What Does It Mean to “Spring Clean” Before a Move?

One of the best ways to save time, money, and stress during a move is to declutter before you pack.

The less you move, the less you have to pack, unpack, and organize in your new home. Here’s a room-by-room guide to help you decide what stays and what goes.

If you’re downsizing, ask yourself one simple question:

“Will this fit comfortably in my new home?”

If the answer is no, it’s probably time to donate it, sell it, or give it to someone who can use it. There’s no sense paying to move something that won’t have a place in your new home.

1. 🍽️Kitchen

• Throw away expired food from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.

• Recycle storage containers that are missing lids.

• Donate or sell kitchen gadgets you only used once.

• As moving day gets closer, try eating the food you already have instead of buying more groceries.

2. 🛁Bathroom

• Dispose of expired medications according to your local guidelines.

• Throw away expired makeup, lotions, vitamins, and toiletries.

• If you have unopened hotel soaps or travel-size toiletries you’ll never use, consider donating them to a local shelter.

3.👕 Closets

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is it stained?

• Is it torn?

• Is it worn out?

• Have I worn it in the last year?

If the answer is no, it’s probably time to donate or sell it.

Remember: if you wouldn’t buy it again today, you probably don’t need to move it.

4. 🧸Children’s Rooms

Children quickly outgrow clothes and toys.

Donate or sell:

• Clothing that no longer fits

• Toys they no longer play with

• Books they’ve outgrown

5.🏠 Throughout the House

Every home has a “junk drawer.”

Go through it and toss:

• Dead batteries

• Extra rubber bands

• Mystery cords and chargers

• Broken pens

• Items you haven’t used in years

Also shred old paperwork you no longer need, such as:

• Bank statements

• Paid utility bills

• Old receipts

• Instruction manuals you’ve never opened

6.🔨 Garage & Storage Areas

This is usually where the most forgotten items hide.

Recycle or dispose of:

• Old paint (according to local regulations)

• Expired pesticides

• Broken tools

• Duplicate tools

• Scrap lumber you’ll never use

7. 🧽Cleaning Supplies

Nearly empty bottles often cost more to move than they are worth.

If you’re almost out of a product, consider using it up or replacing it after your move.

👆Don’t Forget…

If you’re storing items for family members, let them know you’re moving and give them a deadline to pick everything up.

Otherwise, you may end up moving—and storing—someone else’s belongings.

💭One Final Tip

Don’t focus on what you paid for an item.

Instead, ask yourself:

“Do I really want to unpack this in my new home?”

If the answer is no, let it go.

Every box you eliminate saves time, effort, and money.

Congratulations! 🎉

You’ve finished the hardest part of moving—deciding what to keep.

Now you’re ready to start packing… and we will be here to help with that, too!

💪Need help with your move? IYM, LLC (“It’s Your Move”) is here to make moving day easier. Contact us for a free estimate!