How to Get Rid of Clutter Before Moving

We’re born with nothing, but we gain a lot throughout our lives. We became good consumers of all those stock markets, but do we need everything we have right now? It's not that important whether you are going to move or you want to upgrade your home; just consider the fact that with this useless junk, you can make some money and save on your moving cost. Even if it looks old, someone might want it, and you might gain from it.

By clearing out your present home's clutter and junk, you can lessen your load before moving. Eliminating useless items makes packing simpler and less expensive and ensures that you don't stumble into your new house unprepared.

Remember, the local moves are charged at the hourly rate. So if you get rid of your unwanted items, you will have fewer goods to move. This is another way to save on your move.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to declutter and make some extra cash. Instead of packing and paying to move things, you no longer use, sell, donate, or recycle them. Someone else might find value in what you no longer need, whether it's an old chair, extra kitchenware, or electronics. Here’s how to lighten your load and profit before your big move.

Donate vs. Sell: What’s Best?

Selling can bring in solid returns, especially for high-demand items, such as vintage electronics, rare tools, or collectibles. Online platforms and local groups like “Buy Nothing” communities can make the process faster and help you avoid fees. Still, listing items, negotiating prices, and setting up pickups can take a lot of time.

Donating works well when you need to downsize quickly or get rid of large items that don’t have much resale value, like used mattresses, old furniture, or piles of clothing. Groups like Habitat for Humanity ReStores often accept furniture and may pick it up for you, which makes things easier. If the items are in good condition, you might also be able to claim a tax deduction if you have receipts and follow IRS Form 8283 rules.

A mix of both methods can work best. Try selling valuable or rare items, and donate large or hard-to-sell things. This approach helps you save time while still getting value from what you own.

Vintage tools, stereo systems, and game consoles can sell for two to five times more on niche platforms like Reverb, Audiogon, or specialized Facebook groups. Avoid general sites like Craigslist when selling these types of items. Use pricing tools such as WorthPoint or eBay's sold listings filter to set a realistic price before you post.

How to Prioritize and Schedule Decluttering Before Your Move

Start early to reduce last-minute stress. Here’s a weekly plan that starts 6 weeks before your move. Tackle one area at a time to declutter without interrupting your daily routine.

• 6 Weeks Before Moving
Focus: Garage, attic, and basement
Action: Sort through tools, storage bins, and seasonal items
Goal: Sell or discard up to 75% of items you rarely use

• 5 Weeks Before
Focus: Bedrooms and closets
Action: Go through clothing, shoes, and accessories
Tip: Pack off-season and rarely worn items first

• 4 Weeks Before
Focus: Living room and bookshelves
Action: Sort through décor, electronics, DVDs, and books
Tip: Post valuable electronics for sale online

• 3 Weeks Before
Focus: Kitchen and pantry
Action: Remove extra utensils, expired food, and unused appliances
Tip: Group kitchenware into small sets to make selling easier

• 2 Weeks Before
Focus: Bathrooms and linens
Action: Get rid of extra towels, travel bottles, and old medications
Tip: Donate unopened hygiene items if permitted

• 1 Week Before
Focus: Cleaning supplies and last-minute sorting
Action: Make “Take,” “Donate,” and “Toss” piles
Tip: Use up remaining items to cut down on waste

Start With the Garage, Basement, and Attic

Begin decluttering with areas and items you don't use frequently. If you start with less frequently used rooms, you will have the time to look through everything and will probably be able to get rid of between half and three-quarters of it.

Start in your basement, attic, or garage to help yourself think about the value and purpose of what you own. This helps you become more confident in your process, make faster decisions, and have a clear system when you reach the more important areas. You can pack the items you want to keep into boxes or storage bins as you sort. This saves time and helps you stay organized without disrupting your daily routine.

The best choice would be to sell all this useless junk. Think for a second, you can get rid of what you don't need and get what you need, which is real cash money. See, you will get money for the old stuff you bought many years ago and no longer use. Here is a list of some options for collecting quick cash.

Emotional attachment can make decluttering harder. Try these ideas if you're unsure about letting go of sentimental items.

• Take photos of special mementos you can’t keep and save them in a digital album.
• Give cherished items to family members who value their history.
• Instead of keeping every souvenir, pick one or two that truly represent the memory.
• What matters most is the memory, not the item.

Four-Category Sorting System

• Keep – Essentials and frequently used items.
• Sell – Items in good condition that you can sell.
• Donate – Gently used items that others can use.
• Trash/Recycle – Broken or unusable items.

Consider Junk Removal Services

Perhaps your furniture is in bad shape, or worn-out clothing is beyond repair. In any case, you might be unable to sell or donate your possessions. Hire one of these four rubbish removal services before moving.

