Moving is like hitting the reset button on your stuff. Do you really need that lava lamp from college? How about those shoes you haven’t worn since 2016? This is your chance to declutter, simplify, and avoid packing unnecessary junk. Let’s tackle it with some humor and practical tips.
Step 1: What to Toss
First up: the toss pile. This is where the obvious culprits go.
• Anything broken. If you’ve been “meaning to fix it” for three years, it’s time to let it go. No, you’re not suddenly going to become a handyman during the move.
• Expired items. That half-empty sunscreen from last summer? Toss it. The bag of rice you forgot existed? Say goodbye.
• Mystery cords and chargers. If you don’t know what it powers, it’s probably not worth keeping.
When in doubt, remember this mantra: “If it’s trash, it doesn’t need a moving box.”
Step 2: What to Donate
For the things that still have life left in them but no longer belong in yours, donate! Someone else might treasure what you don’t need.
• Clothes that don’t fit or spark joy. Yes, I’m talking about those jeans you swear you’ll wear “someday.”
• Gently used furniture. If you’re upgrading your couch, give the old one to a good home (or a thrift store).
• Books you won’t read again. Let someone else enjoy your dusty paperback of War and Peace.
Pro Tip: Check for local donation centers or charities. Some even offer pickup services, saving you an extra trip.
Step 3: What to Keep
Finally, the “keep” pile. These are the things that matter most.
• Everyday essentials. If you use it daily—like your coffee maker—it’s coming with you. (Obviously, coffee is non-negotiable.)
• Sentimental items. Keep Grandma’s quilt or that box of love letters from high school. Just don’t go overboard and keep every ticket stub you’ve ever collected.
• Things that serve a purpose. If it’s practical and useful, it earns its place in the moving truck.
Ask yourself, “Would I buy this again?” If the answer is no, it’s probably time to say goodbye.
Tips to Make Decluttering Easier
1. Set a Timer. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, so break it into manageable chunks. Spend 30 minutes on one room and take a break before moving on.
2. Channel Your Inner Marie Kondo. Hold each item and ask, “Does this spark joy?” If it sparks guilt or indifference, it’s out.
3. Recruit a Friend. Sometimes, you need a second opinion (or a tough-love pep talk). A friend can help you decide if you really need five almost-identical black sweaters.
Humorous Decluttering Disasters
• The Emotional Hoarder: You’ll find that shirt from your college roommate and spend 20 minutes reminiscing before realizing it doesn’t fit.
• The Last-Minute Purge: Rushing to declutter on moving day leads to tossing random things—like your passport. Don’t let this be you.
• The “What If I Need It?” Syndrome: Newsflash: You’re not going to need that karaoke machine from 2008.
Celebrate the Declutter
Once you’ve sorted everything, celebrate your progress. Take your donate pile to the nearest charity, toss the trash, and admire your neatly packed “keep” boxes.
Decluttering is freeing, like shedding an old skin. And the best part? You’re saving yourself time, energy, and space in the moving truck.
Decluttering before a move is the ultimate power move. It’s part therapy, part organization, and entirely satisfying. With a little effort and some tough decisions, you’ll only take what matters to your new home. Bonus: You’ll have fewer boxes to unpack, and isn’t that the dream?
