Clear the Clutter Before You Pack

Don’t take the mess with you—declutter now and pack light later.

Moving this summer? Don’t make the mistake of packing everything. Decluttering before you move isn’t just about having fewer boxes—it’s about saving time, money, and sanity. Every extra item you pack adds to your moving costs, slows you down, and fills your new home with old clutter you probably don’t even need.

This practical room-by-room guide will walk you through what to toss, donate, sell, or haul away—so your summer move feels like a fresh start, not a full-time job.

Why Decluttering Before Moving Is a Game-Changer

• You’ll save money on moving supplies and transport

• You’ll reduce packing time and stress

• Your new home will feel instantly lighter and more organized

• You may even make extra cash by selling unused items

• You’ll have an opportunity to donate to local charities or reuse networks

Let’s get to it—one room at a time.

Room-by-Room Decluttering Game Plan

Living Room

Clutter Culprits: Extra decor, old remotes, outdated DVDs, broken electronics, duplicate cables, worn-out furniture

Quick Wins:

• Test all electronics and discard what doesn’t work
• Pack only the decor you actually plan to reuse
• Recycle or donate media you haven’t touched in years

Pro Tip: Schedule a bulk scrap removal for furniture you’re ready to part with. Don’t waste time or gas moving something you’ll replace.

Bedrooms

Clutter Culprits: Clothes you haven’t worn in 12+ months, unused linens, mismatched socks, broken hangers, random items stuffed under beds

Quick Wins:

• Make a “keep, toss, donate” pile for clothing
• Use space-saving vacuum bags for out-of-season clothes
• Label and pack only what you love and use

Pro Tip: Place donation bags directly in your car—don’t give yourself time to second guess them!

Kitchen

Clutter Culprits: Duplicate utensils, expired pantry items, old spices, mismatched Tupperware, broken appliances

Quick Wins:

• Empty each drawer and only put back essentials
• Toss expired items and donate sealed non-perishables
• Wrap and pack rarely-used appliances—leave daily-use items for last

Pro Tip: Save one bin for a “first kitchen box” that travels with you—it’ll make your first night in your new home smoother.

Bathrooms

Clutter Culprits: Expired medicine, half-used beauty products, broken brushes, old towels

Quick Wins:

• Check expiration dates on everything
• Combine or toss near-empty bottles
• Keep only what you use daily

Pro Tip: Moving is a great time to reset your self-care stash. Toss the 3-year-old lotion.

Garage, Storage & Outdoor Areas

Clutter Culprits: Broken tools, duplicate garden supplies, mystery cords, unused paint cans, busted furniture, old toys

Quick Wins:

• Create a “use it or lose it” zone for tools and gear
• Check local guidelines for paint and chemical disposal
• Bundle cables or toss if you don’t know what they go to

Pro Tip: This is prime territory for scrap removal. Get a quote from a local partner to haul away large junk—don’t DIY the dump run.

How to Get Rid of the Stuff

• Donate to local shelters or thrift shops (many offer pickup)

• List gently used items on Buy Nothing groups or online marketplaces

• Schedule a trusted scrap removal pro from Helplisted to haul the rest

The Summer Moving Declutter Challenge

Set a 15-minute timer per room. Each session, commit to removing just 10 things—trash, donate, sell, or scrap. In a few days, your clutter’s cut in half and your move feels 10x lighter.

Don’t Let Clutter Hijack Your Fresh Start

Moving should be about a new beginning, not dragging the past into your new space. Decluttering now helps you walk into your next chapter clear, clean, and ready.

Need help removing bulky junk or booking a moving pro?
Visit Helplisted.com to connect with local experts who can handle the heavy lifting—so you can focus on the fresh start.