My Top 3 Tips to Declutter for a Move

Moving isn't fun, but it's a great "opportunity" to declutter. Decluttering and moving just naturally go together. Today, I'm sharing my top three tips to declutter for a move.
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[@lazygardens]

Packing for the house you are going to, not the house you are leaving! Makes life a lot easier. And if it's something easily and cheaply replaced, don't pack it. When I moved, I donated or sold EVERYTHING that was not going to fit in the new house ... dozens of boxes of books to a local book sale charity, household goods and furniture to local thrift stores. We had a lightly furnished house at the other end, so I could be ruthless and only take the "good stuff" with me.

[@bcase5328]

I would say pack for which ever is the smaller of the two houses. Having empty space is a luxury. I would dare you to try to pack for 90% of the smaller house. One of ten items don't get moved. You may not make it down to that much of a cut, but it will help you be more critical of what does get to be moved.

[@darleneh608]

Smart!

[@spledydid7590]

Dana, my prayer to you is that you have one thousand times the success you could ever even dream of. I do not know why at all your videos were suggested to me, but I have literally been searching for someone who has your information for years. I know that sounds dramatic, or like an exaggeration, but I have been trying to find decluttering protocols & mindset for actual years. None of the other stuff was realistic. Thank you a hundred times, and may all the good things rain upon you.

[@AM-bm2xw]

I think that moving well over a dozen times has really made me into a minimalist, but I enjoy watching Dana anyways, it's like listening to a friend 😊

[@pippas5808]

Moving often is a great spur to declutter. I recently moved 5 times in six years and stuff that I 'had' to take with me on move #1 turned into 'I can't be bothered to pack that again' on move #5! I'm just wishing I'd been that ruthless on move #1 as it would have saved so much effort!

[@kashiichan]

Same here - every 12 months for 6 years in a row really helps you work out your priorities! I will say that the "average amount of boxes for a home of x size" doesn't tend to work when you have a lot of books, however using the shelves as a "container" very much does. That meant I was only "allowed" to use as many boxes as I needed to empty the shelves, and not just use them as extra space to pack things into (because unpacking that stuff at the other end would be more stuff than fit in the "container")! These videos have really helped me see my stuff differently, and I'm so thankful for them.

[@robinheberlig6434]

I have always said, I would rather take a beating than move. We have lived here for 40 years and I am absolutely horrified at the thought. We have bought a cute home and it is God's grace that our offer was accepted. Even one of our "mortgage-people" said, "I saw pictures from the appraisal and now I understand WHY you want this so badly." The man we bought it from was the second owner and lived there 63 years. It is immaculate. An un-finished basement that is spot-less and literally shines. The basement is the second thing everyone comments on. I want to do this home and the seller proud, so your tip about packing for the home you are moving into really, really resonated with me. Thank you. I will be watching this a second time with my husband. We will also watch the video you mentioned several times. Again thank-you. Still scared but our new home motivates me and I know you gave some great advice that makes sense. Easier to do a hard thing when you understand the WHY and the HOW.

[@granitemoss1451]

Not moving anytime soon but watching to learn and reinforce concepts anyway. Thanks, Dana!

[@cindy844]

Same!

[@lucycliburn2344]

Same❤️👍

[@debe5728]

Amen, Sister, Amen! I went to my spare bedroom "drop zone" yesterday ...to "look for trash" ...and that spurred me on to looking forward to further decluttering the surrounding stuff in the next few days. I am recalling an apartment I rented 13 years ago before buying this house. I was so peaceful when I realized I only had clothes that fit me in drawers and closets ...and I knew what was in every box and bin. I am working toward that past goal and am highly motivated and optimistic thanks to your continuous informational videos!!!

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Woo hoo! 😊

[@terismith3279]

Great ideas! I last moved in 1978, and the time is in 2 weeks. I am preparing.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Best wishes for the move and the next chapter of your life ❤ One thing I learnt from moving in 2004 is the importance of a mobile phone. Can’t believe we ever moved without one. Got one just after the move.

