Moving to a new home in Buffalo is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you start thinking about all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Whether you’re downsizing, upgrading, or just relocating to a new neighborhood, decluttering is a crucial step that can make your move smoother, faster, and less stressful. As professional junk removal experts at Quick Help Junk Removal, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to guide you through the process with this helpful checklist.

Why Decluttering Before a Move Is Essential

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of decluttering, let’s talk about why it’s so important. Moving is already a big job, and the last thing you want is to lug unnecessary items to your new home. By decluttering beforehand, you’ll save time, reduce moving costs, and make unpacking at your new place a breeze. Plus, you’ll get to start fresh without the clutter that’s been holding you back.

At Quick Help Junk Removal, we understand that letting go of items can be tough, but trust us—it’s worth it. And if you need help with the heavy lifting or disposing of those unwanted items, we’re just a call away.

Step 1: Plan and Prepare

Set a Timeline

The key to successful decluttering is starting early and staying organized. Set a timeline that fits your moving schedule and stick to it. Depending on the size of your home and the amount of stuff you have, you might need a few weeks to a few months to declutter properly. The earlier you start, the less stressful it will be.

Gather Supplies

Before you begin, make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Boxes: Sturdy boxes in various sizes for packing.
• Packing tape: To secure boxes and keep them from falling apart.
• Markers: For labeling boxes with their contents and which room they belong to.
• Trash bags: Heavy-duty bags for items that are heading straight to the trash.

Having everything you need on hand will keep the process running smoothly and help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 2: Room-by-Room Decluttering

Start with the Easiest Rooms

When it comes to decluttering, it’s often best to start with the easiest rooms first. These are typically the rooms that hold the least sentimental value, like the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. Tackling these areas first can give you a sense of accomplishment and momentum to keep going.

As you go through each room, make quick decisions about what to keep, donate, or discard. If you haven’t used something in over a year, chances are you don’t need it. And remember, the more you get rid of, the less you have to move!

Tackle Bedrooms and Closets

Once you’ve got the easy rooms out of the way, it’s time to move on to the bedrooms and closets. These areas can be a bit trickier, especially if you’ve got a lot of clothing, accessories, or sentimental items.

Here are some tips to help you declutter your closets:

• Sort by season: Start by sorting your clothes by season. If you come across items you haven’t worn in the last year, consider donating them.
• Keep only what you love: Be honest with yourself—if you don’t love it or it doesn’t fit, it’s time to let it go.
• Minimize sentimental attachments: It’s okay to keep a few special items, but try not to hold on to things just because they have memories attached. Take a photo if you need a keepsake, and then donate or discard the item.

Handle Living Areas and Storage Spaces

Living rooms, basements, and attics tend to accumulate the most clutter over the years. These spaces often house furniture, electronics, old toys, and other items that you might not use regularly.

Here’s how to tackle these areas:

• Furniture: Consider whether your furniture will fit in your new home or if it’s time for an upgrade. If it’s worn out or no longer suits your style, it might be time to part ways.
• Electronics: Old electronics can take up a lot of space. If they’re outdated or broken, it’s time to dispose of them properly. Quick Help Junk Removal can help you with the safe disposal of electronic waste.
• Storage Spaces: Basements and attics are notorious for becoming dumping grounds. Take the time to go through everything, and be ruthless in your decisions. If you haven’t used it in years, it’s probably time to let it go.

Step 3: Decide What to Keep, Donate, and Discard

The Three-Box Method

One of the most effective ways to declutter is by using the three-box method. Here’s how it works:

• Keep: Items you’ll definitely need or want to bring to your new home.
• Donate: Items that are in good condition but that you no longer need.
• Discard: Items that are broken, worn out, or simply not worth keeping.

This method helps you make quick decisions and keeps the process moving forward.

Donation Tips

Donating items is a great way to give back to the community while reducing the amount of stuff you need to move. Buffalo has several donation centers that would be happy to take your gently used items. Here are a few tips:

• Check donation guidelines: Different organizations have different guidelines for what they’ll accept. Make sure to check before you drop off your items.
• Get a receipt: If you’re donating items, be sure to get a receipt. You can often deduct the value of your donations on your taxes.

Not sure where to donate? Our team at Quick Help Junk Removal can help you find a local donation center that’s right for you.

Disposal of Unwanted Items

Some items just aren’t worth keeping or donating. When it’s time to say goodbye, Quick Help Junk Removal is here to help. We can take care of bulky items, hazardous materials, and general junk that you don’t want to bring to your new home.

Not sure what to do with that old couch or broken TV? Give us a call, and we’ll handle it for you.

Step 4: Packing Tips for What You’re Keeping

Efficient Packing Techniques

Now that you’ve sorted through your belongings and decided what to keep, it’s time to start packing. Here are some tips to make packing more efficient:

• Pack by room: Pack items from the same room together and label the boxes clearly. This will make unpacking much easier.
• Use the right size boxes: Put heavy items like books in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes. This makes the boxes easier to carry and reduces the risk of injury.
• Don’t overpack: It’s tempting to cram as much as possible into each box, but overpacking can lead to damaged items and boxes that are too heavy to lift.

Packing Fragile Items

Fragile items require special care when packing. Here’s how to keep them safe during the move:

• Use bubble wrap or packing paper: Wrap fragile items in bubble wrap or packing paper to protect them from damage.
• Label boxes as ‘Fragile’: Clearly mark boxes that contain fragile items so movers know to handle them with care.
• Fill empty spaces: Use packing peanuts, towels, or clothing to fill any empty spaces in the box. This prevents items from shifting during the move.

Step 5: Final Sweep and Disposal 

Last-Minute Decluttering

Even after you’ve gone through every room, you might still find items you’re unsure about. Take one last pass through your home and make quick decisions on anything left behind. Remember, the goal is to bring only what you need and love to your new home.

Coordinate with Your Junk Removal Service

Once you’ve finished decluttering, it’s time to schedule a final junk removal pickup. Quick Help Junk Removal can come by and haul away anything you don’t want to take with you. This includes bulky furniture, old appliances, and anything else that’s too big for regular trash pickup.

By coordinating with us, you’ll ensure that your old home is completely cleared out before moving day, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Decluttering before a move can feel like a daunting task, but with a plan in place and a little help from Quick Help Junk Removal, it doesn’t have to be. By following this checklist, you’ll be able to sort through your belongings, reduce the clutter, and make your move to a new home in Buffalo as stress-free as possible