The Summer Declutter Plan That Makes Moving Easier

Declutter now. Pack less. Stress less. This summer checklist clears the chaos before you tape the first box.

If you’re planning a summer move, there’s one step that makes the whole thing smoother: decluttering. Not just tidying—but actually letting go of what you don’t need, so your move is lighter, cheaper, and way less stressful.

This blog gives you a straightforward checklist to declutter every major part of your home, along with what to do with all that stuff—from donation and recycling to calling in local scrap pros.

Whether you’re weeks away or just getting started, this plan will help you pack smarter, not harder.

Why Declutter Before You Move?

• You’ll pack and unpack faster

• You’ll cut down on boxes, trucks, and time

• You won’t waste energy moving items you never use

• You’ll walk into your new place already feeling organized

Let’s break it down.

THE SUMMER DECLUTTER PLAN

Your Pre-Move Room-by-Room Checklist

✔ Entryway & Hallways

• Clear shoe racks

• Recycle broken umbrellas or coat hooks

• Toss junk mail or old keys

✔ Kitchen

• Toss expired food & spices

• Donate duplicates (utensils, pots, mugs)

• Recycle cracked Tupperware

• Check under the sink—trash old cleaners

✔ Living Room

• Re-home unread books or old DVDs

• Donate small furniture or décor you won’t use

• Toss broken electronics or remotes

✔ Bedrooms

• Use the 12-month rule for clothes: if you haven’t worn it, donate it

• Toss mismatched socks & broken hangers

• Donate linens, extra pillows, unused storage bins

✔ Bathroom

• Toss expired medicine and products

• Recycle empty or old containers

• Keep only your daily-use items for the move

✔ Garage & Storage

• Toss rusted tools, dried paint, damaged boxes

• Donate sports equipment you don’t use

• Schedule a local junk haul for heavy items

✔ Kids' Stuff

• Involve the kids: donate toys they’ve outgrown

• Toss anything broken or missing pieces

• Label and box what they’re keeping for easy moving

✔ Home Office

• Shred old papers

• Donate unused electronics or cords

• Digitize files if possible

3 QUICK BINS TO MAKE DECLUTTERING EASY

1. Keep
   Only what you love, use, or truly need.

2. Donate
   Gently used clothes, furniture, tools, kitchen gear, etc.

3. Junk/Scrap
   Broken furniture, worn-out gear, yard waste, heavy trash.

Who Can Help?

Don’t want to haul it all yourself? Let Helplisted connect you with:

• Junk & scrap removal pros to get rid of bulky stuff fast

• Donation pickup partners for charities & reuse networks

• Local movers who love a clean, pre-sorted job

🕒 Declutter Timeline: 4 Weeks Before Moving

• Week 4: Start with storage areas, garage, attic
• Week 3: Bedrooms and closets
• Week 2: Kitchen, living room, bathrooms
• Week 1: Final sweep, trash out, call junk/donation services

Final Tip: Use color-coded tape for what stays, goes, or needs removal

Start Fresh Without the Mess

Decluttering before you move makes your move—and your mindset—lighter. Whether you’re donating, tossing, or scheduling a junk pickup, the key is to start early and go room by room.

Need help clearing it out?
Visit Helplisted.com to find local pros for scrap removal, donation pickups, and moving support—all in one place.