The 'Move-Out' Decluttering Method is a Brilliant Way to Keep Your Home Tidy

If you’re searching for a new way to get organized, you certainly have your pick of methods.  From the tried-and-true to those with social media origins, it seems as if there are endless ways to streamline your space. One of the newest on the scene? The move-out decluttering method—a technique that might just revolutionize the way you approach tidying up. 

Inspired by the process of moving into a new home, this method asks you to carefully consider the necessity of your belongings, ultimately helping you part ways with the things you truly don’t need. Here's how to implement it in your own life and space, with help from a cleaning professional.

What Is the Move-Out Decluttering Method?

Moving is often seen as an opportunity for a fresh start. Since no one wants clutter crowding their new space, paring down belongings often comes with the territory. The move-out method asks you to approach decluttering with a similar mindset: The idea is to go through your belongings as if you’re downsizing, asking yourself if you were to move tomorrow, would you want to carry this item with you?

It’s a straightforward question that should tell you all you need to know about how important a particular item is to you and whether you can live without it. (And in the case of the latter, off to the donation bin or trash pile, it should go.) The strategy has been popularized by various declutter experts and TikTok organizing influencers, with devotees lauding how it can help you be more intentional about your belongings and take inventory in the process.

How to Use the Move-Out Decluttering Method

The move-out decluttering method is more than just a cleaning strategy—it’s a mindset shift. Here’s how to use it to get your home in tip-top shape.

1. Set a 'Move-Out' Date

Imagine you've sold your home and have to be out by a certain date. Mark this date on the calendar. This will give you a timeline of when you would ideally like your home to be organized by and keep you on track. (Remember to be realistic!)

2. Start with a Clear Space

“Begin by selecting one room or area to focus on—whether it’s your closet, kitchen, or living room,” says cleaning professional Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image. This is essential if you want to keep the project in check and prevent it from getting overwhelming. 

3. Ask the Key Question: "Would I pack this?"

This is what sets this method apart. As you pick up each item, ask yourself, "If I were moving tomorrow, would I take this with me?"

Be honest with yourself. "Items that are worn out, no longer functional, or haven’t been used in months or years can usually be let go," says Arias-Spinelli. Whether it’s clothing you haven’t worn in ages or kitchen tools that never see the light of day, if you haven't used it in your 'old' home, you'll likely never use it in the 'new.'

4. Sort, Sort, Sort

As you work your way through each item, sort everything into three categories, says Arias-Spinelli. Your 'keep' category should be dedicated to the items you would take with you on a move. These are the things you use regularly or have a sentimental value that brings joy.

The items that you wouldn't bother to bubble wrap belong in either your donation or trash piles. Donate items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life. Broken items, things that are past their prime, or anything that's just plain useless can go into the trash.

5. Take Action Immediately

Once the sorting is done, don’t let the donate or trash piles sit around too long. Get the donation bag out of your house as soon as possible, and be sure to properly dispose of anything you’ve decided to part with. The goal is to avoid second-guessing yourself. Once something has been sorted out, don’t let it linger. (You also don't want your donation bags and boxes to become clutter themselves, Arias-Spinelli points out.)

6. Celebrate Your Progress

After each decluttering session, take a moment to appreciate your hard work! It’s easy to get discouraged or feel like you haven’t done enough, but remember that decluttering is a process. Every item you remove brings you one step closer to the lifestyle you’re aiming for.

As your pretend move-out date approaches, your space should become more and more streamlined. (You are "downsizing," after all!) And just like if you really are moving, this decluttering method can provide that fresh start and help you feel more intentional and at peace in your home. No change-of-address forms required.