If your items are too damaged to sell or donate, junk removal services can help. Here are some well-known options:

• 1-800-GOT-JUNK? – Full-service junk removal with upfront pricing based on the space your items take in the truck.
• Junk King – Offers curbside pickup and eco-friendly disposal. Pricing depends on location and item volume.
• Local Recycling Centers – Use websites like Earth911.com to find nearby facilities that accept furniture, electronics, and other materials.

Preparing Items for Sale – Clean, Photograph, and Describe

Presentation is important when you sell items online or at a garage sale. Use these tips to help you make a sale:

• Clean carefully. Wipe surfaces, polish furniture, and wash clothes so they look like new.
• Take clear photos. Use natural lighting and show each item from different angles. Include close-ups of brand labels or flaws so buyers know what to expect.
• Write honest descriptions. Include the item’s size, condition, brand, and any damage. Keep your tone friendly and clear.

For example, instead of saying “used chair,” say: “Sturdy IKEA lounge chair with minor wear on the armrest. From a pet-free, smoke-free home.”

Step-by-Step Garage Sale Guide

It's probably the most used method to make extra money by selling unwanted goods. It's a perfect choice if you have multiple items to sell. For a garage sale, you can use the clubhouse of your apartment or just your driveway. Try to coordinate your garage sale with your friends to make it a worthwhile sale. Don't buy too many of your friends' belongings, because in this way you will spend more money than you would gain.

There are many guides that would gladly help you with your garage sales. Unfortunately, it requires some work to make some money. A few important pieces of information would help during your garage sale. First, you need to get clients. Try to attract as many people as possible. Also, it makes the stuff look stimulating for consumers. Be patient when someone says bad comments about an item you sell because you want to make money, and you should focus on that.

In many U.S. cities, you need a permit to hold a garage sale or you could be fined between $50 and $500. For example, Los Angeles only allows two sales per year per household and requires a permit. Check your city or county website under “residential sale regulations” before promoting your sale.

A successful garage sale requires planning. Here are some key strategies:

1. Choose the Right Day & Time – Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 12 PM attract the most shoppers. Avoid holidays and major local events.
2. Advertise well – Post on Facebook groups, Craigslist, and Nextdoor. Use bright signs with arrows at nearby intersections.
3. Price Smartly – Follow the 50-30-10 Rule:
• 50% of the retail price for nearly new items
• 30% for lightly used items
• 10% for worn but functional items

4. Be Ready to Negotiate – Price items slightly higher than your target to leave room for bargaining. Offer bulk discounts (e.g., “Buy 3 books, get 1 free”).

Local Classifieds

Local Online Classifieds is also a good place to post your unwanted items. Buyers love those classifieds because they can find pretty much everything for cheap. Sellers love them, too, because most of them are free sites.

Online Selling Platforms

If you're selling online, choosing the right platform is key. Here are some popular options in the U.S., along with their pros and cons:

• Facebook Marketplace – Free to use, easy to list items, and great for local sales. However, buyer messages can be unreliable, with no built-in payment protection.
• Craigslist – Simple to use and reaches a local audience, but it lacks buyer and seller protections, making it prone to scams.
• OfferUp – Supports local and nationwide sales with buyer protection, but shipping fees apply.
• eBay – Ideal for selling collectibles, electronics, and niche items, though listing and shipping fees can reduce profits.
• Decluttr – Best for quickly selling tech and media (phones, DVDs, CDs), but payouts are lower than selling directly.

If you're looking to sell clothing, accessories, or vintage finds, consider using trending resale apps that cater to fashion-conscious buyers:

• Poshmark – A marketplace focused on clothing, shoes, and accessories. Users can list items quickly and negotiate prices with buyers.
• Mercari – Allows selling various items, from clothing to electronics, with shipping options built into the platform.
• Depop – Popular among younger audiences, especially for trendy and vintage fashion items.

Smart Selling & Trading Strategies

• Bundle Deals: To attract bulk buyers, sell related items together, such as kitchenware sets or children’s toys.
• High-Quality Photos: Use clear, well-lit pictures from multiple angles to make listings more appealing.
• Swap Party: Host a swap event with friends or neighbors to trade unwanted items instead of selling them one by one.

Which Platform Is Best?

Facebook Marketplace
• Best for local furniture and toys
• No fees
• No buyer protection
• Shipping is not included

OfferUp
• Good for small electronics and tools
• Optional fees depending on how you use it
• Buyer protection is available
• Shipping is optional

eBay
• Works well for collectibles and electronics
• Charges both listing and final value fees
• Includes buyer protection
• Shipping is included

Poshmark
• Best for clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Takes 20% of each sale over $15
• Buyer protection is included
• Shipping comes with a prepaid label

Mercari
• Good for general household items
• Charges a 10% fee plus payment processing
• Buyer protection is included
• Shipping is included

Safety Tips for Local Selling and Meetups

Follow these safety tips when selling locally on sites like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp.

• Meet in public places like police station parking lots or busy shopping centers.
• Bring a friend, especially for higher-value exchanges. Avoid meeting alone.
• Avoid sharing personal information. Don’t share your home address unless it’s necessary.
• Use cash or verified payment methods. Avoid checks and apps that don’t offer buyer protection.

