METCALF MOVING BLOG

Decluttering for a Move: 3 Key Steps to Kickstart the Process

Decluttering before a home move can feel daunting, especially with years’ worth of accumulated belongings. However, getting organized early simplifies packing and ensures you move into your new home with only the items you truly need and value. If you’re unsure where to begin, here are the first three things you should do to start decluttering for the move.

1. Take Inventory and Assess What You Need

Before diving into boxes and closets, start with a general home inventory. This doesn’t need to be a detailed list of every item, but walk through each room and take note of what you own. Ask yourself: What do I use regularly? What haven’t I touched in over a year? What could I live without?

For more oversized items like furniture, decide if they’ll fit and match your new space. Moving large pieces you are not using can cost extra in moving fees and clutter up your new home. If you have duplicates—kitchen gadgets, old electronics, or outgrown furniture—set them aside for donation or sale. Taking this preliminary inventory helps you understand what you need and reduces unnecessary packing later on.

It’s also helpful to visualize your new home layout during this step. Consider how much space you’ll have and what items are practical to bring with you. Let your new environment guide your decisions.

2. Start Small with a Single Room or Category

Decluttering your entire home is overwhelming, so starting small is essential. Pick one room or a specific category of items—like clothes or books—to tackle first. Focusing on a smaller task will give you a quick win and build momentum. The kitchen, bathroom, or entryway closets are often good starting points because they accumulate many items you no longer need.

For instance, if you’re tackling your wardrobe, go through each item and ask if it still fits, is in good condition, and has worn it in the last year. For books, sort them into categories: keep, donate, or sell. The key is to avoid overthinking each decision. If an item doesn’t immediately add value to your life or hold significant sentimental meaning, it’s probably time to part ways with it.

As you go room by room or category by category, you’ll start noticing how much progress you’ve made, and it’ll be easier to keep going. Plus, you’ll feel more in control of your move as the clutter disappears.

3. Sort Items into “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Discard”

The classic three-pile sorting method remains one of the best ways to organize during decluttering. Label three boxes or areas: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Discard. As you go through your things, place each item in one of these categories. This simple system keeps you from getting bogged down in indecision, giving you clear guidelines for what stays and what goes.

• Keep: Items in this category should be things you regularly use, have a clear purpose, or hold significant personal value. Be strict, though. Just because something might be helpful someday doesn’t mean you should bring it with you.
• Donate/Sell: If items are in good condition but you no longer need them, donate or sell them. Charities, thrift stores, and online selling platforms are great ways to ensure your items find a second life. Plus, selling valuable items can help offset moving costs.
• Discard: For broken, unusable, or outdated items, it’s time to let them go. This includes worn-out shoes, old electronics, and expired products. Make sure to dispose of items like batteries or electronics properly by finding local recycling options.

As your “Keep” pile grows, set aside items you won’t need before the move and begin packing them into clearly labeled boxes. For the “Donate/Sell” pile, make arrangements for drop-off or online listings as soon as possible so these items don’t linger and take up space.

Get a Head Start on a Lighter, Easier Move

Decluttering is all about creating a clean slate and starting with these three steps will set you up for success. Start your decluttering process now, and you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to unpack in your new home, surrounded only by things you truly love and use.

Get a head start on securing your mover, too, by contacting us for a free quote. We can help make your move even easier.