Key Takeaways
- Assess all belongings before moving and decide clearly what to keep, discard, donate, or sell to avoid unnecessary clutter and moving costs.
- Let go of items that are damaged, unused, or easily replaceable, as transporting them may cost more than their value.
- Digitise or minimise storage-heavy items like photos, CDs, and documents to save space and reduce physical load.
- Organise sentimental items thoughtfully—keep only meaningful pieces and consider storing memories digitally instead of holding everything.
- Decluttering before moving simplifies packing, lowers costs, and helps create a more organised, stress-free start in your new home.
Too many possessions and not enough space? Whether you’re moving, downsizing, or just want to keep things tidy in your home, our team at Brisk Transport offer some helpful hints to keeping your life uncluttered.
The following reveals common clutter that we all have difficulty controlling and how to deal with it:
- Too many clothes in your closet or dressers are bulging: Make it a habit to throw out or give to charity old gently used clothing when you buy new ones. Of course, it’s a good idea to keep a few old clothes for doing messy work like painting, but you don’t need to keep all your old clothing. Throw out ones with holes or with terrible stains on them. No one wants those. If socks don’t have a matching pair, throw them out.
- Receipts: For important purchase receipts like for a refrigerator, get a blank piece of paper or better yet scrap paper and staple the receipts onto the piece of paper. Put it in a labeled file folder and keep adding those important receipts to that piece of paper. When the face of the paper is covered, get a new sheet of paper to staple more receipts on. Shred receipts from trivial purchases. You don’t want identity thieves to get a hold of your private personal information through those receipts.
- Cards and special notes: Buy a cork board from the dollar store and arrange then tack recent cards and notes on them. If they’re years old, throw them out. If certain ones hold strong sentimental value for you, scan them and save them to a memory card.
- Pictures: If you have boxes of random pictures or too many albums, take pictures of the pictures or scan them and save them on a memory card or USB stick. Then discard the originals. Save only the few special ones you can put on display in frames. You can display the digital copies in special electronic frames or on your screensaver on your PC.
- Plastic shopping bags: Reuse them as garbage bags for the kitchen or bathroom instead of buying special garbage bags for your trash cans. Instead of bunching them up in a container, tie the bags in a knot (not too tight) before storing them for later use. This creates more space for them in their storage container. Buy cloth bags or plastic bins specifically for grocery shopping so you can reduce the amount of plastic bags you take home.
- Books: Donate your books to the library. Get a library card and you don’t have to store your books at home anymore. You can borrow them any time you want from your local library.
- CDs and DVDs: Go digital. You can buy almost everything online for music and movies and you can save them all on your electronic devices. If you like the hard copies, take them out of their cases and store them in a DVD or CD book to create more space on your shelves.
Following these guidelines for de-cluttering has been proven to reduce housework almost by half. Think of the many ways you can spend that extra time!
Get in touch with us if you’re looking for help from our local movers.
FAQs
How do I decide what to keep or get rid of before moving?
Start by reviewing each room and assessing how often you use each item. If something has not been used in a long time or no longer suits your needs, it may be time to let it go. Consider the cost and effort of moving the item compared to its value. Moving is a good opportunity to reset and focus on what you actually need in your new space, rather than bringing everything with you out of habit.
What items are usually worth keeping during a move?
Items that are regularly used, in good condition, or hold genuine value are usually worth keeping. This includes everyday essentials, functional furniture, and belongings that support your lifestyle. Sentimental items can also be kept, but it is important to be selective. If something has meaning but no practical place in your new home, consider whether it is worth the space and effort required to move it.
What should I do with items I decide not to take?
There are several options for items you no longer want. You can donate usable goods to charities, sell valuable items online, or give them to friends and family. Recycling or disposing of damaged or unusable items responsibly is also important. Handling this early helps reduce the number of items you need to pack and transport, making the move more efficient and less stressful overall.
Does decluttering before moving really make a difference?
Yes, reducing the number of items you move can have a noticeable impact. Fewer belongings mean less packing, lower transport costs, and a quicker unpacking process at your new home. It also helps you start fresh in a more organised space. Taking the time to declutter before moving can improve the entire experience, from planning through to settling in.
When should I start sorting my belongings before a move?
It is best to begin sorting your belongings several weeks before your moving date. Starting early gives you time to go through everything properly without feeling rushed. You can work through one area at a time, making decisions more carefully. Early preparation also allows you to arrange donations, sales, or disposal without last-minute pressure, helping the overall move run more smoothly.