Moving is the ideal time to eliminate clutter. Unnecessary things only add to the cost of moving and make your new place messy. But you should declutter systematically and set clear-cut decision criteria.

Here are some useful suggestions before moving day.

Start earlier than you think

The decluttering process should start at least four to six weeks prior to your move. Maybe you want to wait until the packing week to do this. But that will only result in hasty decision-making. In the end, you might end up moving with unnecessary items. So, start early.

Break the process into zones:

• Bedrooms
• Kitchen
• Garage
• Basement
• Closets.

Address one area at a time. This will prevent fatigue. Assign days to each zone and follow the schedule.

Use the four-category method

When sorting, group items into four distinct types:

• Keep
• Donate
• Sell
• Discard.

Do not make a maybe pile. Unless you have a strict review deadline. The rule of thumb is that there is no reason why an item should travel with you if:

• You have not used it in the last year
• You do not have any strong functional or sentimental attachments to it.

Be realistic about your new space

Check the design and size of your new house. Measure key areas like:

• Closets
• Storage rooms

Consider whether all essential items will fit in the new space. If you are not sure, consider temporary arrangements such as a self storage near Calgary.

You can use such facilities to store things that you are not yet willing to dispose of, but do not necessarily require at the moment. This will enable you to separate long-term value and short-term necessity. Hence, keep everything organized.

Eliminate redundant household items

This is common in kitchens and garages. Maybe you upgraded something. But you still have the older version. This is the time to release it. Or maybe you have:

• Several sets of dishes
• Unused small appliances
• Unnecessary tools.

These items occupy space and add weight to your move. Pack only what you use frequently.

Digitize paper where you can

Maybe you still have old documents, manuals, and paper files. These are very bulky. Digitize crucial documents and save them safely on the computer. Destroy obsolete or redundant papers.

Less paper means a lighter load. It also makes it easier to organize your new home.

Plan donation and disposal logistics

Establish an exit strategy for unnecessary items. This will ensure they do not stay till the moving day.

You can:

• Plan scheduled donation pickups
• Find local drop-off locations.

In case of large disposal items:

• Verify waste facility instructions
• Reserve a bulk pickup.

Final words

Decluttering before your move will cut down transportation expenses. It will ease unpacking and make it easier to organize your new home.