Packing day is coming fast! If you’re feeling the pressure, don’t worry. The best thing you can do before the packers arrive is declutter. Whether you’re moving to a smaller home or even upgrading to a larger space, having fewer items to pack and unpack will save time, stress, and money.
Even if you’ve hired professional packers (like us!), there’s one thing only you can do: decide what’s
worth bringing with you and what isn’t. If you didn’t have time to declutter and now you are a few days before packing, these final days are your golden window to make real progress and will save you money and frustration.
Smart Decluttering Tips to Tackle Right Before Packing Day
Here’s how to use your time efficiently and prioritize what matters most:
1. Set Up a “Sort Zone”
Create a designated area, like a corner of the garage, basement, or spare room, for donation,
recycling, and trash. This is your catch-all for items you no longer want or need.
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to run around dropping off donations right now, unless it is on your way. A trip to Value Village for two bags might take you hours, and that’s time you could spend making decisions only you can make. Everyone else can take care of the donation pile, the mover or the garbage removal company, for example.
2. Focus on Furniture That Isn’t Coming
If a large piece of furniture isn’t making the move, its contents likely won’t have a home either. For example, if you’re leaving behind a china cabinet, ask yourself: Where will all those dishes live in the new place?
Now’s the time to sort through those items and decide what to keep and where they will all live in the new place.
3. Tackle the Kitchen Early
The kitchen will always have a new layout. If your new kitchen is smaller (or just laid out differently), start now by sorting utensils, cookware, pantry items, and small appliances. Keep what you truly use and donate or discard the rest.
4. Work in Small, Focused Areas
Don’t try to tackle everything at once. Instead, commit to one zone at a time. Try:
- A single closet
- The linen cupboard
- One section of the dining room unit
- Just your shoes
- Just your clothes
Small wins add up quickly. This focused approach prevents burnout and keeps your momentum going.
5. What Not to Sort Through at the Last Minute
Some items are better left for later, especially when you’re just days away from packing day.
Here’s what we don’t recommend trying to declutter at the last minute:
Paperwork and documents: These require time, focus, and sometimes a quiet headspace. Instead of rushing through important papers now, it’s better to pack them as-is into a few clearly labeled boxes.
You can always sort them later in the comfort of your new home.
Ready for Packing Day?
Decluttering is the best gift you can give yourself before a move. It means less to pack, less to move, and
less to unpack, leaving more room for new items in the new home.
Once you’ve made those tough decluttering decisions, let us handle the rest. Our team packs your belongings with care and efficiency, so you can focus on your move, not the mess.
???? Need help packing or unpacking? Get in touch today to book your spot before it fills up!