Moving Soon? Expert Decluttering Tips for a Smoother Move to Your New Home

Moving to a new home can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. As an interior designer, I’ve seen firsthand how clutter can turn a fresh start into a stressful experience. The key to a smoother move and transition to a new home lies in effective decluttering and smart organization before you even step foot in your new space. This post shares practical tips and personal insights to help you decide what to keep, donate, or discard, simplify your move, and create a welcoming, organized home from day one.

Decluttering Tips for a Smoother Move

Start with a Clear Plan for Decluttering

Before packing a single box, I highly encourage you to take time to plan your decluttering process. After all, moving is the perfect opportunity to evaluate your belongings and let go of what no longer serves you. Here’s how to begin:

• Set realistic goals: Break down your home into zones or rooms like kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc and tackle one at a time.

• Schedule decluttering sessions: Dedicate short, focused blocks of time rather than trying to do everything at once. Trust me on this.

• Gather supplies: Have boxes or bags labeled “Keep,” “Donate,” and “Trash” ready to sort items quickly.

  
  

In one of my past projects, a client was overwhelmed by years of accumulated items. I assigned her "homework" to do on her own and we scheduled 30-minute sessions for me to check on her progress over the course of two weeks, which made the process manageable and less stressful for her. These days I have a wonderful professional organizer who will handle the decluttering and organizing process for clients who are willing and able to pass off the baton for this type of project.

How to Decide What to Keep, Donate, or Discard

Making decisions about your belongings can be tough. Use these guidelines to help you sort through your things:

• Keep only what you use or love: If you haven’t used an item in the past year or it doesn’t bring you joy, it’s time to let it go.

• Donate items in good condition: Clothes, books, and household goods that are still usable can benefit others.

• Discard broken or worn-out items: Don’t hold onto things that are damaged beyond repair or unsafe to use.

  
  

A practical tip is to ask yourself, “Will this fit in my new home?” Sometimes the size or style of your new space means certain pieces won’t work. For example, a bulky sofa that dominated the old living room might overwhelm a smaller new space.

Simplify the Moving Process with Smart Packing

Packing can be a major source of stress, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Label boxes clearly: Include the room destination and a brief description of contents.

• Pack essentials separately: Prepare a box or bag with items you’ll need immediately, like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes.

• Use space-saving techniques: Roll clothes instead of folding, nest smaller items inside larger ones, and fill empty spaces with soft items to prevent shifting.

  
  

When helping a client's family move last year, we color-coded boxes by room and created an inventory list. This saved hours during the unpacking process and helped the family settle in quickly.

Create a Welcoming and Organized Space Upon Arrival

Once you arrive, focus on setting up key areas first to make your new house feel like home:

• Start with the bedroom: Unpack bedding and essentials so you can rest comfortably after a long day.

• Organize the kitchen: Set up frequently used items and clear counters to create a functional cooking space.

• Designate storage spots: Use boxes, hooks, and bins to keep things tidy and easy to find.

  
  

Of course you can personalize your space with a few meaningful items, like family photos or a favorite plant, to add warmth without clutter but try to give yourself a little grace before rushing to hang art or style bookshelves. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Personal Anecdote: How Decluttering Changed a Move

I once worked with a couple who were moving from a large multi-story house where they raised their family to a smaller one story home that fit their lifestyle of active empty nesters who love to travel. They were attached to their collected pieces and possessions from around the world and worried about downsizing. We focused on what truly mattered to them—sentimental pieces and daily essentials—and found new homes for the rest. The result was a calm, organized home that felt spacious and inviting. They told me later that the decluttering process made the move feel less like a loss and more like a fresh start.

I'll soon be taking my own advice and using these decluttering tips for a smoother move. Yes, it's true! We're moving y'all! More on that soon so stick around. In the meantime, be sure and sign up for our monthly NLI newsletter, so you'll stay in the know about happenings around NLI.