How To Declutter Before Moving House – A Minimalist’s Guide

Do you need some tips on how to declutter before moving house?

The moment you start planning a house move, you’re faced with a daunting reality: the sheer volume of your possessions.

Years of accumulated belongings can make the task of packing feel overwhelming before you’ve even started. More items mean more packing, higher removal costs, and more stress.

A thorough declutter is the single most effective way to streamline your entire relocation.

At GoodMove, we’ve helped thousands of families execute smooth, efficient moves, and we know that a well-planned, clear-out is the secret weapon.

This expert guide breaks the process down into seven simple, manageable steps to help you declutter with confidence.

Step 1: Get Organised – The Preparation Phase

Before you tackle any rooms, set yourself up for success.

This preparation stage is vital and prevents you from having to stop and start.

Your Decluttering Toolkit:

• Strong Boxes: For items you’re keeping.
• Durable Bin Liners: For rubbish.
• Charity Bags/Boxes: For items to donate.
• Marker Pens & Labels: To clearly mark every box.
• Packing Tape: For sealing boxes.

Pack an ‘Essentials Box’ First: This is non-negotiable.

Pack a clearly labelled box with everything your family will need on the first night in your new home.

Think toiletries, medicines, a change of clothes, phone chargers, snacks, and of course, the kettle!

Step 2: Master the Four-Box Method

This is the core of your decluttering strategy. For every room you tackle, create four distinct zones or use four large boxes labelled:

1. KEEP: Items you love, need, and will definitely use in your new home. These are the only items that get appropriately packed.
2. DONATE / SELL: Items in good condition that you no longer need but someone else could benefit from.
3. STORE: Items you can’t part with for sentimental reasons but don’t need immediately (e.g., family heirlooms, baby clothes). GoodMove offers flexible storage solutions for these items.
4. BIN: Anything broken, expired, or no longer usable.

Expert Tip: “Be decisive. Handle each item only once. Make an immediate decision to place it in one of the four boxes. Hesitation is what leads to clutter.” – A GoodMove Removals Specialist.

Step 3: Declutter One Room at a Time

The golden rule is to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Approach your home methodically.

• Start Small: Begin with the least sentimental room, like a bathroom or spare room, to build momentum.
• The Kitchen Challenge: This is often the most cluttered room. Be ruthless with expired food, duplicate utensils, and gadgets you never use.
• The Wardrobe Clear-Out: A great rule is the “one-year rule.” If you haven’t worn an item of clothing in the past 12 months, it’s time to consider donating or selling it.

Step 4: Keep a Simple Inventory

You don’t need a complex spreadsheet, but a basic inventory is a lifesaver.

As you seal a “KEEP” box, use your marker to label it with the room it belongs to and a summary of its contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots & Pans”).

This makes unpacking logical and efficient.

Step 5: Sell or Donate Your Unwanted Items

Give your pre-loved items a new home and potentially make some money for your new one.

• Ask the Right Questions: For sentimental items, ask yourself: Would someone else get more use out of this? Am I only keeping it out of habit?
• Where to Sell: Use auction sites, local Facebook groups, or apps like Vinted and Depop.
• Where to Donate: Local charity shops are always grateful for donations of good quality.

Step 6: Go Digital with Your Paperwork

Bills, statements, and old documents create a huge amount of clutter.

• Shred Securely: Invest in a shredder for any documents containing personal information.
• Scan & Save: For important documents you want to keep (but don’t need a physical copy of), scan them and save them to a secure cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Step 7: Know When to Call in the Professionals

Decluttering is a significant task. If you’re short on time or feeling overwhelmed, professional help can be a game-changer.

• Professional Packing Services: If the thought of packing your “KEEP” boxes is too much, our teams can handle it for you quickly and securely.
• Help with Heavy Items: If you decide not to keep large items like pianos or bulky furniture, let your removals company know. They can often assist with responsible disposal.
• Flexible Storage: If your “STORE” pile is substantial, we can move it directly from your home into our secure facilities.

Your Smooth, Clutter-Free Move Starts Here

Once you’ve completed your declutter, you’ll feel reinvigorated and ready for your move. Planning ahead makes the moving day itself run far more smoothly.

At GoodMove, our experienced team is here to help you execute the final step. We provide an excellent, value-for-money service, from careful transportation to flexible storage options.

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote and let us help you with your fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the best place to start decluttering? Start with the easiest, least emotionally attached room, such as a laundry room or bathroom. This helps you build momentum and confidence before tackling more sentimental areas like bedrooms or studies.
2. How long should I allow for decluttering before a move? Ideally, start the decluttering process at least 4-6 weeks before your moving date. This allows you to work in short, manageable bursts without feeling rushed.
3. Should I declutter before or after I pack? You should always declutter before you pack. The goal is to only pack the items you are definitely keeping for your new home. This saves you from moving (and paying to move) items you don’t need.