“Moving Smarter, Not Harder: Decluttering Tips for a Fresh Start”
Moving is a whirlwind. If you’re buying or selling a home, it can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Trust me, I know—I moved recently after living in the same place for 22 years.
But while moving can be stressful, it also offers a unique opportunity: the chance to decide.
The Power of Decisions
Clutter is often the result of indecision. We keep things because we have the space, or because deciding what to do with them feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve tried to declutter before, but the process brought up uncomfortable emotions, so you stopped. Avoiding decisions might feel easier in the moment, but it only kicks the “decision can” down the road, where it piles up into even bigger challenges.
Moving is your chance to break that cycle. It’s time to embrace this opportunity, face the decisions, and clear the clutter.
The Cost of Avoidance
I’ve spoken with many people who regret moving their clutter into their new home. Surrounded by boxes, they feel overwhelmed. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s also a chance to grow.
The good news is that moving provides multiple opportunities to declutter. If you missed one, don’t worry—there’s always another just around the corner.
Key Decluttering Opportunities When You Move
- Staging Your Home
When selling a home, less is more. Cluttered spaces can make it harder for prospective buyers to imagine themselves living there. Clearing out closets, drawers, and other spaces helps your home look bigger, more inviting, and emotionally appealing—exactly what you want when showing your home. - Packing for Your Move
Packing offers another chance to make decisions. Start early—don’t wait until the week before your move. Begin with areas that contain less-used items, like storage rooms, basements, or décor. When you pack in advance, you give yourself the time and mental space to decide what to keep and what to let go. - Unpacking in Your New Home
Once you’re in your new space, you’ll discover items that no longer fit or serve you. That’s okay—decluttering doesn’t have to happen all at once. Let go of what no longer works and appreciate the clarity this stage brings.
Lessons from My Own Move
Having recently gone through a move, I decluttered at each of these phases, and it felt incredible to enter my new space with less stuff. Deciding what to keep made me feel empowered—my belongings now serve me, not the other way around.
Avoiding Decision Fatigue
Decluttering can be mentally exhausting. Decision fatigue is real, especially if you’ve been putting off decisions about your stuff. If you’ve ever felt drained after sorting through your belongings, you’re not alone—it’s hard work for your brain.
To combat decision fatigue:
- Validate your experience. It’s normal to feel tired after making a lot of decisions.
- Give your brain a break. Every hour, take 5–10 minutes to do something creative or right-brained, like doodling or listening to music.
- Start early. Begin decluttering well in advance of your move to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Tips for Tackling the Declutter
- Start with easy items. Don’t dive into the sentimental stuff right away. Build momentum with simpler decisions first.
- Encourage yourself. Say out loud, “I can do this,” as often as you need to.
- Don’t fall into the “I might need this someday” trap. Instead, tell yourself, “I’m not using this now. Someone else can benefit from it.”
Remember: Decluttering Is Ongoing
Decluttering isn’t a one-and-done task. Life brings new stages, and with them, new items. It’s okay to have clutter—what matters is being intentional about regularly letting go.
And let’s not beat ourselves up over having clutter. Instead, celebrate the power of deciding and letting go. You’ve got this!
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, use this opportunity to shed what no longer serves you. It’s not just about clearing space in your home—it’s about creating space in your life for what truly matters.
