
How to Declutter Your Home Before Moving: A Smart and Efficient Guide
Moving house can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming — especially when you realise how much you’ve accumulated over the years. Learning how to declutter your home before moving can make the process faster, cheaper, and less stressful.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to declutter your home step-by-step, get your space organised, and move with only what truly matters.
Why Decluttering Before a House Move Matters?
Decluttering your home is more than just cleaning; it’s a chance to simplify your life before a fresh start.
When you declutter your house before moving, you:
- Save time on packing and unpacking
- Reduce moving costs (fewer boxes = smaller van = lower price)
- Feel mentally lighter and more organised
Think of it as a reset — a way to move into your new home with clarity and comfort.
How to Declutter Your Home for Beginners?
If you’re new to decluttering, start small. The key to success is consistency and simplicity, not perfection.
Follow these beginner-friendly steps:
- Start with One Room at a Time
Begin with the easiest area, like your bathroom or hallway cupboard. Small wins build motivation. - Sort into Three Categories
Use the classic method: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Discard. - Use the “One-Year Rule”
If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t. Be honest and let it go.
Declutter Sentimental Items Last
Tackle emotionally attached items once you’ve built decluttering momentum.
How to Declutter Your House Fast?
Need to move soon? Here’s how to declutter your house fast without feeling rushed:
- Set Timed Goals: Work in 30-minute focused sessions.
- Use a Checklist: Track progress room by room.
- Avoid Perfection: Your goal is progress, not a showroom.
- Get Help: Family, friends, or professional movers can speed things up.
A fast declutter doesn’t mean a messy one — it just means being decisive.
How to Declutter Your House in a Week?
If you have a week before your move, follow this 7-day home organisation plan:
| Areas to Declutter | Focus TIp |
| Kitchen | Toss expired food, donate duplicate utensils |
| Living Room | Sort books, decor, and electronics |
| Bedrooms | Declutter clothes and accessories |
| Bathrooms | Discard old cosmetics and toiletries |
| Office | Shred papers, organise digital files |
| Storage Areas | Clear attic, garage, basement |
| Review | Revisit “Maybe” items and pack essentials |
By the end of the week, your home will feel lighter — ready for packing and a fresh start.
Declutter Your Home Checklist – Request for Free
Before you start packing, print or save this decluttering checklist:
- Kitchen: Expired food, duplicate utensils, unused gadgets
- Living Room: DVDs, cords, outdated decor
- Bedrooms: Old clothes, broken hangers, unused bedding
- Bathroom: Empty bottles, expired medicine
- Office: Old paperwork, extra stationery
- Storage: Outgrown kids’ items, holiday decor, unused tools
Keep this list handy — it keeps you focused and ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Home Organisation Tips for a Smooth Move
Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time for home organisation. A tidy system makes packing and unpacking effortless.
- Label Everything Clearly: Room + Contents + Fragile (if needed)
- Pack by Zone: Keep kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom items grouped.
- Use Clear Bins for Essentials: So you can easily find what you need on your first night.
- Plan Your New Home Layout: Visualise where things will go before you unpack.
This extra step ensures that house organisation in your new space starts off right.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Move a Fresh Start
Decluttering before a house move isn’t just about stuff — it’s about starting a new chapter with clarity.
When you declutter your home before moving, you set the tone for an organised, peaceful, and fulfilling life in your new space.
Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the process. Your future self will thank you when you unpack only the things that truly matter.
Ready to Declutter and Move Stress-Free?
Let Brilliant Removals help you every step of the way.
We offer home moving, office moving, local and long-distance moving, packing and moving, and all-inclusive moving services across London.











