Moving to a new home is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also be completely overwhelming. And if you’re someone who tends to hold onto everything, the process can feel even more stressful.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I might need this one day,” or “I should keep it just in case,” you’re not alone. Overpacking is common, but it also makes moving harder, more expensive, and more time-consuming. The more stuff you have, the more you’ll need to pack, transport, and eventually unpack.

But don’t worry—there’s a way to make moving easier without regretting what you leave behind. This guide will help you declutter, pack smarter, and stay organized so you can move without losing your mind (or your stuff).

1. Why Overpacking Makes Moving Harder (and More Expensive!)

Packing up your life is no small task. But keeping too much stuff makes the process way more difficult than it needs to be.

Here’s why overpacking is a problem:

• More boxes = more stress – The more you bring, the longer it takes to pack, load, and unpack.
• Higher moving costs – Whether you’re moving yourself or hiring help, extra weight and boxes increase the price.
• Harder unpacking – Once you arrive, you’ll have to find a place for everything, which can make your new home feel cluttered before you even settle in.

This is why it’s smart to sort through your belongings before you move rather than dragging unnecessary items to your next home. If you’re hiring a residential moving company for your move, reducing clutter can cut down on costs and make the move smoother. Movers charge based on the number of boxes, the weight of items, and the time it takes to transport them. The fewer things you bring, the easier and cheaper it will be.

So, before you start stuffing everything into boxes, take a step back and rethink what you really need.

2. The ‘Do I Really Need This?’ Test

The easiest way to declutter is to ask yourself a few simple questions about each item:

• Have I used this in the past year? If not, chances are you won’t miss it.
• Would I buy this again today? If you wouldn’t spend money on it now, it’s probably not worth keeping.
• Does it serve a real purpose? Some things take up space but don’t actually improve your life.
• Do I love it? If it doesn’t bring you joy or function, let it go.

If you’re struggling, sort everything into three piles: Keep, Donate, Trash. This method keeps the process simple and stops you from second-guessing every little thing.

3. Packing Smart: Less Stuff, Less Stress

Packing isn’t just about throwing things into boxes—it’s about staying organized so your move goes smoothly. Here’s how to do it the smart way:

1. Start with One Room at a Time

Tackle one area before moving on to the next. Jumping between spaces makes the process feel chaotic.

2. Be Ruthless with Clothes

Follow the one-year rule: If you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it. That sweater you’ve been “meaning to wear” but never do? Time to let it go.

3. Pack by Necessity

Pack essential items last so they’re easy to grab. Things you rarely use (like holiday decorations or old books) can be packed first.

4. Label Everything

Use detailed labels on your boxes so you don’t waste time digging through them later.

4. Master the Art of Decluttering Before Moving

Decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about making your move easier and your new home more enjoyable.

How to Declutter Effectively

• Tackle one category at a time – Instead of trying to clean out an entire room at once, focus on categories like clothes, kitchenware, or paperwork.
• Use the Four-Box Method – Label boxes as Keep, Sell, Donate, and Trash to make sorting simple.
• Be honest about sentimental items – Keep what truly matters, but don’t feel guilty letting go of things that no longer serve a purpose.

The less clutter you bring, the faster you’ll settle into your new space.

5. Space-Saving Packing Hacks for Overpackers

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to pack efficiently. Here are some tried-and-true tricks:

• Use vacuum-seal bags – Perfect for bulky items like blankets and sweaters.
• Roll your clothes – Rolling takes up less space than folding.
• Store small items inside larger ones – Shoes, pots, and bags are great for packing smaller belongings.
• Color-code your boxes – Assign colors to different rooms to make unpacking easier.

Packing smart means fewer boxes, less weight, and a smoother moving day.

6. How to Let Go of ‘Just in Case’ Items

One of the biggest reasons people overpack is fear of needing something later. But if you haven’t used it in years, chances are you won’t miss it.

Here’s how to break free from the “just in case” trap:

• Ask yourself when you last used it – If you can’t remember, let it go.
• Think about your new space – Will it fit in your new home? If not, it’s time to part ways.
• Remind yourself you can replace things – Most items can be re-bought if needed.

Letting go of excess frees up space and makes moving easier.

7. Moving Day: Keep Essentials Handy

Even with careful packing, moving day can be hectic. Avoid last-minute stress by keeping these must-haves easily accessible:

• A first-day box with essentials like toiletries, chargers, and a change of clothes.
• Important documents like IDs, financial records, and moving contracts.
• Medications and valuables—don’t pack these in moving boxes!

Having these essentials within reach will make your first night way smoother.

Overpacking is one of the biggest mistakes people make when moving. It leads to stress, extra costs, and a longer unpacking process. By decluttering, packing smart, and being honest about what you really need, you can make your move easier and more enjoyable.

If you want to avoid the hassle of moving heavy boxes and furniture yourself, consider hiring a residential moving company. They handle the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new home instead of stressing over the move.

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, you can start fresh in your new space—without bringing unnecessary clutter along for the ride.

Photo by cottonbro studio via Pexels

CLICK HERE TO DONATE IN SUPPORT OF OUR NONPROFIT COVERAGE OF ARTS AND CULTURE