5 Smart & Simple Ways to Declutter Before a Big Move

Relocating to a new home can be both exciting and stressful. With all the logistics, paperwork, and emotional farewells, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important steps that can make the process smoother — decluttering. Whether you're upgrading to a larger space or downsizing to something more manageable, clearing out unnecessary items before the big day can save you time, money, and energy.

If you’re looking for effective ways to declutter in a fuss-free, efficient manner, here are five practical tips that fit perfectly within the local lifestyle and housing context.

Start with the least sentimental areas

It’s tempting to begin packing your favourite things, but starting with areas that have little emotional attachment helps build momentum. These include the storeroom, service yard, kitchen drawers, and under-sink cabinets. These places often house expired cleaning products, broken appliances, or random knick-knacks you didn’t even realise you had.

Set a simple rule: if it’s broken and hasn’t been used or fixed in the last six months, toss it or recycle it responsibly. You can also gather cleaning supplies and tools you still need into a designated box so they’re accessible during your final home clean-up.

Sort by category, not by room

Instead of going room by room, try the Marie Kondo-inspired method of sorting by category. For example, tackle all clothes, then books, then electronics, ensuring you safely move electronics as you go. This helps you see the volume of each category and makes it easier to identify duplicates or items you no longer need.

Clothes are a great place to start. If you haven't worn something in over a year and it's not for a special occasion, it's probably time to let it go. Donate wearable clothes to charities or pass them on to someone who might need them.

Use the three-box method

One of the simplest yet most effective decluttering techniques is the three-box method: Keep, Donate/Sell, and Throw. Label three large boxes or bags accordingly, and commit to categorising everything you pick up. Be honest with yourself — if you’re unsure, put it in a temporary ‘Maybe’ pile and return to it after a day or two with a clearer mind.

For items that are still in good condition, such as unused kitchen gadgets, baby gear, or spare furniture, consider selling them on Carousell or donating them to someone in your neighbourhood through community WhatsApp or Telegram groups. It’s a great way to reduce waste while helping someone else.

Be ruthless with storage spaces

HDB flats and condos are known for their creative storage options, but they can also become black holes for clutter. That high cabinet above your fridge, the space under your bed, and even those overhead compartments in the bomb shelter often hold items that haven’t seen the light of day in years.

Schedule time to specifically declutter these hidden zones. Pull everything out and ask yourself: Have I used this in the last year? Will I need it in the next one? Sentimental items like old school uniforms, childhood toys, or holiday souvenirs can be photographed before being let go, especially if space in your new place is limited.

Declutter with your movers in mind

If you're engaging house movers or professional packers & movers in Singapore, remember that the less stuff you have, the faster and cheaper the move will be. Movers often charge based on volume or number of trips required, so being selective with what you bring along pays off.

Check in with your movers early in the process so you can understand their packing requirements. This will help you determine what type of boxes or packing supplies you’ll need. It’s also good to ask if they offer disposal services for bulky items like old wardrobes or mattresses — you might save yourself a trip to the town council's bulky item removal booking page.

Conclusion

Decluttering before a move doesn’t have to be a stressful affair. With a bit of planning and honesty, you can lighten your load, make packing easier, and enjoy a fresh start in your new home without unnecessary baggage.

At Reddot Movers, we know that a clutter-free move is a happy move. Whether you're shifting across the street or to a new neighbourhood, let us help make your transition smooth and stress-free.

Visit Reddot Movers to find out how we can support your next big move.