How to Get Rid of Clutter Before Moving

Clean up your life from useless junk. Make some money from it.

Each of us came into this world without anything. We all gained a lot of stuff during our life adventures. We became good consumers for all those stock markets, but do we need all the stuff that 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 to you, 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 not only makes packing simpler and less expensive but also 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. Whether it's an old chair, extra kitchenware, or electronics, someone else might find value in what you no longer need. Here’s how you can lighten your load and even profit before your big move.

Start With the Garage, Basement, and Attic

Begin the decluttering process with areas and items you don't use very 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.

You may train your brain to consider the worth and function of your possessions by beginning in your basement, attic, or garage. This will enable you to become an expert, deliberate less, and have your own method almost down to a science by the time you get to the truly critical stuff. Additionally, you can pack the objects you plan to keep into boxes or plastic bins as you go, killing two birds with one stone and causing the least amount of disruption to your everyday activities.

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 that you bought many years ago and don't use anymore. Here is a list of some options for collecting quick cash.

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 your 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.

Garage Sale

It's probably the most used method to make some extra money by selling your unwanted goods. It's a perfect choice if you have more than one item to sell. For 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.

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 in 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 scams familiar.
• 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.

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 some clothing or any other items. This is the way to sell all those unneeded dresses, which fill out a spot in your closet. Consignment stores are very small, so you should consider selling the appropriate clothing.

After you have sold some items, you will have some 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 at the beginning, but after some time you will want to get rid of them. It's a pure fact.

Neighborhood Shelters

The majority of 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.

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 keeping your moving costs in check and cheering up a buddy at the same time. 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 above-mentioned solutions 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 prevent environmental harm. Many states prohibit throwing batteries, computers, or old TVs in the trash. Instead:

• 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.

Clean The Rest

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 you take 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.

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