[@kimpeterson4846]

Reid, I really enjoy your "editorials" they make me crack up. THX TONS 😊

[@Horsemom121]

I agree! I love the comments in the credits! They always make me laugh. Thank you, Reid and Dana! ❤

[@sonjapriebe8478]

Dana, your comments after your videos are always making me lough out loud 😄🥰 You and Reid have a great sense of humor 👍

[@Nurse_Kathy]

Yay! I‘ve got one year before my move…and I refuse to bring all my clutter with me! This video is perfect; thanks! 🏆

[@fionaschiffl8065]

And there’s no date too early to start the declutter. I knew I was going to leave my marriage and started a few years beforehand with packing up the kids’ stuff they’d left behind after moving out. They protested but boy I’m glad I did. It’s a great clean start instead of doing it all in one go when the pressure is on. Good luck with your move ❤

[@maws1113]

It’ll be about two years until we move/downsize, but after 25 years in this house, it will probably take the whole two years. Especially because I see so many things as sentimental.

[@shimmerofadiamond]

It might take less than you think! You got this!

[@darleneh608]

Start now, get rid of the easy stuff first. It'll get easier.

[@Conval-wi5eh]

Never have I ever thought after I moved: "There was no need to start so early." You cannot start early enough!

[@Cindy-Williams]

Some things that are sentimental can be photographed and then donated. Maybe…some things. I am painfully sentimental and this has really helped me. If I’m not displaying the item, that helps. I still am sitting on a mountain of sentimental crap.

[@MakingLemons2Lemonade]

The concept of buying enough boxes for the space is ingenious!!! Why didn’t I ever think of that?! Thank you for the tips!

[@Sunshine-fy4fz]

"You don't want to move anything you absolutely don't have to." 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@darleneh608]

Want a daunting moving project? Help your 92 and 89 year old parents empty their house during and after their move to assisted living. And make it even more fun because 1) they don't want to move but are grudgingly moving because they have no choice, and 2) mom is in the stage of dementia where she thinks people (specifically me and my husband) are stealing from her so even though I'm the only close-by family member, she doesn't want me anywhere nearby, and 3) we're moving, ourselves, in just a month. Good times.

[@fabienneclavier5984]

Sending big hugs your way. You've got this.

[@-Mieke]

❤❤❤

[@smz5302]

Oh my...physically and emotionally exhausting. I can relate on many counts and most probably have PTSD from it all. Once you have a pause, please take time to chill. These kinds of stressors aren't good for our health.

[@shadegarden7375]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@becs2272]

Hug to you. Been there done that 3 different times with parents, in laws and a family member. It is SO hard, but there is an end and life afterward for them is soooo much easier and relaxed (in my experiece) and so much less worry about them for me

[@elizabethsokol2545]

I moved and decluttered an estate before I found you. Even though I had been decluttering for years and I thought my house was fairly empty, there was still a lot of stuff. Houses hold a lot of stuff.

[@SpicyMelange]

I moved here with a 26 foot box truck. I know I can leave with much, much smaller one! Clutterers Anonymous helps, but Dana K. White lives on my shoulder.

[@mssixty3426]

That color looks fabulous on you Dana!

[@ceciliaadams5648]

You are the best. I have been watching other declutter experts but you have them all beat!

[@brixjourney]

I might suggest a slight variation on the “order boxes for your new space” guideline. Order boxes for the smaller of your current space or the new space. If your goal is to declutter, pick the smaller amount even you’re moving to a larger space and could bring all your current stuff. Like Dana said, you can always order more boxes later if needed.

[@debschott3979]

This was so timely! I have so many empty plastic bins that I’m looking forward to donating!

[@darleneh608]

Use them as moving boxes, first.

