How to Declutter Before Moving

Moving into a new home is exciting — but packing up everything you own can feel overwhelming. Between sorting, labeling, and trying not to lose anything important, it's easy to get buried under boxes.

The good news? With a little planning (and the right tools), you can declutter efficiently and make unpacking at your new place a breeze.

Here's how to do it step by step 👇

1 Start Early — and One Room at a Time

Begin decluttering at least two weeks before your move. Focus on one area per day: kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, garage, etc. Breaking the process into small chunks keeps you from burning out and helps you stay organized.

2 Digitally Track Your Boxes

Once you start packing, label each box with a number and a short description — for example, "Box #3: Kitchen pans and utensils."

To make it easier later, use an app like SmartBox Organizer to keep track of everything. You can number boxes, add photos or item lists, and instantly search what's inside before opening. No more mystery boxes or lost items after the move!

3 Declutter With Purpose

If you haven't used it in over a year — you probably don't need it. Moving is the perfect excuse to let go of old, unused, or duplicate items. Donate gently used clothes and kitchenware, recycle old documents, and toss anything broken or expired.

The less you pack, the easier and cheaper your move will be.

4 Organize by Category, Not by Room

Packing by category (for example: books, decor, tools) helps you quickly see duplicates and makes unpacking simpler. It also lets you keep an inventory across multiple rooms — something SmartBox Organizer helps you visualize in seconds.

5 Keep Essentials Separate

Pack a dedicated "first day" box or bag with essentials — charger, toothbrush, fresh clothes, coffee maker, etc. You don't want to be searching for your toothpaste after a long day of moving.

6 Label Clearly (and Digitally)

Use a bold marker and number each box clearly on multiple sides. Then, add that same number in SmartBox Organizer with details and photos. When you arrive, you'll instantly know which boxes go where — and what to unpack first.