How to Declutter for a Smooth Move (Tips for Military Families and More!)
Moving as a military family can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re relocating across town or to another state, the process can leave you wondering how to juggle everything. Add kids into the mix, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as a mom who’s moved more times than I can count (including one big move from Alaska to Florida with just one suitcase per person—not recommended!), I’ve learned some practical ways to declutter and streamline the process.
Here, we’ll cover actionable tips to help you declutter before, during, and after a move. Whether you’re a military family like my friend Sarah Potter, who has faced countless moves, or a civilian family managing the chaos of relocation, these insights are here to make your move smoother and less stressful.
Why Decluttering Before You Move Is Non-Negotiable for Military Families
If you’re tempted to pack everything and sort it out later, I’m here to gently advise otherwise. Moving is already a massive undertaking, and hauling stuff you don’t need adds unnecessary work. Not to mention, if you’re paying movers, you’re also paying to transport things you might end up donating or trashing anyway. Trust me—it’s worth the effort to declutter beforehand.
When my family moved from Alaska to Florida, we didn’t just move—we started fresh. We only brought what fit in our suitcases. While that extreme approach isn’t for everyone, it taught me to think critically about what truly matters. Sarah, as a military spouse, takes a slightly different approach but agrees: Decluttering before a move reduces stress and helps you settle in faster.
Benefits of Decluttering Before You Move:
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Save money by reducing the weight or size of your shipment.
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Spend less time packing and unpacking.
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Start fresh in your new space without the baggage of unnecessary items.
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Create a sense of control in the chaos of moving.
Where to Start: Decluttering
1. Tackle One Room at a Time Start with spaces that hold less emotional weight, like the bathroom or kitchen. Pull out what you’ll need for the next week and pack everything else. For items like bath mats or old towels, consider whether it’s worth packing them or replacing them at your new home.
2. Sort Sentimental Items Last Sentimental items can be the hardest to declutter. During one of Sarah’s moves, she had to decide whether to keep her grandmother’s Fiesta ware. While it held sentimental value, she knew the set was heavy to transport. Sarah’s solution? Pack only the truly irreplaceable items herself, ensuring they stayed safe.
3. Use the “One Bin Per Room” Rule For kids, I allow one bin for toys and one suitcase for clothes. This boundary simplifies decision-making and helps prevent overwhelm. If they’re old enough, let them choose their favorite items to include. For adults, use similar limits to decide what stays and what goes.
4. Plan for the “Essentials Bin” Set aside a bin or box of items you’ll need immediately at your new home, like important documents, chargers, a few days’ worth of clothes, and toiletries. For military families, Sarah recommends using caution tape to mark these as “do not pack” if movers are involved.
Hacks for Military Families vs. Civilian Moves
For Military Families:
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Weight Matters: Military moves often come with weight limits, so larger families need to be especially mindful.
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Label Everything: Use stamps or stickers with your name and phone number on boxes to avoid lost items. Air tags are another handy tool to track your belongings.
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Pack Sentimental and Essential Items Separately: Keep photos, heirlooms, and important documents with you to prevent accidental loss or damage.
For Civilian Families:
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DIY Moving Options: Depending on the distance, it may be cheaper to pack a small truck with essentials and replace larger items at your destination. When we moved from Florida to Idaho, we chose not to transport bulky furniture because it was more cost-effective to repurchase it.
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Creative Moving Solutions: Consider options like renting space in semi-truck containers (think Uber for moving trucks) for long-distance moves. Just be aware that fragile items may not travel well.
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Replace as Needed: Use moving as an opportunity to refresh worn-out items like dishes, towels, and bedding.
Preparing Your Kids for a Move
Moving can be emotional for kids, especially if they’re leaving behind friends and familiar spaces. Here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way):
1. Communicate Early: When we moved from Idaho to California, we waited too long to tell our kids. They were blindsided and upset. For our next move, we involved them early, giving them time to process and prepare.
2. Involve Them in Packing: Let your kids help pack their belongings. It gives them a sense of control and helps them process the transition.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: Explain that things might get lost or broken, but reassure them that you’ll work together to replace or repair what’s important.
4. Focus on the Positive: Highlight the exciting aspects of the move, like new experiences, friends, or even a bigger backyard.
Packing Tips and Tricks
Whether you’re packing yourself or using professional movers, these tips can save you time and stress:
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Start with Large Items: Pack furniture and other bulky items first, then fit smaller boxes and bags around them.
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Use Trash Bags for Soft Items: Pillows, stuffed animals, and blankets can be packed in trash bags to save space and protect them from dirt.
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Label Clearly: Include not just the room, but also what’s inside the box (e.g., “Kitchen – Pots and Pans”).
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Take Inventory: For high-value items, take photos before packing in case you need to file a claim for damages.
Staying Sane During a Military Move
Let’s be real: moving is exhausting. It’s okay to rely on pizza nights, paper plates, and extra screen time to get through it. Lower your expectations and give yourself grace.
Sarah’s advice? Focus on one day at a time. She shared that having her kitchen in order helps her feel grounded. For me, knowing the chaos is temporary keeps me moving forward. When in doubt, remind yourself that you’ll get through it—and it will be worth it.
After the Move: Settling In for Military Families
Once you’re in your new home, resist the urge to let unpacked boxes linger. Prioritize unpacking the essentials and set aside time each day to tackle one area. If you’ve decluttered beforehand, this process will be much smoother.
For those who prefer to declutter after a move, check out my podcast episode on settling in post-move. It’s packed with tips to help you feel at home faster.
Final Thoughts
Moving is a massive undertaking, but with a little planning and decluttering, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a military family navigating frequent relocations or a civilian family embarking on a big move, these tips can help you approach it with confidence.
And remember: your home is about the people in it, not the stuff that comes with you. Focus on creating a space that supports your family’s needs and brings you joy.
For getting a very general idea of schools in the area you are moving to.
For getting a feel for the area just use Google Earth
Air tags for tracking your stuff during a move.
Use Scan Your Boxes to track what’s inside your moving boxes with a QR code.
