Declutter Before Moving House: How a Tidying Festival Can Transform Your Move (And Your New Home)
Why Decluttering Before You Move is the Secret to a Joyful New Home
Moving house is rarely easy. As someone who’s relocated multiple times, I understand the chaos firsthand. So when a friend shared that her family had secured their “dream home,” I immediately offered to help. Her response? “I don’t have time to declutter – I just need to pack!”
Sound familiar?
Fast-forward a few months. Despite moving to a larger property, she confessed: “I can’t find anything. The house is always messy. I need more cupboards!”
Here’s the truth: More storage rarely solves clutter. The real secret? Mindful decluttering – keeping only what you love and need.
In this guide, I’ll share how the KonMari method transformed my own move (and my clients’), saving time, money, and stress.
The Hidden Cost of Moving Clutter
My friend’s story isn’t unique. We often pack items “just in case,” only for them to gather dust in our new homes. Decluttering before a move:
Reduces packing/unpacking time by up to 40%
Lowers removal costs (fewer boxes = cheaper quotes)
Creates a calm, organised space from Day 1
Yet 68% of UK movers skip decluttering, citing “no time” (2023 Home Moving Survey).
Step 1: The Emotional Foundation – Envision Your Ideal Home
Decluttering isn’t just physical – it’s emotional. Start by visualising your new life:
Ask: “How do I want to feel in this home?” (e.g., calm, inspired, connected)
Create mood boards (Pinterest works perfectly) for each room’s aesthetic and purpose.
Note daily routines: Where will you drink morning coffee? Host friends? Work remotely?
This vision becomes your “why,” keeping you motivated when decluttering feels overwhelming.
Step 2: The KonMari Method – A Blueprint for Moving Success
Having used Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying for a decade (and as a professional organiser), I adapted her framework for moving:
1. Commit to Tidying
Set a deadline (e.g., 2 weeks before moving day)
Schedule time to tidy.
2. Discard First, Pack Later
Work by category – not room – in this order:
Clothing (Pro tip: Use IKEA Skubb boxes for easy moving)
Books
Papers
Komono (miscellaneous, kitchenware, electronics, etc.)
Sentimental items
Ask each item: “Does this spark joy or support my ideal lifestyle?”
3. Pack with Purpose
Label boxes by room + category (e.g., “Kitchen – Daily Plates”)
Colour-code labels for movers
Keep essentials (toiletries, kettle) in a “First Night” box
Step 3: Moving Day – Stress-Free Logistics
Pre-move prep:
Place post-it notes on drawers/cupboards stating contents’ destination room
Brief packers/movers on labelling systems
New home setup:
Tape room signs (e.g., “MAIN BEDROOM”) to doors
Unpack category by category (not box by box)
The Life-Changing Result
By moving only joy-sparking items:
My own unpacking took 3 days vs. 3 weeks
Clients report 72% less “post-move chaos”
Space finally aligns with lifestyle goals
Your Turn: Ready for a Lighter Move?
Decluttering before moving isn’t about minimalism – it’s about curating a home that fuels your best life.
Struggling to start? As a Certified KonMari Consultant, I help clients across Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Greater London:
Declutter efficiently pre-move
Design intuitive storage for new homes
Maintain clutter-free systems long-term
Book a free 30-minute consultation – let’s make your move the joyful fresh start you deserve.