[@JamieM470]

@@darleneh608 I've wondered about that, since I'm planning to move to another state. I think things that might leak could be put into plastic bins, then place the bins inside the moving boxes? Especially my garage stuff---lawnmower oil and compressor oils, small cans of paint, etc. I've put most of that stuff into plastic bins already, but there's still some more. I think once I get everything that could leak into plastic bins, then I'll get rid of any leftovers.

[@katie7748]

​@@darleneh608 Amen to this!!!! And reuse again to grow food and/or flowers 😊

[@CC-xn5xi]

​@@JamieM470Do you really need those small cans of paint?

[@JamieM470]

@@CC-xn5xi Omg! My jaw just hit the floor lol. No! I don't need them! I thought I did. My two cans of Restor-A-Finish are all I need, and those would fit into a small plastic bag. (I use them all the time to make any wood beautiful) All those small "just-in-case" cans of paint are going to go! I think you turned a light bulb on in my brain with one question. Thank you. I could hug you! 😄

[@elem382]

Listening to this while packing to move next week 😂 Thanks, because it boosted my motivation to just get rid of more stuff! My husband however has reached his "decisions threshold" and it is become impossible for him to sort through his stuff, so i'm stuck with packing everything he owns 😵‍💫

[@thebaroness2977]

Ha ~ Pity if THOSE boxes just happen to go missing en route...

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Hang in there and best wishes for your move and next chapter in your life 😊 This is when it pays to say, “Isn’t nice to be needed?” Hope there are dinner vouchers on the fridge!

[@fionaschiffl8065]

@@thebaroness2977Oh no, they’re the ones that get packed first by the husband!!!

[@elem382]

I'm just tired of packing 😭 but looking at the bright side, if all gets packed it is progress and he's not getting sidetracked by reading every paper/book he comes around 🤣

[@lucycliburn2344]

#3 is amazingly simple, obvious, and smart. But I know so many of my friends who will never ever think of doing that.

[@robynw6307]

Great advice. Just make sure that you don't get the packing box and the donation box mixed up LOL

[@haylibowen1609]

I have been using your method for a little over 2 years now. I just want to say thank you so very much for all of your videos and books and for following God and spreading this wonderful way of decluttering and managing! ❤ I have read decluttering at the speed of life and I have also read giving God the worst of me. I am planning to read more of your books this year. I love your personality and your humor so much! I am going to be moving the end of this month and it is already so much easier since I have been decluttering and following your methods, although I will say it's coming down to the wire and I'm getting to the point where I'm starting to Just put random things together in a box😅 Thank you again so much! Have a wonderful weekend!!!

[@bylo7]

I'm moving in the next year and I'm SO excited but also SOOOO scared. LOVE this video - please make more!!

[@alysoffoxdale]

I wish _so much_ that I could actually get my husband to buy in to decluttering! I had a fairly effective self-taught crash course in "Ok, I'm ready to downsize this thing now" when we lost our house due to medical debt, but 5 years later, we're _still_ paying for storage units for stuff my husband wouldn't even _consider_ letting go! :facepalm:

[@KlingonPrincess]

I have so much sympathy for you both. Your lives were totally disrupted by health issues, finances, then losing your home. Logically, paying for storage doesn'take sense but emotionally it fits perfectly. I hear you.

[@alysoffoxdale]

@@KlingonPrincess I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this. Thank you.

[@vra6759]

I can so relate to this. Not moving anytime soon but I get ZERO help. Decluttering the whole house by myself, I’m exhausted plus it goes so slowly. Out of frustration, I’ve tossed even his unnecessary stuff out, and not once has he looked for it!

[@lavanyamilton3958]

So sorry to hear that you lost your house over medical debt.

[@llllllllllilillii]

If your husband doesn't participate in cleaning and decluttering it's time to HIRE someone in his place to help you declutter (doesn't hurt if the new helper is cute. lol jk) It's worth the money to get help and you don't have to suffer anymore. It's cheaper than paying for storage units. Just do it, don't ask permission or anything, if he says anything, say "oh yea this is Sven... he's helping us get rid of storages so we can save money" and go on about your business... oftentimes if you do something like that, the husband gets himself into gear and feels a twinge of "ooo i should help" because men are competitive.

