Key points
Start three months before your moving date, create a schedule and sort items room by room.
Sell high-end items at consignment shops, donate gently used items to charities and recycle old electronics.
Hire a professional organizer if you need support.
Ask any professional mover about your first strategic step when preparing for a move, and they’ll likely tell you: downsizing and decluttering. Whether you’re moving to a smaller home, making a long-distance move or moving locally, cutting down on excess belongings will minimize the hassle of packing and save you money on moving supplies. With fewer knickknacks to transport, you’ll also snag a lower moving quote and avoid extra fees for additional weight or space.
To help guide you through downsizing your home, we spoke to Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, chief executive officer and organizing expert at A Pleasant Solution in Detroit, and Bridget Flynn, owner of Divine Organizing, a luxury home organizing and moving management company in Westport, Connecticut.
With our experts’ advice, we’ll guide you through the downsizing process — including creating a schedule, digitizing old photos and selling unwanted items online. We’ll also help you avoid common mistakes, such as waiting until the last minute, being overly sentimental over keepsakes and saving items “just in case.”
Whether you want to embrace a minimalist lifestyle or relocate to a smaller space, follow these steps to reach your downsizing goals.
What are effective ways to downsize and declutter before a move?
Preparing for a move involves more than hiring professional movers and packing boxes. Decluttering can help you stay within budget and reduce stress during moving. Here are some key downsizing tips to consider for your move.
Make a schedule
Start by setting aside dedicated time in your schedule. This will give you ample time to sort your belongings without feeling overwhelmed. “Ideally, start three to four months in advance,” said Flynn. “This time frame allows you to declutter without rushing and provides enough time to sell, donate or dispose of items responsibly.”
Create a timeline or checklist to stay organized and on track with your decluttering goals. Go through one room or area per week leading up to the move. “If you have one month or less, dedicate time to reviewing and decluttering your key areas: clothing, kids’ items, the kitchen and pantry, and large furniture items,” said Kennedy.
Sort items room by room
Sorting items room by room allows you to focus on one area at a time, making the process more manageable and less overwhelming. Start with a specific room or area of your home, such as the garage or primary bedroom, and use the four-box method. For each room, bring four boxes labeled “keep,” “sell,” “donate” and “trash.” This method forces decision-making for each item.
Consider each item’s usefulness, condition and sentimental value. Let go of kitchen items you never use, clothes that no longer fit and toys the kids have outgrown. Get rid of any duplicate items, too. For example, if you have four brooms, bring only one in the best condition.
Avoid getting bogged down by sentimentality or indecision. Instead, focus on your criteria for keeping or letting go of items and stick to them. “If you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s unlikely you’ll need it in the future,” said Flynn. “This mindset helps us let go of unnecessary items.”
Digitize items
“Photos, documents and other paper items can take up a lot of space,” said Flynn. “Digitizing these can save space and preserve them more securely.”
Start by identifying items that can be consolidated, such as tax documents, family photo albums, kids’ art projects, CDs and DVDs.
Invest in a scanner or download a smartphone app to scan images at home. Consider using cloud storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox to save media and access your files from anywhere. Use external hard drives, online backup services or multiple storage locations in case of computer failure or other issues.
Measure your new space
Measuring your new home will help determine which items will fit. “If you have access to the floor plan of your new place, be sure to approximate where items will live before your move,” said Kennedy. “Measure your furniture to ensure it will fit through the doorways, up the staircase or into the elevator.”
Pay special attention to any alcoves, nooks or odd-shaped areas that may affect placement. Your oversize sectional might not suit your new living room. Be realistic about what will fit and what you need to replace to accommodate your new space.
How do you get rid of your unwanted stuff?
Before trashing unwanted items, consider eco-friendly and cost-saving alternatives to the landfill.
Sell items
Selling unwanted items is a practical way to declutter while earning extra cash to offset moving expenses. Here are some options for selling your items:
- Consignment shops: Sell higher-value items, such as antique furniture, designer clothing and jewelry at consignment shops. The shops take a percentage of the sale price as a commission, but they handle the sales process for you. “Online resale sites like The RealReal or Poshmark will take higher-end items in good condition,” said Kennedy.
- Online platforms: Use Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, eBay or selling groups to reach a wide audience. Take clear photos and provide detailed, honest descriptions of your items to attract buyers. Be responsive to inquiries and arrange for safe and convenient pickup or delivery.
- Yard sale: Organize a garage sale to offload various items simultaneously. Advertise in your neighborhood or online classifieds, price items competitively and be prepared to negotiate with shoppers.
