A Mover’s Guide to Decluttering

Packing and figuring out what to do with everything I’ve been hoarding the past 4 years is such a pain. The fiancé and I have been moving for what feels like an eternity! It’s been weeks of decluttering and packing! We’ve lived together in our 620 square foot apartment for 4 years, how can we have this much stuff??

My advice to anyone moving – start packing early and start decluttering even earlier. I was so excited to declutter because I thought it would take some of the stress out of moving. The more you get rid of the less you’ll have to physically move and the less “crap” you’ll have to unpack when you get there. Remember that same feeling of “what the heck do I do with this?” before the move is the same after the move.

5 Categories of Decluttering:

1. Keep

2. Sell

3. Donate

4. Recycle

5. Trash

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Where to start:

• Makeup –Throw away expired and old, grungy makeup. Give away anything that you don’t like or know you won’t use again. This declutter was a struggle for me. I found so much makeup I’d forgotten about! Which just proves I don’t need it. (You can sell makeup on PoshMark if it’s in good condition!)

Related: Why I Buy Cruelty-Free

• Clothes – This was another struggle for me. Turns out I’m a bit of a clothes hoarder. I found clothes in boxes from the first time I moved 4 years ago. If it doesn’t fit or you haven’t worn in years, it’s time to get rid of it! You can try selling gently used clothes to consignment or resell shops. I brought 10 bags to a teen consignment shop!
• Dishes – I never really thought about decluttering the dishes until I realized how many jars and bottles I have. Sure the wine bottles are no problem, but those red sauce and jelly jars are harder to let go of. We actually used those as drinking glasses. (Yes, I am aware that I’m a 26-year-old adult woman). They had to go.

• Pots/Pans – I know you don’t want to throw away perfectly good cookware. That’s not what I’m talking about. We all have old pots or pans with the Teflon coming off that we always kept for emergencies. Just put them in the garbage and don’t look back! You won’t want those crusty pans in your new kitchen.
• Spice cabinet – This one can be as simple as getting rid of duplicates and marrying two spices or condiments together. And chucking the expired. Don’t get attached.
• Furniture – Furniture is definitely something to consider decluttering. Whether you’re buying a new home, storing, or just switching rooms – moving can be a fresh start. Getting rid of broken or unused furniture is not a crime. Sell it, donate it, or curb it. Plus, now you won’t have to pack it.

I’m sure there a lot more things you could declutter – towels, linens, books (NO)… the point is, the more you declutter the less you have to pack. You’ll feel so much better when you unpack in a new place with all your essentials for starting your new adventure.

Remember, you can declutter whenever you want, not just when you’re moving. I find it rather refreshing when it’s all over (while it’s happening, though, the Libra inside me cries with decision anxiety).

Related: Decision-Making 101

How are you’re decluttering skills? What are some of the things you find helps to declutter before a move? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy decluttering and good luck moving!

Related: 9 Things to Always Buy at a Thrift Store

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Christina

Christina is a twenty-something living with her beagle, Mash, and husband, Nate in their van. She loves traveling, shopping, art, and photography. She’s also a vegetarian, pop-culture enthusiast, book-lover, and Dave Matthews Band fanatic. Catch her somewhere around the country in a converted camper van or at home in Florida for a visit.