Why Declutter Before You Move?
Packing up your life into boxes is already a huge task—don’t make it harder by bringing along clutter you don’t need. Decluttering before a move:
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Reduces moving costs
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Makes packing faster and easier
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Helps you stay organized in your new space
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Gives you a fresh start—without the mess
Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or just relocating, this guide will help you sort through your belongings room by room with a simple Trash & Keep checklist.
General Decluttering Tips Before You Start
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Set up three piles or boxes: Keep, Donate/Sell, Trash
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Start early: Begin at least 2–3 weeks before moving day
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Be honest: If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it
- Use colored tape or labels to track decisions as you go
Room-by-Room Trash & Keep Checklist
1. Kitchen
Keep:
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Pots and pans you use regularly
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Matching food storage containers
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Small appliances in working condition
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Spices and pantry items not expired
Trash/Donate:
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Mismatched or damaged Tupperware
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Duplicate utensils and gadgets
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Expired food, spices, or sauces
- Broken coffee makers, blenders, etc.
2. Living Room
Keep:
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Essential furniture in good shape
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Decor that fits your new space
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Books, games, and electronics you still use
Trash/Donate:
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Worn-out throw pillows, rugs, or curtains
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Old magazines or DVDs
- Broken lamps or unused tech accessories
3. Bedrooms
Keep:
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Clothes that fit and are worn regularly
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Quality bedding and pillows
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Sentimental items in small quantities
Trash/Donate:
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Clothes you haven’t worn in over a year
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Single socks, broken hangers
- Damaged or unused furniture
4. Bathrooms
Keep:
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Toiletries and medications not expired
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Towels in good condition
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Everyday grooming tools
Trash/Donate:
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Expired medications and makeup
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Dried-out nail polish or skincare
- Old loofahs, razors, or empty containers
5. Garage / Storage Room
Keep:
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Tools you actually use
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Seasonal items in good condition
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Holiday décor you plan to reuse
Trash/Donate:
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Dried-up paint cans
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Broken gardening equipment
- Boxes you never unpacked from your last move
6. Home Office or Paper Clutter
Keep:
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Current tax records, IDs, and vital documents
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Office supplies in good condition
Trash/Shred:
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Old receipts, expired warranties
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Broken electronics or outdated software
- Junk mail and duplicate cords
What to Do With All the Junk
Once you’ve sorted everything, don’t let the trash pile overwhelm you. Hire a junk removal service to quickly haul away:
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Furniture you’re not taking
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Yard debris
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Bulk trash or broken items
- Donation pickups for usable goods
Final Thought
Decluttering before a move saves time, money, and frustration. By going room by room and using a simple keep-or-trash checklist, you can move with only what you love—and leave the junk behind.
Need help with the cleanout? Book a local junk removal service to make your move stress-free.
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