Donate items
Donating unwanted items is a compassionate way to declutter while helping those in need. Consider these donation options:
- Charities and nonprofits: Research charities, shelters, and nonprofit organizations in your community that accept donations. Many organizations welcome a wide range of items, including clothing, furniture, household goods, toys and electronics.
- Online donation platforms: Explore online donation platforms such as Freecycle, Craigslist’s “free” section or local Facebook groups. These platforms connect you with individuals or families in your community who may need items you no longer want.
- Thrift stores: Donate gently used clothing, accessories and household items to Goodwill, The Salvation Army or thrift shops. These organizations often use proceeds from sales to fund programs and services that benefit the community.
Recycle items
Recycling unwanted items is an environmentally friendly way to declutter, divert materials from landfills and reduce your ecological footprint. Here are some ways to responsibly recycle your items:
- Electronics recycling: You can recycle old electronics and appliances through specialized programs or e-waste recycling facilities. Many electronics retailers and manufacturers, such as Best Buy and Apple, have take-back programs or recycling services for electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, TVs and small appliances. Remember to wipe personal data from electronic devices before you recycle.
- Hazardous waste disposal: “Check for your town’s hazardous waste recycling day as soon as possible. Movers won’t take motor oil, paint or other hazardous waste,” said Flynn. The United States Environmental Protection Agency website has a detailed list of hazardous materials, and you can contact your local environmental agency for guidance on proper disposal methods.
- Specialty recycling facilities: Check with your local recycling center or waste management facility to determine which items are recyclable in your area. They can also guide you to specialty recycling facilities for items such as mattresses, tires, furniture and construction debris.
Contract junk removal services
Junk removal services are professional companies that specialize in removing unwanted items, debris, and clutter from homes, offices or construction sites. These services are particularly useful if you have many items to dispose of, such as old furniture, appliances and construction materials.
“All you have to do is point to the items you want removed, and they’ll take them away,” said Flynn. “At their facility, they will sort items into recycling, donation, and trash and dispose of them properly.”
Trash items
Throwing items in the trash should be considered a last resort after exploring options for selling, donating or recycling. However, disposing of unsalvageable items through regular trash collection services may be necessary.
“Investigate your local waste and recycling guidelines to better understand what types of items can go out with your weekly trash pickup,” said Kennedy. “Many larger items can be disposed of curbside if you give your waste management company adequate advance notice.”
What should you not do when downsizing before a move?
As you begin downsizing, avoid these pitfalls that can hinder the process.
Don’t procrastinate
“It’s never too soon to start,” said Kennedy. Don’t leave downsizing and decluttering until the last minute. Procrastination can lead to rushed decisions, increased stress and keeping items you no longer need. Instead, start the process early and give yourself plenty of time to sort through everything and make thoughtful decisions.
Don’t save items “just in case”
One of the most common downsizing mistakes is saving items “just in case.” While it’s tempting to hold onto things for hypothetical future scenarios, this mindset can lead to unnecessary clutter and make the downsizing process more challenging.
Professional movers charge based on the weight of your items in the moving truck, so paying to move things you might not need could lead to unnecessary costs. “Ask yourself: would it be less expensive to repurchase it (if needed) upon arrival?” said Kennedy.
Don’t use sentimentality as an excuse
Pay attention to the emotional implications of downsizing. Sorting sentimental items can evoke memories and attachments, making it difficult to part with certain items. Acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself to grieve the loss.
However, try not to let sentimentality override your practical considerations. Be selective about which family heirlooms hold significant sentimental value. “It can be challenging, but find a way to honor these items without cluttering your space,” said Kennedy. “This could mean choosing a few items to keep, taking photos of others and passing some on to loved ones or family members who will cherish them.”
Don’t pack everything
Packing and transporting unnecessary items will increase moving costs, especially if you’re hiring a full-service moving company. The more items you have, the more time and resources it takes to pack, load, transport and unload them.
“Avoid the temptation just to box up everything with the idea of sorting it out later,” said Flynn. “I once unpacked a client who had lugged one box from home to home for 35 years and never opened it.”
What’s next?
If you feel overwhelmed about downsizing, calling in a professional organizer can be a game-changer. They’ll keep you accountable for making progress and help you overcome any obstacles or challenges along the way.
“Relocating is a time-consuming and exhausting process,” said Kennedy. “You won’t make the time after the move to go back through what you own, so decide before you move.”
