How to Declutter Before a Move: A Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to a new home is exciting—but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming. Between packing, cleaning, and coordinating logistics, one of the smartest things you can do to reduce stress (and cost!) is to declutter before you move. At GoGo Junk Removal, we’ve helped countless Atlanta residents streamline their moves by getting rid of unwanted items quickly and responsibly.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you declutter like a pro before moving day.


Step 1: Start Early—At Least 4 Weeks Before the Move

Don’t wait until the last week to start sorting through your stuff. Begin about a month in advance, tackling one room at a time. This gives you enough breathing room to make thoughtful decisions and avoid panic packing.


Step 2: Create Sorting Zones

As you go through each room, label or separate your items into the following categories:

  • Keep – Items you use regularly or truly love.
  • Pack Later – Seasonal or rarely used items.
  • Donate – Gently used clothes, furniture, or household items.
  • Trash/Junk – Broken, outdated, or unusable items.
  • Call GoGo Junk Removal – For large items or bulk junk that’s too much for curb pickup.

Step 3: Tackle the High-Clutter Zones First

Focus on areas that tend to gather clutter:

  • Garage or shed – Often filled with unused tools, paint cans, or broken equipment.
  • Basement or attic – Great for seasonal decorations, old furniture, and forgotten storage bins.
  • Closets – Donate clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
  • Kitchen – Toss expired pantry items, duplicate utensils, and unused appliances.

Step 4: Be Ruthless, But Realistic

Ask yourself:

  • Have I used this in the past year?
  • Does it serve a purpose in my new space?
  • Is it worth the time and money to pack and move it?

If the answer is no, let it go.


Step 5: Schedule a Junk Pickup With GoGo Junk Removal

Once you’ve sorted everything, it’s time to make space. At GoGo Junk Removal, we provide fast, reliable service throughout the Atlanta metro area, including Decatur, Lithonia, Tucker, and more.

We haul away:

  • Old furniture
  • Broken appliances
  • Mattresses
  • Yard waste
  • Construction debris
  • And just about anything else you don’t want to move!

We also donate or recycle whenever possible to keep junk out of landfills.

Pro tip: Schedule your junk removal at least a week before your move to avoid last-minute chaos.


Step 6: Pack What’s Left—Now With Less Stress

With all the clutter gone, packing will be faster, cheaper, and more organized. You’ll know exactly what you’re taking—and your new home will feel lighter from day one.


Final Thoughts: Let GoGo Junk Removal Lighten the Load

Whether you’re upsizing in Conyers or downsizing in Decatur, decluttering before a move is one of the smartest steps you can take. Let GoGo Junk Removal handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your fresh start.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule same-day junk removal!