[@MsArri81]

We are in the process of moving from a tiny 2 bed 1 bath duplex into a 4 bedroom 2.5 house with a basement! We have already trashed, donated, and sold a bunch of stuff, taken a huge box of E Waste and scrap metal to special collection events. It doesn't feel as daunting but it is difficult when you have a neuro divergent husband with a propensity to hoard electronics and gets anxiety with the sheer volume of stuff he has accumulated over the 4 years living here. My tip is start early when it comes to moving and packing.

[@crystalsea72]

These methods work just as well for smaller things also. Like, moving from one vehicle to another or moving contents of a room from one room to another. :D

[@SF-ru3lp]

Gorgeous colour on you, Dana. Great to hear all this again. Good new nuggets in there! G Ire

[@terrirafiq9329]

Agreed, beautiful color!

[@SunnyLife1357]

Thank you Dana. This information was fantastic! Breaking down the mental process BEFORE a move is invaluable.

[@ckee8437]

My last three moves have been done with under 7 days notice, I'm so excited to actually have a full month to plan, purge and prep! I found so much for the yard sale that I've just kept because I had room, not because I loved/used the item.

[@rosebritton3310]

Dear Dana, I was scheduled to work about 8 shifts of early voting plus primary election day --but I caught covid! I am recovering, but not as rapidly as I would have hoped.I am inspired to shed trash to the limit of my strength, and hope never to be in quite this much of a bind again. You have been a great deal of help to me. Thank you for your encouragement.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

Get well soon ❤ I find when I can’t control something big in my life, I’m wanting to do something I can control and it’s great when I want to turn that energy to trash or organisation…usually my control self care is a hot shower with some nice soap. Hang in there and take care of you.

[@jeannettehood4445]

Thank you, Dana! I am now decluttering for a move. The packing tip is genius!

[@maryjothompson4578]

I worked very hard to have 2 big garage sales and put things on FB for a month before I listed the house. As I stage, I continue to downsize extra furniture and categories of clothes, books, decor, empty out storage, then sell the shelf etc. I am moving only what will fit in my van, so it is interesting to get rid of so much that is no longer a priority. It is fun to turn my extra stuff into a blessing for others.

[@bonnieinthespirit6373]

Thank you. Watching it again.

[@robbieknapik6745]

Thanks. I’m getting ready to move my sewing room to an upstairs bonus room and am determined to declutter some fabric and tools. My existing sewing room is a bit cluttered and overfilled. The new space is bigger but I want my new space populated with things I’m excited to use. I’m sure the tip to have a declutter box and trash bag next to my packing box will help.

[@janethunt4037]

Your ideas are priceless! I'm not moving anytime soon, but I will remember how to get boxes when the time comes.

[@kjmaile2025]

Man!!! Where were you when I had to move a year ago!! 😊😊😊 Great tips!!

[@beans4853]

Not moving but I'm redoing my kitchen and considering it as if I'm moving this room. Also had to keep all the kitchen stuff in still using meanwhile, outside the kitchen so I decluttered everywhere so the house is less chaotic while the renovations are going on

[@lonnarheaj]

A nightmare situation: when we moved, unfortunately, I had to stay on the farm to feed animals. My husband "packed" and moved stuff. He packed EVERYTHING, trash, broken trash, worn out trash, everything. And the way my husband packs is as follows: 1) open a box, 2) put everything within 5 feet in all directions in the box, 3) seal box, do not lable. 😱

[@lynettehansen2203]

Thank you so much! We literally just started talking about moving! I already follow your way of decluttering but having my husband watch this one!

[@nikkibadzik3948]

Dana , you are my absolute favorite. I recommend you to everybody!

