How to declutter before moving house

Not many of us are natural minimalists. Plenty of us are more, let’s say, maximalists. Clutter seems to be magnetically attracted to us, and honestly, we're secretly waiting for a knock on the door from the producers of the show Hoarders.  

That's why moving house can sometimes be a relief; you are forced to go through all your possessions with a fine tooth comb and clean up your whole household. The golden rule is to keep only the things you love or are helpful and get rid of whatever you no longer need or want. But how do you create a more streamlined life?

Read on for some beneficial tips and processes for how to declutter before moving.

Decluttering methods you can try

Things can be easier and more efficient when sticking to the tried and tested processes of reformed hoarders who have come before you. Here are some of the popular ones:

The Four Box method 

There are many ways to purge successfully. Some decluttering experts advocate the Four Box Method, where the idea is to go through each room in your home armed with separate boxes, one for each of the following: 

1. Things you want to keep

2. Items to sell or give to charity

3. Things to chuck away 

4. Anything you're still undecided about

The KonMari method

Devotees of the Japanese KonMari method swear by its use. The goal is to pick up each item you own and decide to keep it only if it “sparks joy” or if it is useful.  

Swedish death cleaning

The most metal method, Swedish death cleaning, is a new decluttering technique where you downsize your belongings in recognition of the stark fact that one day, you won't be able to take anything with you and that your junk will only be a burden for your loved ones.  

Too dark and not for you? You've always got the Four Box Method...

Tips and declutter checklist for moving

So, the task of decluttering before a move is upon you; we recommend considering the following to make the whole thing as stress-free (maybe even as fun?) as possible.

Tip #1: Get motivated and do not procrastinate.

Decluttering is both emotional and overwhelming, so you will need a little motivation to prepare. However, decluttering is actually a freeing feeling that will help you save money and possibly even make money if you sell some old belongings. It creates a fresh start in your new space, and all of these good things should serve as your motivation! 

A rookie mistake on the pre-move declutter project is procrastination. Trust us when we say you have way more stuff than you think. The earlier you begin, the easier the process will be!

Tip #2: Tackle one room at a time.

Whatever method you use, most decluttering experts advise tackling only one room at a time rather than attempting to declutter your whole house in one go. Be sure to give yourself enough time, so you don't stress out and become overwhelmed with the magnitude of the job.  

If, however, you are moving soon and want to declutter before moving quickly, don't be afraid to call in help from a professional decluttering service (which can be surprisingly affordable).

Tip #3: Get an assistant.

Our psychological attachment to objects is often why we can't ditch them when the time comes. Sometimes, what you really need is a truly objective person to help you with the task of discerning trash from treasure. Hiring someone who offers a decluttering service can make things so much easier.

Don't mistake the idea of a decluttering service as involving a stranger coming in and charging about, dumping your prized possessions in rubbish bags with reckless abandon. It can be as harmless as having an assistant follow you around, taking your directions, but also being critical enough to say, “So how long have you had these 23 mascaras? A few years? OK, I think it might be time to liberate some of these,” and “Do you think you'll actually ever get this broken sewing machine fixed?” and “Come on now, 12 pairs of harem pants? Who are you, MC Hammer?”

Tip #4: Hire a decluttering service. 

Go the whole hog and engage someone to assist you with a full decluttering service by completely reorganising all your belongings room by room, sorting and tidying, and removing excess clutter – with your approval.

Your helper can undertake all kinds of decluttering tasks, like organising your DVD and CD libraries, rearranging your kitchen cupboards and pantry, or reorganising your clothes. They can also make repeated trips to dispose of junk or take clothes to Vinnies for you!

Tip #5: Don't let old memories get the better of you.

Why do we hoard clutter? It's often due to an emotional attachment rather than a functional one. In every decluttering process, you will find yourself sifting through emotional items – and those emotions sometimes win. 

When taking a trip down memory lane, bring yourself back to the present and fight the urge to dwell on old memories. If there is a strong connection, feel free to keep the item and enjoy some nostalgia later. 

Tip #6: Utilise the power of piles.

Another decluttering hack is separating sorted items into different piles that you can see. This will help determine their fate! For example, you can have piles for:

• Keep

• Trash

• Donate or sell 

• Recycle 

Customise your piles to suit your needs (you may have a storage one, for example), but this visual process can sometimes be very helpful!

Tip #7: Involve your kids.

If you have children, involve them, especially if you are decluttering their belongings. Ask them questions like "do you still play with this toy, or would you like to let another kid enjoy this?" Teaching the emotional skills and know-how to declutter now will help them when they are facing a move as an adult!

Tip #8: Schedule some dedicated decluttering time.

Not everyone likes to declutter, so putting it on your schedule increases the chance of it actually happening. Lock in one to three hours of dedicated decluttering time weekly, on a specific day to create a routine. Pop on your headphones, relax your mind, and tune everything out so you can focus on the task at hand. Who knows, it may even be meditative.

Tip # 9: Make sure you cover everything.

Decluttering can be a long process, but you'll reap the benefits, especially if you go through everything. Search the darkest corners of your cabinets, pick apart the junk drawers, and really think about every piece of clothing. If you leave no stone unturned, your move will become much simpler. 

Motivate yourself for a decluttering extravaganza!

Think about this; whatever you don’t go through to declutter now, you’ll have to move it and go through it at some point later on. It may as well be now so that when you get to your new home, you are starting fresh with the items you want and need (or make you happy).

Decluttering is a beneficial exercise. If you need a little help, there are plenty of experts on Airtasker that can help you sort, pack, throw away, and move house. Re-design your surroundings today!

Other articles you may find useful for your move:

• Decluttering service cost guide

• Moving guide and checklist

• Moving cost guide