Let’s face it—moving is a lot of work. But what if we told you that one of the simplest ways to reduce stress, save money, and speed up the process is by moving less stuff?
It’s true. The more you declutter before moving day, the smoother everything goes. Fewer boxes mean less packing, lower moving costs, and faster setup in your new place. Plus, it’s a chance to finally say goodbye to the things you no longer use or need.
At Edson’s Movers, we’ve helped thousands of people move—some who packed everything they owned and others who downsized beforehand. The difference? Night and day. If you’re ready to move smart, here’s how to lighten the load with a simple 4-pile system: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Toss.
Step 1: Start Early and Room by Room
Begin your decluttering journey at least a few weeks before moving day. Take on one room at a time so you’re not overwhelmed. Bedrooms, closets, the garage, and kitchen usually have the most forgotten or unused items—start there.
Use four boxes or piles for every space:
- Keep: Must-haves you use or love regularly
- Donate: Gently used items that someone else can benefit from
- Sell: Items with value that you’re willing to photograph and post
- Toss: Anything broken, expired, or too worn to donate
Sorting this way keeps the process manageable—and surprisingly satisfying.
What to Keep: Be Honest About Value and Use
The Keep pile should only include things that serve a clear purpose or bring you real joy. Ask yourself:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Would I buy this again today?
- Does it fit my lifestyle right now?
- Will it work in my new space?
Remember: storage and moving costs are based on volume. Every item you keep adds time and money. Be picky.
What to Donate: Give Items a Second Life
If something’s still in good condition but you no longer need it, donate it. You’ll help someone in need and reduce waste. Common donation-worthy items include:
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Kitchenware and small appliances
- Home décor and linens
- Books, toys, games
- Extra tools or yard equipment
- Unused furniture
Local thrift stores, shelters, churches, and nonprofits often accept gently used goods. Call ahead or check their donation guidelines online.
Tip: Keep donation receipts—you may be able to claim them for tax deductions.
What to Sell: Earn Cash on the Side
If you have the time and motivation, consider selling high-quality items. Great candidates include:
- Furniture in excellent condition
- Designer clothing or handbags
- Electronics and smart home gadgets
- Power tools or hobby equipment
- Collectibles, artwork, or antiques
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, and eBay make it easy to post and connect with buyers in your area. Be sure to:
- Take clear, well-lit photos
- Write detailed and honest descriptions
- Set reasonable prices based on similar listings
- Prioritize porch pickup or public meetups for safety
Selling can be especially helpful if you’re offsetting the cost of the move itself.
What to Toss: No Guilt, Just Let It Go
Some items just aren’t worth saving, donating, or trying to fix. Don’t feel guilty—just trash them or recycle when possible. This includes:
- Broken or non-functional electronics
- Expired pantry items or medicine
- Mismatched Tupperware and lids
- Old, worn-out linens and towels
- Manuals, papers, or magazines you haven’t touched in years
- Random cords, chargers, or accessories with no known purpose
If you have a lot to dispose of, consider a junk removal service or roll-off dumpster rental before moving day.
Bonus Tip: Ask These 5 Questions When Deciding
Still unsure about something? Use these quick prompts:
- Have I used it in the past year?
- Would I miss it if it disappeared?
- Does it fit in my new home or lifestyle?
- Would I pay to move or store this?
- Can someone else get better use out of it?
If you answer “no” more than once, it probably doesn’t need to make the move.
Downsizing = Less Stress, Less Cost
The benefits of moving with less are huge:
- Lower moving costs – Fewer boxes = less labor and time
- Faster packing and unpacking
- Cleaner, more spacious new home
- Fewer decisions after you arrive
- Less clutter from the start
Decluttering beforehand also gives you a chance to refresh your space, upgrade intentionally, and feel in control of the process—not buried in stuff.
Need Help With the Process?
At Edson’s Movers, we know moving isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental too. That’s why we offer packing, moving, and optional storage services that give you time and space to make smarter decisions about your belongings.
Whether you’re prepping for a major downsize or just trying to avoid overpacking, our team can help with:
- Packing up only what you need
- Transporting or storing the rest
- Keeping everything organized and stress-free
Ready to simplify your move and take control of your stuff? Contact us to learn how Edson’s Movers makes moving lighter, faster, and smarter.
