Declutter Before Moving: Why You Should Treat Your Stuff Like It’s Costing You Money
This is one of my favorite topics to write about because I believe so strongly in this specific step. Recently, I helped a friend move, and to be honest, it was quite an ordeal. It was the kind of situation that could have been easily avoided had the preparation happened before the boxes were even bought. Because she is a close friend, I didn't lecture her; instead, I just observed. I could see how overwhelmed and stressed she was, and I certainly didn't want to add any fuel to the fire.
Her husband was taking a new job in a different state, and they had a set moving allowance. As many people realize too late, once you factor in the costs of setting up new services, registering cars, and the logistics of a long-distance move, that allowance disappears quickly. She had an apartment full of things and was moving into a new house. Her instinct was to take everything, but the reality was that not everything earned a spot in the moving truck.
The Golden Rule: Declutter First, Pack Second
The most common mistake people make is thinking they will sort through their belongings once they arrive at the new house. This is a costly error. Decluttering before moving makes the entire process of packing significantly easier and faster.
My friend initially planned to ship everything and donate the excess later. However, when you pay a moving company based on the number of boxes and the total weight of your possessions, paying to ship items you don't even want is just wasted money. By helping her declutter in advance, we saved them a lot of unnecessary expenses. Reducing what you own isn't just about organization; it makes serious financial sense.
Use the "Moving Mindset" Even If You’re Staying Put
Why wait until you have a moving truck in the driveway to evaluate your belongings? If you have to buy extra storage containers, plastic bins, or rent a storage unit just to house things you don't use, your home is screaming at you to declutter.
Many people hold onto their "what-ifs" as if they will never be able to replace an item again. In reality, if you truly need a common item down the road, it can usually be at your doorstep in a couple of days.
The 20-20 Decluttering Rule
One of the best tools for this mindset is the 20-20 decluttering rule. This rule states that if you can replace an item for less than $20 and in under 20 minutes from where you are, you can safely let it go. If it fits these criteria and you aren't using it, out it goes! This frees up the mental and physical space that the item was "taxing" you for every day.
The Hidden Cost of Storing Excess
People pay their hard-earned money every day to store things they no longer need or even like. Think about the "real estate" in your home:
Closet Space: Buying extra hangers for clothes you haven't worn in two years.
Room Functionality: Keeping a playroom full of old toys when what you really need is a functional home office.
External Storage: Monthly fees for a storage unit filled with "mystery boxes."
I always suggest: Get rid of everything you don't need as if you were paying a professional mover by the pound to transport it.
Ask the Ultimate Question
When you are holding an item and can't decide whether to keep it, ask yourself: "Would I pay money to move this item to a new home?" If the answer is no, it’s clutter, and it’s time to let it go. If the answer is yes, then you know it is useful, wanted, and worth the space it takes up. By looking at your belongings through this lens, you ensure that you are surrounded only by things that you truly love or need. As Marie Kondo says, keep only what "sparks joy."
Surrounding yourself with items that have earned their place makes not only financial sense but emotional sense as well. You deserve to live in a home that feels light, not one weighed down by the "ghosts" of moves past.
Ready to Lighten the Load?
If you are preparing for a move or just realized your current home is costing you too much in "clutter tax," we can help. At The Uncluttered Life, we specialize in helping you make those tough decisions so you can move forward with only what matters. Contact us today to start your decluttering journey.