We’ve seen it and we’ve experienced it. Decluttering makes everyone stressed and it’s normal! The great thing about it is that it’s one of the best things you can do to wipe your slate clean and start your next chapter stress-free. If you’re downsizing or just tired of hauling things you don’t need, knowing what to keep, sell, donate, or discard can help you stay organized and in control during your move.

Here’s the detailed step-by-step guide to decluttering before your move!

Step 1: Start With a Plan

Before you start tossing things in bags or boxes, take a moment to create a real plan. Decluttering before moving works best when you give yourself time and direction. First, mark your move-out date and work backward to create a simple timeline. Dedicate specific days to each room or zone in your home.

Second, set clear goals to stay motivated. Here are some suggestions for what your goal can look like:

Want to cut down on clutter? Aim to reduce what you own by a certain percentage.
Need to save money or make extra cash? Prioritize selling items in good condition.
Trying to stay organized? Focus on keeping only what serves a purpose in your new space.

Third, set up four clearly labeled boxes or bins: keep, sell, donate, and discard. This visual system helps you make quick decisions and keeps clutter from just moving to a new corner of the house.

What to Avoid When Making Your Decluttering Plan

Don’t feel demotivated yet! Getting through the first step is a great accomplishment. But, even with a great plan, it’s easy to fall into a few common traps. Here’s five things that you need to avoid before getting started:

Procrastinating until the last minute: Decluttering the night before a move leads to stress, broken items, and rushed decisions. Take the time to assess your items. It’ll also give you more leniency when deciding if you want to keep or get rid of it.
Holding onto things “just in case”: If it hasn’t been useful in the last year, odds are it won’t be in your new space either.
Keeping duplicates: Do you really need five spatulas or three almost-identical winter coats?
Ignoring digital clutter: Old paperwork, cords, chargers, or tech accessories that no longer work should be part of your sort.
Starting without a plan: Wandering from room to room can make decluttering feel endless. Stick to your schedule and keep the cluttered brain and home at bay.

Step 2: Ask Yourself the Right Questions

We know it’s hard to part with things because we’re emotionally attached or unsure if we’ll regret it later. These three simple questions can help you make solid decisions, especially when decluttering before moving.

Have I Used This in the Last Year?

This question works best for items like clothing, kitchen gadgets, bathroom products, or tools. If it hasn’t been touched in 12 months, chances are you won’t miss it. Exceptions can be made for seasonal or emergency-use items, but don’t stretch it. If it’s collecting dust, it’s not doing its job!

Does This Spark Joy?

Famously recognized as the KonMari method, this question is ideal for sentimental pieces, decorations, or gifts you’ve kept out of guilt. If an item doesn’t make you smile or bring back good memories, it’s okay to let it go! You can thank it for its purpose and service while in your possession, and choose to donate or sell it. Someone else might find value in it where you no longer do!

Is It Worth the Space It Takes Up?

Space is valuable, especially when packing. Ask yourself if an item deserves the square footage it’ll take up in a box or your new home. If it’s bulky, rarely used, or a hassle to move, it might be time to part ways.

If you’re looking for a little extra help with the heavy lifting after decluttering, consider reaching out to a local moving company that can help bring your plan to life smoothly. Our Toronto moving services are ready with local support and expertise when you need it!

Step 3: Sell, Donate, or Discard Responsibly

You’ve sorted your items and asked yourself the right questions. Now what? Here’s how to take the next step with each pile.

How to Sell My Items

If you’re hoping to make some cash from your decluttering efforts, try selling gently used items through:

Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, or OfferUp
Garage or yard sales, especially if you have lots of smaller items
Specialty apps for clothing (e.g., Poshmark), books (e.g., BookScouter), or electronics (e.g., Swappa)

When selling, clean your items, take good photos, and include measurements or details in your listings. Buyers like transparency and quick responses!

Where to Donate

If you’re ready to give your stuff a second life, donations are a great way to do it. Check out:

Local thrift stores or secondhand shops
Shelters, community centers, or charities
Donation bins (for clothing and shoes)
Libraries or schools (for books or supplies)

Make sure what you’re donating is clean and in usable condition. If it’s broken, better to recycle or toss it.

How to Discard Responsibly

For the items that can’t be sold or donated, don’t just toss everything into one big trash bag. Think sustainably:

Recycle electronics, batteries, and light bulbs through proper recycling centers
Call your municipality for large-item pickup or special drop-off instructions
Use designated bins for hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, etc.)

Being thoughtful here reduces waste and keeps your community clean. If you’re unsure what goes where, check out Ontario’s waste management page to learn more about how you can responsibly dispose of your clutter!

How Decluttering Makes Moving Easier

Being honest, moving is enough work on its own. But decluttering before moving makes every part of the process lighter, easier, and more rewarding! These are the benefits we’ve seen for every one of our customers over the years:

Less overall stress on the day of your move
Fewer boxes to pack, move, and unpack
Faster setup in your new home with only the essentials
Lower costs for packing materials and transportation

Plus, when you open that first box in your new place, it feels great knowing everything inside actually matters to you.

It’s Time To Declutter

The decluttering process won’t always be perfect, but being prepared to tackle the monster that it is will take the weight right off your shoulders during your move. By planning early, asking the right questions, and making informed decisions about what stays and what goes, you’ll set yourself up for a great move! Take it one room at a time, and remember: letting go of the excess makes room for the things that really count!

Moving, Packing, Tips

Keep, Sell, Donate, or Discard? Steps For Decluttering Before Your Move