Decluttering Before a Big Move: Letting Go of What No Longer Serves You

n life, when you create a plan, things don’t always go your way. Sometimes, you’re forced to look within and practice patience, slowly chipping away at old belief systems and gaining a deeper understanding of who you are. As you peel away the layers of ideas and possessions that no longer serve you, you begin to push past your own self-created resistance. Then, suddenly, life shifts. It feels like an avalanche—one small change compounding into another until the very thing you wanted is sitting in your lap, waiting for you to embrace it. But in order to fully receive it, you must first let go of even more.

Right now, I’m living this experience firsthand, and it’s both overwhelming and liberating. My house is in disarray, with boxes stacked in every room, reminding me that I am moving. But I also recognize that many of these things are just items accumulated over time—trinkets, clothes, and objects I don’t use. So, let’s talk about how I’m decluttering, and hopefully, this will help you whether you’re currently moving or preparing for a major transition.

Starting with the Closet

I began with my closet because it made the most sense. Sorting through my clothes, I created a pile of things I no longer wanted or needed. At one point, during pregnancy, I decided I wanted to be a “fabric composition perfectionist.” But I quickly realized that was unrealistic—some of the clothes that fit me best contain synthetic fibers. Five donation trips later, I’ve moved beyond just fabric composition and am now letting go of anything I wore only once or that no longer aligns with the person I am becoming.

Letting go of emotional ties to objects is challenging. My biggest suggestion? Ask yourself honestly: Do I use this? Does it serve a purpose beyond sentimental value? An occasional vase or home decor piece is one thing, but holding onto a clearance-rack dress you’ve never worn (or in my case, a black blazer I thought would make me look more sophisticated) is another. I had to accept that I have no control over how others perceive me. So, I added it to the donation pile and chose to save up for a vest made of natural fibers—something that truly fits my style and values.

For you, it might be a dress you’ve been saving for when you lose weight. But if it has sat unworn for over two years, it’s time to donate it.

Start Small & Pace Yourself

You don’t have to go through everything at once, but in my case, moving has forced me to. By pacing yourself, you give yourself enough time to process the emotions that come up while decluttering. That inner voice—“Maybe I’ll need this later”—will likely show up. But really evaluate the quality of that item. Is it high quality? Will it last 10+ years with proper care? If you’re environmentally conscious, consider its impact on the planet.

I’m not here to tell you to get rid of everything or even to sell it all on Facebook Marketplace. But if it resonates with you, let go of things so you can make room for what truly adds value to your life.

A Shift in Mindset

We live in a culture of extremes—having nothing or having it all. I used to be a maximalist. Every wall in my home was covered with decor, my shelves were overflowing, and my makeup drawers were filled with expired products I had collected over the years from my first adult jobs. When I finally threw out 10 pounds of expired makeup, I cried. My husband laughed at me, and I even recorded it. But that moment marked the beginning of a new chapter. I knew it was time to let go of memories tied to those items. There was no way I was ever going to wear lavender or navy blue lipstick again!

Afterward, I felt relieved. My makeup routine became faster, and I no longer felt overwhelmed choosing from ten different palettes.

Finding Balance

Decluttering doesn’t mean you have to live like a minimalist. I now have a balance—I own things I love and use for special occasions, along with my everyday essentials. And that’s okay. But keeping five bottles of perfume when I only use two, or holding onto empty bottles just because they look aesthetic, only creates clutter.

The Deeper Work

This process isn’t just about objects. It’s about inner personal work—feeling secure in yourself, not relying on brand names to feel worthy, and releasing the belief that things will make you whole. When you keep clutter, you’re inviting stress—like when you stub your pinky toe trying to avoid a pile of stuff you should have let go of long ago.

I hope this was helpful! If you haven’t already, subscribe to my newsletter and leave a comment below. What is one item you’ve been holding onto “just because,” and why do you think that is? I’d love to hear your thoughts!