4 Tips on How to Declutter Before You Move: Expert Advice from Professional Stagers

Moving to a new home is exciting, but before you can settle into your new space, there’s a big task ahead—decluttering. At All About Staging and Design, we know firsthand that a well-organized, clutter-free home not only makes the moving process easier but can also help your current property sell faster. Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming, though. With a little planning and a few best practices, you can streamline the process and start fresh in your new home.

Here are four tips from our team of professional stagers on how to effectively declutter before you move:

1. Start Early and Create a Plan

Decluttering isn’t a task you want to rush, especially if you’ve accumulated items over several years. We recommend starting the process as early as possible—ideally a few weeks before you need to pack.

Create a Room-by-Room Plan:

Break the task down into manageable steps by focusing on one room at a time. Begin with areas that tend to collect the most clutter, such as closets, basements, or the garage. Tackling one space at a time will help you stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Set Decluttering Goals:

Decide how much you want to declutter in each room. A good rule of thumb is to reduce items by about 30-50%, especially in spaces that will be staged for sale. Buyers need to see the home’s potential, not your collection of extra items.

2. Sort Items Into Categories

A tried-and-true method that professional stagers use to declutter a space is to divide belongings into four categories: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Sell.

Keep:

These are items you’ll be bringing to your new home. Make sure they’re things you use regularly or hold sentimental value. Consider whether each item has a specific purpose in your new space.

Donate:

For gently used items that no longer serve you but are in good condition, consider donating them to local charities. Not only will you lighten your load, but you’ll also help someone in need.

Trash:

Items that are damaged, broken, or can’t be used by others should be tossed. Be sure to recycle whenever possible, especially when dealing with electronics or paper clutter.

Sell:

If you have valuable items that you no longer need, consider selling them through online marketplaces or holding a garage sale. This can help offset some of the moving costs!

3. Digitize Paperwork and Sentimental Items

Paper clutter is often one of the biggest challenges when it comes to decluttering before a move. From old tax returns to children’s artwork, paperwork tends to pile up in ways we don’t realize until it’s time to move.

Digitize Important Documents:

Scan important paperwork and store it digitally, reducing the amount of physical paper you need to transport. Not only will this free up space, but it will also help you keep everything organized and easily accessible.

Preserve Sentimental Items:

For sentimental items like old photos or artwork, consider digitizing them as well. Create digital albums or cloud-based storage to keep the memories safe without taking up physical space.

4. Maximize Space with Smart Storage Solutions

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s essential to make the remaining items easy to pack and store efficiently. This is especially important if your home will be staged for sale before the move. Buyers want to see spacious, organized areas that they can imagine themselves living in.

Use Clear Bins for Packing:

Clear storage bins are a great way to keep items organized and visible. These are particularly useful for items you’ll need to access before or shortly after the move.

Invest in Storage Boxes:

For homes that are being staged, using uniform storage boxes can help keep clutter hidden and create a clean, streamlined look. Stack them neatly in closets or storage rooms, giving the appearance of an organized, functional space.

Conclusion: Let’s Get Your Home Ready!

Decluttering before a move not only makes the packing process smoother but also helps potential buyers see your home’s true potential. At All About Staging and Design, we work with homeowners every day to create beautifully staged, clutter-free spaces that sell faster and for a higher price. By following these decluttering tips, you’ll be well on your way to a stress-free move and a fresh start in your new home.

Need help staging your home or want more tips on preparing for your move? Contact us today and let’s make your transition seamless!