When you're preparing for a move, whether it's across Warwick, Rhode Island, or across the country, decluttering before a move is one of the smartest things you can do. It helps you save time, reduce stress, cut moving costs, and start fresh in your new space without unnecessary baggage.
At RA Movers, we've helped hundreds of local families streamline their move by encouraging them to declutter early. We've also taken cues from trusted resources like PODS, who specialize in storage and moving solutions, and offer professional insight into what really works when it comes to letting go of clutter.
Below are 12 expert-recommended decluttering tips to help you feel organized, focused, and ready for your next chapter.
Key Takeaways
- Decluttering before your move helps you minimize packing, lower moving costs, and start fresh in your new home.
- Follow expert strategies like the One-Year Rule, 20/20 Rule, and Move-Out Method to make decisions easier.
- Start early and work in time blocks to stay consistent without getting overwhelmed.
1. Start Early
The most common mistake people make is underestimating how long decluttering takes. Begin the process at least 4–6 weeks before your move, or even earlier if you can.
Start in low-traffic or storage-heavy areas like the garage, basement, attic, or spare rooms. These spaces often hold the most clutter and give you the momentum to keep going. Once the easier spaces are clear, you can focus on higher-use areas like the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.
Why this matters:
- Prevents last-minute decision fatigue
- Makes your home easier to show or sell if it's on the market
- Gives you time to sell, donate, or responsibly dispose of unwanted items
2. Get Motivated
Moving is hard work. Decluttering can feel emotional and exhausting, so stay focused on your “why.”
Think about:
- How much easier unpacking will be with fewer boxes
- The money you'll save by moving fewer items
- The freedom of starting fresh without old clutter
Visualizing your clean, spacious new home helps you stay excited and committed throughout the process.
3. Use the One-Year Rule
This rule is simple but powerful: if you haven’t used it in the past 12 months, you probably don’t need it.
Apply this rule to:
- Clothes
- Kitchen gadgets
- Books
- Craft supplies
- Cords, electronics, or tools
This method is especially helpful for overthinkers who struggle to let go. If you didn’t miss it for an entire year, you won’t miss it now.
4. Apply the 20/20 Rule
Another excellent tool for decision-making: If an item can be replaced in under 20 minutes for less than $20, consider letting it go.
Great for:
- Duplicate items (spatulas, tape measures, water bottles)
- Impulse purchases you regret
- “Just-in-case” items that rarely get used
This rule prevents the “what if I need it later?” trap and helps reduce clutter fast.
5. Try the Move-Out Method
Pretend you've already moved and you're starting fresh. Would you bring this item into your new home?
This mental shift helps remove emotional bias and allows you to assess each item from a fresh perspective. It’s a subtle trick that helps you separate what you own from what you actually value.
6. Sort Into Labeled Piles
Set up a designated sorting area and use clearly labeled boxes or bags for:
- Keep – items you use, love, or need regularly
- Donate – items in good condition that someone else could use
- Toss – broken, outdated, or damaged items
- Store – items you want but don’t need immediately (e.g., seasonal gear, keepsakes)
- Sell – valuable items to list online or in a yard sale
- Recycle – paper, plastic, electronics, etc.
- Shred – documents with sensitive information
This sorting system helps prevent decision fatigue and keeps things from piling up in one messy “maybe” pile.
7. Track Your Progress with Photos
Taking before-and-after photos of each room or closet can be incredibly motivating. They visually show your hard work and make you feel like you’re making real progress even when the space still looks messy in the middle of the process.
Bonus: You’ll have proof of your organizing skills if you plan to stage your home for sale or rent.
8. Schedule Decluttering Time Blocks
Instead of setting vague goals like “declutter the whole house this weekend,” schedule 1 to 3-hour sessions each week. Consistent small efforts will help you move faster and with far less stress.
Stick to one room or category per session to avoid burnout:
- Monday: Junk drawer
- Wednesday: Pantry
- Saturday: Bedroom closet
This keeps you moving without feeling overwhelmed.
9. Use Portable or Off-Site Storage
Once you've sorted and packed items you plan to keep but don’t need immediately, store them out of the way. If your home is becoming cluttered with labeled boxes, use a secure storage facility to keep items until you're ready to move them.
At RA Movers, we offer local storage solutions in Warwick, RI, perfect for:
- Holiday décor
- Off-season clothes
- Family keepsakes
- Furniture that won’t fit in your next space
10. Touch Every Item
Don’t assume you know what’s in every drawer or bin. Go through everything, even boxes in your closet or the garage you haven't opened in years.
Why? Because that’s where clutter hides. Open every box, touch every item, and make an intentional decision. It may feel tedious, but it ensures you only bring meaningful or useful things into your new home.
11. Start with Easier Areas
If you begin with emotional items like photos or gifts, you’ll get stuck. Instead, start with simple decisions like expired pantry items, old T-shirts, or broken tools. These “easy wins” build confidence and make it easier to tackle harder areas later.
Suggested order:
- Garage
- Linen closet
- Pantry
- Bedrooms
- Sentimental storage bins
12. Involve the Whole Family
Moving is a team effort, and decluttering should be too. Get your kids, spouse, or roommates involved. Let everyone manage their own room or closet.
For kids, you can make it fun:
- Give them two bins: one for “take with me” and one for “donate.”
- Offer a reward if they fill their donation box.
- Explain how their old toys can make another child happy.
This builds accountability and reduces arguments later.
What to Do with Decluttered Items
Once you’ve sorted everything, here’s where things can go:
- Donate to local centers like Goodwill Warwick, Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI, or the Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
- Recycle paper, plastic, electronics, and batteries at city-approved facilities.
- Sell high-value items through Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local consignment shops.
- Store anything you love but don’t need daily with RA Movers’ storage service in Warwick.
Get Ready to Pack Like a Pro
After decluttering, you’ll be left with only what matters most—which makes packing significantly easier.
Pro Tips:
- Label boxes by room and contents.
- Color-code boxes for fast unloading.
- Use sturdy boxes and bubble wrap for fragile items.
- Keep a "moving day essentials bag" with snacks, toiletries, chargers, and paperwork.
Need help? We offer packing services for busy families who want peace of mind on moving day.
Let RA Movers Help You Move Forward, Clutter-Free
Decluttering before a move is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress, cut costs, and feel in control of your transition. Once you’ve sorted what matters, let RA Movers take care of the rest. From secure packing to careful loading, storage, and local or long-distance transport, we’re the team Warwick families trust for stress-free moves.
Contact us today for your free quote and let’s start planning your clutter-free relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How early should I start decluttering before a move?
Start at least 4–6 weeks before your move. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have to donate, recycle, or store items.
Q2: What’s the fastest way to declutter a house before moving?
Start with one room at a time and use clear categories (keep, donate, toss, store). Begin with easy items to build momentum.
Q3: What’s the One-Year Rule?
If you haven’t used or worn something in the past 12 months, it’s probably safe to donate or discard.
Q4: Do I need storage if I’m still unsure about certain items?
Yes! RA Movers offers secure storage options so you can revisit items once you're settled in your new space.
Q5: Does decluttering actually save money on moving?
Absolutely. You’ll need fewer boxes, less labor time, and may even be able to use a smaller truck, resulting in significant cost savings.
