Moving Is Sold by Weight and Time
Long-distance moves are priced by weight. Local moves are priced by time. In both cases, less stuff means lower costs. Every box you eliminate is money in your pocket and one less thing to unpack at the other end.
The One-Year Rule
If you haven't used it, worn it, or thought about it in the past year — let it go. Moving is the best forcing function for honest decluttering. The friction of packing and unpacking every item makes you confront its real value in your life.
- Sell valuable items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist before the move
- Donate usable clothing, furniture, and household items to local charities
- Recycle or discard items that are broken, expired, or genuinely useless
- Shred sensitive documents you no longer need
What Not to Move
Certain items should never go on a moving truck: hazardous materials (paint, propane, cleaning chemicals), perishable food, plants (for long-distance moves), and valuable documents or irreplaceable items. Keep those with you.
The Payoff
Clients who declutter before their move consistently report lower final invoices, faster move days, and a significantly more satisfying unpacking experience. You are not just moving — you are starting fresh. Make it count.