Hipster-friendly social media aficionado. Typical travel nerd.