Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, getting organized BEFORE the big day can make all the difference. Decluttering before a move lightens the load physically, mentally, and emotionally. At Nice & Neat Homes, a Utah Professional Organizing company based out of Salt Lake City, we help our clients let go of the excess and move forward with purpose.
Decluttering is about more than just tidying up, it’s about making intentional choices with the items you choose to have in your home. If you’re moving in the near future, this is the perfect opportunity to get rid of what no longer serves you and simplify your life.
Start Early to Avoid Decision Fatigue
One of the biggest mistakes we see people make? Waiting too long. If you’re planning a move, start decluttering as soon as possible—you’re never too early! Tackling a whole house can be a big commitment, especially if you’re doing it solo. Breaking it into small, manageable, pieces over time is key to staying sane and avoiding decision fatigue.
Just ask our client Julie, who called us early—six months before her move—so we could work through her home and help them prepare in advance. She wrote:
“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Abbie and all the wonderful gals that came to my house! I had a full house that needed to be organized and prepped for moving, but I hurt my back and needed so much help! They took care of everything and were so friendly and fun to have in my home. I was impressed with everything they did. They worked with my schedule and came during spring break when my husband took our 4 kids on a trip so we could work every day for 4 days straight while they were gone. It was the best spring break for me. We got so much done in those 4 days. I’m definitely going to hire Abbie and her team [of Utah organizers] again when we are ready to move into our new house!! Thanks Ladies!!”
We were able to completely declutter her house in four 6-hour session days with a team of 3-4 organizers. This was a total of 42 dedicated, uninterrupted hours! This project could’ve taken weeks or even months to do alone. The relief that having a team beside you can bring is unparalleled! Here are some fun before and afters from the spaces we tackled:
Keep, Donate, Toss, Relocate
When you’re decluttering, every item should go into one of four categories:
- Keep – You use it, love it, and don’t want to live without it.
- Donate – It’s in good condition, but no longer needed. Someone else can benefit from it.
- Toss – It’s broken, expired, or no longer usable.
- Relocate – It belongs somewhere else (another room, storage unit, or to someone you know).
Avoid creating a “maybe” pile. That’s where clutter goes to die. Make firm and final decisions using simple questions:
- Do I use this regularly?
- Do I love it?
- Would I buy it again today?
If the answer is no, let it go. Don’t force yourself to make the same decision twice!
Tackle One Small Area at a Time
Instead of declaring war on your entire garage, focus on one shelf. Start with something simple like a junk drawer, a single kitchen cabinet, or under the sink in your bathroom. Small wins create momentum. If you’re at a loss about where to get started, check out our free decluttering guide. We also share more practical decluttering tips on our Instagram.
Pro tip: Don’t try to do it all in one weekend if you’re doing it on your own. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re running out of time or energy, Nice & Neat Homes can step in and do it for you in a matter of days. We service Salt Lake City, Park City, Utah County, and surrounding areas.
Drop Donations Off Right Away
Once you’ve decided what to donate, don’t let it linger in your hallway or take up space in your backseat. Bag or box it up and take it to a donation center right away. The faster it’s gone, the better you’ll feel, and the less likely you are to second-guess yourself.
Sometimes it’s helpful to call in a junk removal service for larger loads. If you’re local to Salt Lake City, Clutter B-Gone is a great resource who can haul your junk away all at once!
Know When to Bring in the Experts
If it all starts to feel like too much, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Our team of professional organizers are trained to help you make smart decisions, stay on task, and manage the emotional side of letting go.
At Nice & Neat Homes, we specialize in helping clients in Salt Lake City and beyond make fast, thoughtful progress. Whether you want hands-on help for the whole house or just that one closet you’ve been avoiding, our team of Utah Professional Organizing pros are here for you.
Just like we did for Julie, we can knock out what seems like a never-ending mountain of clutter in just a few focused days. Hiring us can save you time, energy, and a whole lot of stress before your move.
Start Early & Stress Less: Declutter in 5 Easy Steps
The sooner you start decluttering, the easier your move will be. Remember:
- Start early (months ahead if possible!).
- Sort into keep, donate, toss, or relocate. Don’t create a “maybe” pile.
- Work in small sections at a time.
- Drop off donations ASAP.
- Call in the professionals if it gets too overwhelming
When you’re ready for a clean, fresh start, Nice & Neat Homes, your trusted Salt Lake City organizers and Utah Professional Organizing team, is ready to help. Get in touch with us and find out how we can turn your clutter into calm.
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