Hacks for Decluttering Before a Move

Moving is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start, but if you pack up everything you own without sorting through it first, you’re literally paying to move trash. Here are our favorite hacks for decluttering before a move. Every box you pack takes time, energy, and—if you’re hiring movers—money.

Decluttering before a move is the ultimate gift to your “future self.” When you arrive at your new home, you’ll only be unpacking things you actually love and use. Here are seven genius hacks to help you lighten the load before moving day.

Use the 90/90 Rule

Created by The Minimalists, this rule is a lifesaver for those “just in case” items. Look at an object and ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last 90 days?
• Will I use it in the next 90 days? If the answer to both is “no,” it’s time to let it go. This is especially helpful for kitchen gadgets, hobby supplies, and that “backup” set of tools you never touch.

We love easy hacks for decluttering before a move and this is definitely one of those.

The “Reverse Hanger” Trick

If you’re moving in a few months, start this today. Turn all the hangers in your closet so the hooks face toward you (the “wrong” way).

As you wear and wash an item, hang it back the normal way. By the time you’re ready to pack your clothes, any hanger still facing the wrong way is an item you haven’t worn. Donate those pieces instead of packing them! Such great hacks for decluttering before a move

The “One-Touch” Rule

When you start sorting through a junk drawer or a closet, commit to the “one-touch” rule. Once you pick an item up, you cannot put it back down until you’ve decided its fate: Keep, Donate, Sell, or Trash.

Moving items from one “maybe” pile to another just creates decision fatigue. Make the call immediately and move on. Such great hacks for decluttering before a move.

Eat Your Way Through the Pantry

Canned goods and half-used condiments are heavy and prone to leaking in boxes. About a month before your move, stop grocery shopping for “stock” items.

• The Challenge: Try to create meals using only what you already have in your freezer and pantry.
• The Result: You’ll save money on groceries and have significantly fewer heavy boxes to carry on moving day.

Digitization hacks for Decluttering Before a Move

Paper is surprisingly heavy. Before you pack up boxes of old bank statements, manuals, or even old photos, ask yourself if a digital copy would suffice.

• Use a scanning app on your phone to save important documents to the cloud.
• Recycle old manuals (most are available as PDFs online anyway).
• Shred outdated paperwork. You’ll be shocked at how many pounds of weight this removes from your move.

Such great hacks for decluttering before a move. Paper you move from home to home takes up space.

Host a “Last Call” Party

If you have a lot of items that are too good to throw away but not worth the effort of selling individually, host a “Last Call” party for friends and family.

Lay out everything you’re getting rid of—books, kitchenware, decor—and let your friends take what they want. They will love these hacks for decluttering before a move

It’s a great way to say goodbye to your old space while ensuring your belongings go to a good home. Anything left over at the end of the night goes straight to a donation center.

Create an Essential Bag/Box

As you declutter, you’ll inevitably find things you need right up until moving day (and immediately after). Instead of burying these in random boxes, create one “Open First” clear plastic bin. I love also placing it in a very large gift bag.

• Include: A box cutter, basic tools, toilet paper, coffee maker, chargers, paper towel, paper plates, Dishsoap, and bed sheets.
• Why it helps decluttering: Knowing you have your essentials safely tucked away in one spot makes it much easier to be ruthless with the rest of your belongings.

I always load the essential bag very last and always put it in the front seat of the moving truck or car. Somewhere where you will find it quickly.

Final Thoughts

The goal of decluttering isn’t just to have fewer boxes; it’s to ensure that your new home feels like a sanctuary from day one. By being intentional about what crosses the threshold of your new front door, you’re setting yourself up for a more organized, peaceful life.

Are you moving soon? Which room are you most dreading decluttering? Let us know in the comments!

As you set up your new home, check out our kitchen organization tips