How To Get Rid Of Stuff When You’re Moving

Moving to a new home is one of life’s great reset buttons. It’s a fresh start, a blank page, an opportunity to leave behind what no longer serves you and carry only what adds value to your next chapter.

But the transition from old space to new space has a way of uncovering just how much we’ve accumulated—drawers full of outdated electronics, closets stuffed with clothes we haven’t worn in years, garages hiding unopened boxes from the last move. When you’re standing ankle-deep in clutter, the idea of packing everything up can feel more overwhelming than exciting.

This is why decluttering for a move is one of the most powerful ways to make space—not just in your new house, but in your life. Getting rid of stuff doesn’t have to be a painful process. In fact, when done with intention, it can be freeing, energizing, and deeply clarifying.

Here’s how to get rid of what you don’t need so you can enter your new home lighter, freer, and more focused on what matters most.

Start before you think you need to.

The decluttering process takes time—not just because of the physical effort, but because of the emotional energy it requires. Give yourself a generous head start. As soon as you know your move date, put decluttering on the calendar. One drawer at a time. One pile at a time. You’ll thank yourself later.

Use categories, not rooms.

Instead of decluttering room-by-room, try sorting by category: clothes, toys, paperwork, electronics, toiletries, pots and pans, artwork, jewelry, mugs, accessories. This helps you see what you actually own, notice duplicates, and decide what truly fits your lifestyle moving forward.

Label everything, even what you’re discarding.

Whether it’s boxes for the moving truck or bags for the donation center, labeling helps reduce the mental load later. “Keep—Seasonal Items,” “Donate—Kids’ Books,” “Trash—Expired Toiletries,” “Sell—Facebook Marketplace.” A simple label tells your future self what your current self decided, which makes decisions stick.

Set up three core destinations: donate, sell, toss.

You’re not just trying to get rid of stuff—you’re trying to become more intentional. That means being thoughtful about where your belongings go. Some items can go to a local shelter, school, or nonprofit. Others may be worth posting on Facebook Marketplace or including in a garage sale. And yes, some things just need to go in the trash bag. Not everything is worth keeping—or passing on.

Don’t overthink the sentimental stuff.

That box of college notes in the attic? The old toys in the basement? That pile of outdated greeting cards in your nightstand? Give yourself permission to let go. Keep a few treasures. Take a picture of the rest. You’re not discarding memories—you’re making room for new ones.

Check expiration dates. Seriously.

Go through toiletries, pantry items, and even paperwork. Toss what’s expired. You don’t need to carry old prescriptions or warranties for electronics you no longer own into your next life chapter.

Be ruthless with storage areas.

The attic, garage, and basement are where forgotten items go to die. That broken lamp you swore you’d fix, the duplicate utensils, the piles of mismatched mugs and unused accessories—this is your moment to part ways. Ask yourself: if I didn’t use it in this house, why would I use it in the next?

Downsize your lifestyle, not just your space.

Even if you’re not moving into a smaller space, act like you are. Downsizing isn’t about deprivation. It’s about deciding what kind of life you want to live and which possessions support that vision. A smaller wardrobe. A curated bookshelf. Just the essentials in your kitchen. Fewer things, more clarity.

Ask for help (and set boundaries).

If you hire a moving company or professional movers, remember they’re there to move—not to make decisions. That’s your job. If you’re working with a professional organizer, make sure they understand your values and goals. And if friends or family offer to help, give them a clear task. “Can you drop off this bag at the donation center?” is more helpful than “Can you help me declutter?”

Create a “new life” checklist.

Instead of just listing what to pack, make a checklist of the life you want to create in your new home. What kind of mornings do you want to have? What kind of space do you want for your kids? What kind of meals do you want to cook? Let that vision guide what you keep, what you discard, and how you set up your new space.

Moving isn’t just about relocating your stuff—it’s about reimagining your life. Every box you pack, every item you let go of, every drawer you empty is a small decision about what kind of life you want to live. Choose with intention. Release what no longer belongs. Welcome the blank page with open hands and a lighter heart.

Your new house isn’t just a new address. It’s a new chance to live the way you always wanted.