Preparing for a Move: The Ultimate Decluttering Timeline

Moving is the perfect opportunity to start fresh—but only if you declutter before packing. Every box you eliminate saves money, time, and energy. Here's your complete timeline for decluttering before a move.

Why Declutter Before Moving?

The Real Costs of Moving Everything

Financial:

• Movers charge by weight/volume—less stuff = lower cost
• More boxes = more packing supplies
• Larger truck = higher rental fee

Time:

• Every item packed must be unpacked
• Setting up a new home takes longer with more stuff
• The average move takes 2-4 weeks to fully unpack

Emotional:

• Starting fresh feels better than recreating clutter
• New space, new beginning, new organization system
• Less stuff = less stress in new home

The 8-Week Decluttering Timeline

Week 8: Assessment & Planning

Day 1-2: Walk-Through

• Go room by room with a notepad
• Note major items to deal with (furniture, appliances)
• Identify obvious "definitely going" and "definitely leaving" items

Day 3-4: Category List

Create a list of item categories:

• Furniture
• Clothing
• Kitchen items
• Books and media
• Seasonal/holiday items
• Garage/outdoor
• Sentimental items

Day 5-7: Set Goals

• Aim to reduce possessions by 25-50%
• Schedule decluttering sessions
• Book donation pickups or cleanout service for week 2-3

Week 7: Low-Attachment Areas

Start with spaces that carry less emotional weight:

Garage & Outdoor

• Broken tools and equipment
• Dried-up paints and chemicals
• Rusty or unused outdoor furniture
• Duplicate items

Basement/Storage

• Items you forgot you had
• Things you haven't used in 2+ years
• Boxes never unpacked from last move

Attic

• Holiday decorations you don't use
• Old baby items (if kids are grown)
• Inherited items you don't want

Week 6: Utilitarian Spaces

Kitchen

• Duplicate utensils and gadgets
• Chipped or mismatched dishes
• Small appliances you never use
• Expired pantry items

Bathroom

• Expired medications and cosmetics
• Products you don't use
• Worn towels and linens
• Duplicate toiletries

Laundry/Utility

• Old cleaning supplies
• Broken hangers
• Outgrown or worn household items

Week 5: Living Spaces

Living Room

• Books you won't re-read
• Old magazines and catalogs
• Décor that won't fit new space
• Media you've digitized

Dining Room

• Formal items you never use
• Tablecloths and napkins excess
• Gifts you've never used

Home Office

• Old paperwork (after checking retention requirements)
• Outdated technology
• Supplies excess

Week 4: Personal Spaces

Bedrooms

• Clothes that don't fit or you don't wear
• Shoes worn out or uncomfortable
• Old pillows and bedding
• Furniture that won't fit new space

Kids' Rooms (involve them!)

• Outgrown toys and clothes
• Broken items
• School papers (keep highlights, toss the rest)
• Outgrown sports equipment

Week 3: Sentimental Items

The hardest category. Approach with care:

Questions to Ask:

• Do I love this or feel obligated?
• Would I buy this today?
• Can I honor the memory without the item? (photo instead)
• Is it worth the space in my new home?

Keep Manageable:

• Limit sentimental items to one container per person
• Take photos of items you let go
• Pass items to family members who want them

Week 2: Final Push & Pickup

Days 1-3: Final Sorting

• Make final decisions on maybe piles
• Photograph items for donation records

Days 4-5: Donation Pickup/Cleanout

• Schedule donation center pickup
• Or have a cleanout service remove remaining items

Days 6-7: Sell Valuables

• Quick local sales for high-value items
• What doesn't sell gets donated

Week 1: Final Prep

Only Pack What's Coming

• Everything should be sorted by now
• Pack room by room
• Label "open first" essentials

Day Before Move: Last Items

• Perishable food
• Cleaning supplies for old home
• Final trash and recycling

The Decision Framework

For every item, ask:

1. **Have I used this in the past year?**
2. **Will I need this in my new life?**
3. **Is it worth paying to move?**
4. **Do I have space for it in my new home?**

If no to these → let it go.

What to Do with Decluttered Items

Donate:

• Clothing and textiles in good condition
• Furniture and housewares
• Books, toys, games
• Working electronics

Sell:

• High-value items ($50+)
• Antiques or collectibles
• Quality furniture
• Working appliances

Recycle:

• Electronics
• Cardboard and paper
• Metals

Cleanout Service:

• Bulk items
• Heavy furniture
• Mixed loads
• When time is limited

When to Call for Help

Sometimes the timeline gets compressed or the volume is overwhelming. Consider a professional cleanout when:

• Less than 2 weeks until moving day
• Large volume of items to remove
• Heavy furniture or appliances involved
• Physical limitations
• Emotional difficulty making decisions

A pre-move cleanout saves money on your moving bill and stress on moving day.

Your Fresh Start Awaits

Moving is a natural reset point. By decluttering before you move, you're not just reducing boxes—you're setting yourself up for a lighter, more organized life in your new space.

Need help with the heavy lifting? We're here when you need us.