Pre-Move Decluttering: A Step-by-Step Game Plan That Won’t Break You

Team Pimentel
Jun 27
3 min read

Let’s face it—moving is emotional, exhausting, and chaotic all at once. You’re juggling timelines, contracts, boxes... and somewhere in the chaos, there’s the mess you swore you’d deal with “someday.” Well, someday is now. But here’s the good news: decluttering before your move doesn’t have to drain your energy or your sanity.

In fact, done right, it can be surprisingly satisfying. Let’s turn the overwhelm into a solid plan—one that helps you clear space and mental clutter before you walk into your next chapter.

1. Start Small: Win the First Battle, Not the Whole War

You don’t have to tackle the entire garage today. Start small—really small. One drawer. One shelf. One box.

Set a timer for 20 minutes. That’s it. Pick a spot and go.

Why it works: Small wins build momentum. And momentum gets you moving.

Try this:

Clean out your “junk drawer” in the kitchen. You know the one.
Purge expired food in the pantry.
Toss old makeup and unused toiletries in the bathroom.

Each little victory gives you the confidence to keep going. And when you’re staring down a house full of stuff, confidence is your best friend.

Bright sticky notes on crumpled paper. Green note reads "Start Small"; yellow with exclamation mark, red in background. Encouraging mood.

2. Set Up a No-Nonsense Sorting System

Clarity is everything. Set up four containers or zones and label them clearly:

KEEP – Essentials and things that bring you joy or utility.
DONATE – Items in good shape that could serve someone else.
TRASH – Broken, expired, or unusable stuff.
SELL – Higher-value items that you’re willing to photograph and list.

Stick to this system like glue. Don’t overthink. Don’t “just set this here for now.” That’s how clutter happens. Decisions made now mean fewer boxes, a cleaner move, and way less stress later.

Pro tip: If you’re torn, ask: Would I buy this again? If the answer is no, let it go.

Two people sorting glass bottles and plastic bags in a rustic room. Bright colored bags on the table create a focused recycling scene.

3. Keep the Sentimental Trap From Swallowing Your Progress

You open a box and find baby shoes, your kid’s first finger painting, and a stack of old birthday cards. Suddenly you’re sitting on the floor, surrounded by memories, not moving forward.

Don’t fall into the sentimental black hole. Not yet.

Here’s how to manage nostalgia without stalling out:

Create a “memory box” and give yourself one bin per person.
Take digital photos of keepsakes that are bulky but meaningful.
Hand down heirlooms now, when you can share their stories with loved ones.

Emotions are valid—but so is progress. Come back to the memory bin once the rest of the house is under control.

A woman sits with knees to chest, looking thoughtful. She wears a gray sweater and blue jeans. The background is plain white, evoking a calm mood.

4. Schedule Decluttering Like a Real Appointment

If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not real. Block out specific days and times, even if it’s just an hour. Treat it like a meeting—with yourself and your future peace of mind.

Make it easier:

Play your favorite playlist.
Set a “decluttering challenge” with your partner or kids.
Reward yourself after a tough zone. Ice cream counts.

5. Don’t Try to Do It Alone (Unless You Love Burnout)

If you’re already balancing kids, work, life, and showings, give yourself a break. Ask for help. Whether it’s a friend to keep you on task or professionals who know the ropes, you don’t have to carry it all.

That’s where we come in.

Let’s Make This Move Easier—Together

Decluttering before a move isn’t about perfection. It’s about making room—physically and mentally—for what’s next. And if you’re prepping your home for sale, clearing out the clutter can actually help you sell faster and for more money.

At Team Pimentel, we don’t just list homes. We walk with you from the very first box to the final keys. We’ve helped hundreds of clients manage the overwhelm, and we can help you, too.