Consignment Shops

Consignment stores sell items on your behalf and take a percentage of the sale (usually 30-50%). They specialize in clothing, furniture, and antiques. Before selling, check their policies on accepted items and pricing splits.

This is a very popular method for college kids who want to sell clothing or other items. This is how to sell all those unneeded dresses, filling a spot in your closet. Consignment stores are very small, so you should consider selling the appropriate clothing.

After you sell some items, you will have space in your house. But it won't be for too long. After a few days, you will see yourself buying some new stuff. You might need them initially, but you will want to get rid of them after some time. It's a pure fact.

Neighborhood Shelters

Most unused household items, especially clothing and bedding, can be donated to neighborhood shelters and other assistance organizations that assist people in getting back on their feet. Once more, search your neighborhood directory for a nonprofit that could benefit from the donation.

Non-Profit Organizations

Many non-profit organizations focus on assisting families in rebuilding their lives, which may entail starting a household. It's always nice to have a computer, stereo, or TV. Some nonprofit organizations focus on fixing damaged equipment and sending it to places where electronics are needed; some ship to underprivileged local families, while others ship abroad.

Donating items is not just generous, it may also lower your tax bill. Many charitable donations are tax-deductible. Keep a list of donated items and request a receipt from the organization. Check IRS.gov for guidelines on charitable deductions.

When donating, keep these tips in mind:
• Request a receipt from the charity as proof of your donation.
• Use the Fair Market Value (FMV) method to estimate the worth of donated items. The Salvation Army and Goodwill provide value guidelines for clothing, furniture, and household goods.
• File IRS Form 8283 if your total deductions exceed $500.

If the donation is more than $5,000, you also need a qualified appraisal. Without these steps, you could lose your tax deduction if you're audited. Apps like ItsDeductible from Intuit help you track donations and estimate their value based on IRS rules.

Friends and Family

Are you still trying to figure out the best way to get rid of things you don't need? Look no further. There's no denying that selling the things you're not taking with you can be useful, but nothing beats the joy of giving a close friend or a member of your family something from your possession that they need or want.

The goal is to create a win-win situation by simultaneously keeping your moving costs in check and cheering up a buddy. It may be anything, including furniture, clothing, or even pairs of shoes.

Consider Recycling

Your only other choice is to just dispose of the items you're leaving behind for recycling if none of the solutions mentioned above are practical for you, because of the overall situation of the items you're leaving behind. Then, it's critical to recycle anything that can be done so securely.

By locating a recycling facility nearby, you may recycle your unwanted or unnecessary stuff and make your household move more ecologically friendly.

Recycling Electronics

Electronics must be disposed of properly to avoid harming the environment. Many states don’t allow batteries, computers, or old TVs to be thrown in the trash. Instead, do the following:
• Recycle electronics at Best Buy or Staples for free.
• Look up local E-Cycle programs for free drop-off services.
• Find battery and phone recycling locations at Call2Recycle.org.

What To Do With Leftover Items

If you still have unsold or unwanted items, consider these options:

• Repurpose: Old furniture can be refurbished, and scrap materials can be turned into DIY projects.
• Bulk Donations: Organizations like Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, and The Salvation Army accept large donations.
• Eco-Friendly Disposal: Websites like Earth911.com and Call2Recycle.org help you find locations for responsibly disposing of electronics, batteries, and other items.

Final Cleaning & Packing Prep

It's time to clean what's left of your home after you've decluttered it and disposed of whatever you don't need. Why would you bring the dirt and grit from your previous home into this one?

Go through your remaining possessions and thoroughly clean each one before you start packing and moving. You won't need this for everything you possess, but you'd be amazed at how much dust collects on clothing and furniture in attics.

It's stressful to move. Any actions you can take to simplify the procedure are positive moves. By decluttering before you move, you save on moving costs, make money from items you no longer need, and help the environment. Whether you sell, donate, or recycle, every step makes your move smoother and your new home clutter-free.

The good news is that once the logistics of moving are taken care of, you'll have cleaned up your house and gotten rid of anything you don't need, including any outdated furniture that has to be replaced before you move. This will allow you to unwind and enjoy your new home.

Large furniture items often take longer to sell. Here are some steps that can help:

• Start listing big items at least four weeks before your move. Include clear photos and exact measurements.
• Offer local delivery by using a moving dolly or renting a truck for a few hours.
• Consider renting a short-term storage unit if something doesn’t sell in time. Many places offer flexible one-month rentals, which help sort out after your move.

Leave behind items that are easy to replace or not worth packing. Examples include expired pantry items, old linens, disposable cleaning products, damaged furniture, and rarely used kitchen tools. Old paint cans, aerosol sprays, and other hazardous materials may be illegal to move. Take them to a local hazardous waste center instead.

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