[@cheerfulmouse]

Reid, being a man comes with certain obvious moving qualities that are highly sought after, so you may want to expect for the next 20 years to always be asked to help move. No matter where you are 😅

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Oh goodness! A new rule! As I duclutter..."Would I move this?" If not? BYE! I have an entire room to go through (the 'back room') that just seems to accumulate stuff. I've been through it several times and I've decluttered and reorganized the clutter but you still have to pick your way around piles. Now I'm going in with the thought, "Would I move this?" Can't wait!

[@myaccount9498]

Same! Good luck to us both 💜

[@susanmunoz7688]

Thank you Dana, for making this seem so doable ! 🤗❤️

[@erikagoddard]

Thank you for the tips! My family and I are planning to move out of state this summer and I'm trying to get the decluttering started. The concrete methods for decision-making limit my wishy-washy feelings about our belongings

[@adiconstantin4598]

1. 0:26 Take a TRASH tour ( with a black bag). Then, the DONATION tour 2. 3:48 Pack for the house you're moving into: find online a moving box calculator. Gather boxes according. Let those boxes be the limit, as your container 3. 7:15 The whole time that you're packing, have also with you a trash bag and a donation box

[@dagnolia6004]

there is no Uhaul following a hearse...

[@Peanut1965]

With moving at the beginning of April we’ve gotten rid of close to 25 to 30 boxes of stuff, not to mention even more stuff went out before we decided to move! And we might have more once we move, especially the outside stuff like planters or xmas stuff😃

[@elchewtoy]

Thank you for your words and your guidance.

[@makeanddohandmade]

Starting a military move across the country! Thanks Dana!! 💗💗

[@cheerfulmouse]

Love the idea to have trash & donate next to the moving box you are packing... Always!!

[@debik3893]

Oh, gosh…where was this video last summer??!! 😄

[@donnakowalski8185]

Great video, thanks.

[@christinesoule9505]

Dana, I find your posts helpful, practical, informative and insightful but My favorite part of your posts are the quips from your editor!😅What a treasure!

[@CRWalk]

Just in time for me to start packing! Im moving at the end of May

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I’m so jealous

[@kennethbailey9853]

Love my No Mess Life thanks to You !!!😊

[@glenysharley4150]

Think I will pretend I’m moving.

[@lavanyamilton3958]

That's exactly what I want to do

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

I know I’ll be moving in a few years so I keep asking will I need this then? Will I have room for it? Is it worth the expense of moving? (I’m downsizing/retired)

[@PatriciaCarrier]

Wow! awesome tips, thank you 😊

[@imaamericangirl1406]

Thank you so much for this timely video. Prepping for a move now. ❤

[@ENFPerspectives]

Trash tour is actually an excellent idea.

[@jackiemcdonell1737]

😅 lol "It suddenly reveals itself as trash" my 1st time hear but you already made me laugh. I'll take that as a good sign!

[@micheledeem4633]

Thank you

[@robinstallings3167]

Wow I did that calculator and I’m proud of myself I’m using no where close to what it recommends. But I still feel like I have too much

[@kathysanchez5945]

Very helpful...Thank you for sharing your experience!!!

[@michellesmoments19]

Great advice 👍🏼💜

[@Horsemom121]

Dana, I love your videos. ❤

[@Tealeafsong]

Thank you!

[@celestialstar6450]

lol Reid! Your comments are the best!

[@jennesont4791]

Wonderful tips!!!

[@judym3634]

Dana, I love your son’s editing comments! ❤😂❤

[@lauralalone]

Dana, Jessa Duggar mentioned you in a video today. I hope you get some good book sales and followers from it.

[@patriciahippleheuser2714]

Love the color on your walls!

[@dangerbook4807]

We just bought a house so we're now at the point of unpacking boxes that we very quickly put stuff into to 'declutter' and make the house look nice and empty (not that I didn't do some pruning as well, but there was a lot of stuff just thrown in. They went into storeroom, workshop etc. Not really looking forward to opening those boxes up again to actually pack but I've been through movers last move asking "do you want us to just tape up these boxes you already filled?" and those boxes were usually the worst.

