How to Get Rid of Everything and Move

If you’re moving to a new space, you’re probably wondering, How do I get rid of everything and move? The good news is that you don’t have to toss everything you have before you relocate, but it is helpful to part ways with the items that no longer serve you. 

That’s why we recommend learning how to declutter for a move, so you only take what you need, as this will help you start with a clean slate and prevent you from bringing your old clutter into your new home. 

 

Why Cleaning Out Before a Move Matters More Than You Think

Preparing for an upcoming move can feel like a big undertaking if your home is packed to the brim with stuff. So, why is it so important to focus on cleaning out for a move anyway? 

For starters, clutter, piles of old papers, unwanted furniture, and heaps of worn clothes add mental and physical weight. In other words, it can affect your well-being. When you’re overwhelmed with clutter, you may even find that you’re stressed out and unable to focus.

What’s more, cleaning out before your move can save you time and energy. When you sort through your stuff in advance, you won’t have to worry about packing up items you may not need in your future home. In fact, some research indicates that releasing unused items triggers the release of dopamine, and that mimics the satisfaction of completing an important task. This “feel-good” effect can make the daunting task of moving feel more manageable.

Not to mention, figuring out how to declutter before a move can set you up for success.

Imagine the relief of arriving at your new home, free from all of the chaos of unnecessary belongings, with only the items that you need and love. 

A Room-by-Room Guide to Decluttering Before a Move

So, where do you begin? We recommend creating a declutter checklist before moving​ to help you stay organized and on track. Assign specific cleaning out goals for each area of your home, so you and your loved ones know what to address. 

Create a "keep," "donate," and "trash/recycle" pile, and start sorting through the items in the following areas. 

 

Entryway and Hall Closet

First, take inventory of the items in your entryway and hall closet. Maybe you have piles of shoes your kids have outgrown or shelves with mismatched winter gear. Determine what you want to hold on to and what you can get rid of or donate. 

 

Bedrooms

Next, on to the bedrooms. Start with a corner of the room and make your way over to the closet, dresser, and bed. Do you have clothes you haven’t worn in years? Or an armoire you no longer like? If you don’t see yourself using it in your new home, it’s time to part ways with it. 

 

Bathrooms

If your medicine cabinet and vanity are overflowing with toiletries and makeup, start sorting through all that stuff. Getting rid of old and expired items is one of the best ways to purge your home for a move. 

 

Garage, Basement, and Attic

Now, it’s time to tackle those lesser-used areas of your home. It’s easy for attics, basements, and garages to accumulate junk and forgotten items along the way, so you’ll need to get serious about what’s worth taking to your new space. 

If you’re unsure where to start, consider hiring attic cleanout services. You can also look into professional garage cleanout help. 

Need additional guidance? Check out our basement cleaning out solutions. 

 

Avoid These Mistakes When Cleaning Out Before a Move

Ready to learn how to declutter before a move? Start by avoiding these five mistakes:

 

Mistake #1: Waiting Until the Last Minute to Declutter

You might be surprised at how long it takes to sort through your items before your move. To avoid last-minute pressure, begin the cleaning out process six to eight weeks before your move to allow you to leisurely assess each room and organize your belongings at your own pace. 

 

Mistake #2: Cleaning Out Without a Plan

Take some time to think it through. Consider how much space you have in your new home and what you plan to do with each room. 

For instance, if you’re moving into a spacious home with an oversized garage, perhaps you’ll have plenty of room for all your camping gear, snowboards, and water skis. However, if you’re moving to a compact apartment without a garage or storage area, you may need to downsize your collection of recreational gear. 

 

Mistake #3: Holding Onto “Just in Case” Items

Take a moment before packing each item and reflect, “Does this serve any purpose at all in my new home? Does it bring any real joy?” Marie Kondo popularized this question, encouraging intentional decision-making and curbs impulse hoarding. 

There’s no use hanging on to items for the sake of hanging on to them. If you don’t have a clear purpose for them or don’t intend to use them in the near future, it might be time to let them go. 

 

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Recycle or Donate Responsibly

Before discarding anything, consider all the potential for its reuse. Support your community by donating clothing, books, or furniture that has been gently used to local charities. Research donation centers, recycling facilities, or charity pick-up services in your area.

If your items are broken or in poor condition, recycle as much as possible to help prevent them from going to the local landfill. This helps protect and preserve the environment. 

 

Mistake #5: Ignoring E-Waste, Hazardous Materials, and Odd Items

If you have items like electronics or batteries, don’t just toss them in the trash because these materials can contaminate and harm the environment.

Therefore, it’s essential to follow proper e-waste disposal procedures. For the responsible handling of hazardous materials, recycle electronics through manufacturer take-back programs or community drop-off sites. 

Check out our guide on responsible battery disposal for more guidance. 

 

Ready to Declutter the Right Way? Let The Junkluggers Help!

When it comes to cleaning out for a move, allow The Junkluggers to help. We specialize in helping you declutter and downsize your belongings, so that you only take the stuff that you want and need into your new home. Our full-service junk removal team will get rid of all your unwanted items and lighten the load for your upcoming move. 

Book now to schedule your free, no-obligation quote.