Moving to a new home brings the exciting chance for a fresh start, but it also presents a common challenge: how to get rid of things when moving. Decluttering can feel like an enormous task, and deciding what to part with can stir up emotions. This guide is designed to make letting go of things less daunting by helping you create a workable plan. Decluttering tips abound but sometimes, you just need a good checklist and a plan to get started.
Why Getting Rid of Stuff Before Moving Makes Sense
Sometimes starting is the hardest part, but it doesn’t have to be. The benefits of paring down before you pack up can actually streamline your whole move, especially if you’re moving to a smaller space.
A Lighter Load for Easier Transport
Less stuff equals a lighter load for your movers or for you if you are handling the move yourself. Moving companies often factor in weight when calculating moving costs. Reducing the overall weight can lead to cost savings in transport. If your moving truck is heavy, it might cost you more in gas, too.
Minimize Those Packing Supplies
Fewer belongings mean fewer boxes, tape, and packing peanuts are needed. It’s environmentally friendly because it reduces waste, and it can even save you a bit of money on supplies. Less packing also equals less unpacking on the other end, which can make moving day so much easier.
Embrace Your New Home With More Space
Moving provides the perfect opportunity for a fresh aesthetic, which often includes decluttering your home. Why not use this chance to curate a collection of possessions that spark joy, instead of feeling bogged down by items you no longer use? I did that very thing last time I moved, and I felt so much lighter without the weight of unnecessary possessions taking up space in my new home.
Moving into a more organized and clutter-free environment can actually lead to a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. That sounds a lot more like a cozy living room, right? When you’re thinking about how to get rid of things when moving, start with items that haven’t been used in a long time. You can also label boxes with what’s inside so you know where things are once you’re settled into your new home.
Effective Strategies for How to Get Rid of Things When Moving
Now that you’re ready to dive into decluttering, here are a few simple strategies I like to recommend. It’s time to make some decisions about what’s worth keeping.
1. The “Spark Joy” Approach
This popularized method, highlighted by decluttering expert Marie Kondo, emphasizes only keeping items that “spark joy” in your life. This idea resonates so deeply with me. While you’re sorting, pay attention to any feelings of happiness or attachment you get from an item. If it doesn’t spark joy, perhaps it’s time to say goodbye.
2. Implement the 20/20 Rule of Decluttering
I also recommend the 20/20 rule. The 20/20 rule states that you should get rid of an item if it costs less than $20 to replace and takes less than 20 minutes to replace. This strategy is so helpful because sometimes the things we think we need to keep really aren’t that hard or expensive to replace if we ever did need them again.
Developed by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of The Minimalists, the 20/20 rule for decluttering helps simplify the often-difficult decision about what stays and what goes. When deciding what items to get rid of when moving, start with expired items or items that are broken or damaged.
3. Try the “One In, One Out” Method
I’ve had quite a lot of success with this method. Each time you bring a new item into your home, get rid of a similar item you no longer use. It helps to create balance in your belongings.
Where to Begin When You Feel Overwhelmed
It’s helpful to take the process step by step to make figuring out how to get rid of things when moving feel more manageable. You’ll be surprised by how much extra cash you might even be able to make if you sell items online or at a garage sale.
Tackle One Area at a Time
Instead of feeling like you need to do it all at once, begin with a small area, such as a junk drawer or one section of your closet. The medicine cabinet is also a great place to start; there are always expired medicines in there. Don’t forget about cleaning supplies and old bath products.
Declutter by Category Instead of By Room
Organizing experts like to recommend working through one category at a time. For example, clothes (one of my biggest challenges.), then books, kitchen items, old electronics, and sentimental items. Go through your kitchen and toss expired food, get rid of extra plastic containers, and donate any small appliances like a bread maker that you never use.
Some things are easier to part with than others, like old calendars and outdated electronics. The garage is a great place to find leftover paint containers, unused appliances, and sports equipment to get rid of, too.
What If It Still Feels Difficult to Let Go of Items?
Remember those sentimental items I said I’d address? I know those are a big one for lots of people. But there are ways to preserve those items, too. It’s ok to have a “keep” pile, but really try to be honest with yourself about the items that you’re holding onto. If it doesn’t fit, or you haven’t worn it in years, add it to the “toss” pile or “donate” pile.
Taking Photos for Sentimental Items
Photographs take up far less physical space than their real-life counterparts. Capturing images can provide a visual reminder while still letting go of physical clutter. There’s nothing wrong with holding onto a few items if they truly mean something to you.
Embrace Digitization to Streamline Possessions
I recommend creating digital files for documents or important papers. It frees up a ton of drawer and storage space. Consider using a scanner to create electronic versions. Back everything up to cloud storage to keep files organized.
Thoughtful Disposal and Donating Tips
What do you do with everything once you’ve decided what stays and what goes? Donating items is a great way to start fresh and it’s much better than throwing things away. You can also try selling things; it’s a great way to make some extra money that can help with your moving costs.
Eco-Conscious Disposal
Responsibly disposing of unusable or damaged items is important. Look into your community guidelines on what can be recycled and what should be disposed of. Many electronics need special handling. You can often find designated drop-off points for batteries at places like big-box home stores. For example, you can find a battery recycling drop-off location close to home online. Instead of throwing out perfectly good towels, use them as packing materials, and when you’re done, wash them and use them as rags for cleaning.
Sharing the Wealth with Charitable Donations
Lots of people feel really great when they give back. If you have items in good condition, consider donating to local thrift stores. Some great places to consider are local charities. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to sell unwanted or unnecessary items and connect with buyers locally, too.
There are some awesome charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army that help people in need. It’s a wonderful way to give your belongings a new lease on life and you can even reduce your tax burden as well. Remember to get a receipt when you donate for tax deduction purposes. Be sure to ask your tax professional to see if these donations would be helpful come tax time. If you have larger furniture items you’re looking to part with, you can schedule a donation pickup. Try Habitat for Humanity ReStore, they are set up specifically for those larger donation items.
Knowing how to get rid of things when moving can seem a bit daunting, I totally get it. Try starting early, taking it step by step, and deciding which strategies are the right fit for your unique needs. Trust me, getting rid of things will help create a sense of peace and order throughout your move.
FAQs
Should I Get Rid of All My Stuff When I Move?
That’s really up to you and what you feel you actually use and need. You get to define what “all” looks like in your situation. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to decluttering. Remember, it is ok to hold onto belongings that you genuinely need, use, and love. There’s nothing wrong with taking the things you love with you, you just don’t want to bring things you don’t need, love, or use anymore.
How to Start Decluttering for Moving?
I often find it less overwhelming to start small. Pick a single drawer, cabinet, or category to begin sorting. As you get going, the momentum of success builds. As a general guideline, consider a four-box system – “Keep,” “Donate,” “Toss,” “Sell,” this really helped me keep track.
How to Decide What to Throw Out When Moving?
That is tough because these items can feel so personal. A helpful trick I often use is asking myself, “If I was moving across the country, would I be willing to pack this item?” I often surprise myself by how quickly I determine something isn’t as important to move as I originally thought. It also helps me streamline my belongings. The decluttering process can be so eye-opening.