[@shadegarden7375]

Excellent!!

[@Heckyeahellothere]

This all sounds great. Thanks! Has anyone found a moving calculator like the one she mentions in the video? I keep looking and I can’t find one that takes into account square footage.

[@christiS907]

Next move for me is retirement. My co worker taught us all to just leave it all behind lol. I’m not planning on taking a ton.

[@mindymudge7247]

Reid you are too funny. My kids said same thing when we moved last time😂

[@shellyleach3377]

Perfect timing finding your channel. We are moving out of a home we have lived in for 32 years. We are downsizing for sure. So hard letting go of things as I’m a very sentimental person. Definitely trying to just take the stuff I love.

[@terryryman9553]

I find if donating to a local charity or Hospice helps me let go. My local hospice takes damaged clothes if fabric is damaged and clean you separate and tell them so from good stuff. Just ask them

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

I’m moving from a three bedroom house to a motor home, paperwork and memory box is my dilemma

[@amybee40]

As to paperwork, keep only what you can't find online. And legal/tax docs.

[@fionaschiffl8065]

I’ll add it’s the best time to tell kids who have left home that they have to get their stuff or it goes out. If they are interstate, pack it up and send them everything despite their protests. Happened to me and ex was blaming me. This is also advice for relatives who force you to keep stuff from family who have passed away. If you’re separating from a narcissistic hoarder, they won’t declutter or throw out trash, they will leave their junk for you to deal with and tell you not to move it so you can’t use the area as their stuff is all over the house and you can’t separate it. (It was funny knowing the 5 step process that he made so much more work for himself, spending unnecessary money on trailers and getting some friends from out of town to help him, especially after his almost fatal medical episode.) Keep an eye on your stuff as they will move it or take it just to mess with you and gaslight you about you losing it.

[@debrabowie5141]

Had a"forced move", so never had a chance to even look at the place we were going.

[@katie7748]

Those are always fun :-/ especially when you have nowhere to go so everything just gets shoved into storage units for "a couple weeks" which turns into a year and a half. And yes, we paid to have all that stored and I'm glad we did. It's actually CHEAPER than buying all new stuff, despite what many insist. The beds alone paid for themselves being in storage rather than rebuying... We decluttered after we finally got settled into the new place, by the way, as we unpacked.

[@lavanyamilton3958]

This is a wonderful idea

[@brendaborchert1708]

Anybody else run back to the screen to see what Reid has to say at the end? Just me? Cool, cool.

[@susanjorstad7667]

PS- Reid’s comments in the ‘credits’ made me laugh!! 😂

[@suzy1676]

❤❤❤

[@valadd9173]

I just moved into a new house and I now realize that I did not get rid of enough stuff.😢

[@joanlauridsen2288]

How do I know what number of boxes is normal?

[@Fiery154]

I’m sorry, I listen to you religiously, but I’m still feeling underprepared for this. I don’t know where I’m going. I just know I have to

[@Cookmomx3]

❤🎉

[@patriciahippleheuser2714]

I pretend I am moving all the time just to declutter my house!

[@ENFPerspectives]

This could have been a Short.

[@micheledeem4633]

❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉😂😂😂😮😮😮❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@roseshak8440]

Once i throw it in the trash OR in the duh donations....it is GONE, which is FREEDOM

[@roseshak8440]

Trash.....empty, used envelopes is a NO BRAINER!! LOL

[@tgayer1]

I helped my friend pack up her very large craft room in the fall before they moved out of state and into a temporary home until they bought a house. I went and visited her in the temporary house last weekend and they have bought a new house, so I got to help her pack up her craft room again! When we packed the first time, she did not get rid of very much stuff, and didn’t get rid of anything this time so far.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

That’s how I decluttered high school yearbooks when I was moving in my mid40s. No energy to pack those heavy things. Down the garbage chute they went.