Here is a fact that might change how you approach your next move: moving companies typically charge by weight or volume. In 2025, long-distance moves often average between $0.50 and $0.80 per pound. Every box you pack and every piece of furniture you haul costs money to move.
That means decluttering before you move isn’t just about having a fresh start. It is about saving real money. We see homeowners save hundreds of dollars simply by shedding the excess weight before the truck arrives. Here are 10 practical tips to help you lighten the load.
1. Start Early - The 6-Week Sprint
The biggest mistake people make is waiting until moving week to declutter. By then, you are in panic mode, and everything goes into boxes just to get it done.
Our team recommends a specific timeline:
- Week 1-2: Storage areas (attic, garage, basement).
- Week 3-4: Spare rooms and closets.
- Week 5: Kitchen and living areas.
- Week 6: Final “essentials” sort.
Tackling one category per weekend prevents decision fatigue. It gives you the mental space to make thoughtful choices rather than rash ones.
2. Use the “One Year” Rule and the 80/20 Principle
If you haven’t used something in the past year, you probably won’t use it in your new home either. This concept is backed by the Pareto Principle, which suggests we use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time.
You likely have entire categories collecting dust:
- Clothes you haven’t worn since the last administration
- Kitchen gadgets like that bread maker from 2018
- Exercise equipment serving as expensive coat racks
- Books you will never read again
We encourage you to be honest with yourself. If it hasn’t made the cut in the last 12 months, it shouldn’t make the cut for the moving truck.
3. Measure Your New Space with Tech
This is crucial and often overlooked. Before you pack furniture, you need to know if it will actually fit.
Modern tools make this easy:
- MagicPlan: This app allows you to create floor plans with your camera.
- Measure (iOS/Android): Use AR to get quick dimensions of your current furniture.
That oversized sectional might not work in your new living room. It is better to know now than after you have paid to haul it across the state.
4. Do the “Packing Test” (The Quarantine Box)
For items you are unsure about, try this specific tactic. Pack them in a sealed box and label it with a date six months from now.
The rules are simple:
- Seal the box today.
- If you need an item, take it out.
- If the box remains sealed on moving day, donate it without opening it.
We find this method significantly reduces separation anxiety. If you didn’t need it in the frantic weeks leading up to your move, you won’t need it at your new place.
5. Digitize What You Can
Boxes of photos, old documents, and paper files take up surprising amounts of space and weight. Paper is heavy, often weighing 30 to 50 pounds per small file box.
Consider these digital alternatives:
- Legacybox or ScanCafe: Send in old tapes and photos for professional digitization.
- Google PhotoScan: A free app for high-quality scans of framed photos.
- Cloud Storage: Upload tax documents (older than 7 years) to a secure drive and shred the originals.
Your memories are in your mind, not in the physical objects.
6. Tackle the “Someday” Items
We all have them. These are the things we keep “just in case” or for a fantasy version of our future selves.
Common “someday” traps include:
- Clothes for when you lose weight
- Parts for appliances you no longer own
- Supplies for hobbies you abandoned years ago
Psychologists call this the “Sunk Cost Fallacy.” You feel like you are losing value by throwing it away, but the real cost is the space it occupies in your life.
7. Don’t Move Duplicates
Moving is a great time to consolidate. The kitchen is usually the biggest offender here.
Check for these common multiples:
- Three different sets of measuring cups
- Duplicate hammers and screwdrivers in the garage
- Extra linens that have lost their elasticity
We suggest keeping the best set and donating the rest to a shelter. You only need one good spatula to flip a pancake.
8. Consider the Cost to Move vs. Replace
Sometimes the math just doesn’t work out. It is critical to calculate the replacement cost against the moving cost.
The “Heavy Item” Calculation:
| Item | Weight (Est.) | Est. Move Cost ($0.70/lb) | Replacement Value | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Particle Board Desk | 80 lbs | $56.00 | $75.00 | Sell/Donate |
| Old Sofa Bed | 200 lbs | $140.00 | $100.00 | Junk/Donate |
| Box of Magazines | 40 lbs | $28.00 | $0.00 | Recycle |
That $200 particle board bookshelf might cost $150 to move. Buy a new one instead and save yourself the back pain.
9. Set Up Donation and Disposal Systems
Make it easy to let things go by having a plan for where they end up. Random bags in the hallway often end up back in the closet.
Effective disposal channels:
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Excellent for furniture and building materials.
- Dress for Success: Great for professional workwear.
- Local Animal Shelters: Often need old towels and linens.
We recommend asking for tax receipts for any substantial donations. The fair market value of your donated items can provide a helpful deduction at tax time.
10. Give Yourself Permission
This might be the most important tip. You need to overcome the guilt associated with letting go.
Give yourself permission to:
- Let go of gifts you don’t actually like
- Release inherited items that don’t fit your style
- Discard things that are broken or worn out
Moving to a new home is a fresh start. You get to choose what comes with you.
The Payoff
Decluttering before your move delivers multiple benefits:
Financial: Fewer items = lower moving costs Practical: Less to pack, unpack, and organize Emotional: Fresh start without the weight of unwanted stuff Time: Less work on both ends of the move
Need Help With the Final Purge?
After you have sorted through everything, you will likely have a pile of items that need to go. That is where our residential junk removal service comes in.
Coastal Junk Pros can help by:
- Hauling away everything you are not taking
- Donating usable items to local charities
- Recycling what can be recycled
- Making the final cleanup quick and easy
Call us at (912) 555-0247 to schedule your pre-move cleanout. We recommend booking a few days before your moving date so you have a completely clear space for the movers.
