A move is the perfect moment to to free yourself from unnecessary ballastBut what should you really keep and what can be thrown away? Minimalism helps you live more consciouslyto concentrate on the essentials and experience a stress-free move. In this article, you will learn how to declutter efficiently and make your move easier.
1. Why is it worth decluttering before moving?
📦 1. Less lugging & lower moving costs
✅ The fewer things that need to be transported, the faster & cheaper will be the move.
✅ By decluttering you save Space & packaging material.
🏡 2. A new phase of life begins – getting rid of ballast
✅ A move is the ideal opportunity to to separate from unnecessary items.
✅ Minimalism ensures more order & clarity in the new apartment.
♻ 3. Sustainability & conscious consumption
✅ Pass on used items instead of throwing them away – by donating, selling or exchanging.
✅ Fewer possessions also means less consumption in the future.
💡 Tip: The rule is: The fewer boxes, the easier the move!
2. How do I start decluttering?
📋 1. Proceed room by room
✅ Structured planning helps you not to lose track.
✅ Best with the simplest areas (e.g. basement or storage room) start.
📦 2. Use the 4-box method
1️⃣ Keep – Things that are used regularly.
2️⃣ Donate/Sell – Things that are still usable but are no longer needed.
3️⃣ Recycling/Disposal – Broken or no longer usable items.
4️⃣ Uncertain box – If you can’t decide right away (check after 3 months!).
⏳ 3. Apply the 12-month rule
✅ Everything that has not been used for a year, is probably no longer needed.
✅ Exceptions: Seasonal items such as winter clothing or camping equipment.
💡 Tip: Music or a timer (e.g. 30-minute sessions) help to declutter more efficiently.
3. What to do with discarded items?
💰 1. Sell – Make money through minimalism
✅ Online platforms such as eBay classifieds, Vinted or flea markets to use.
✅ Valuable furniture or electrical appliances Second-hand shops or antique dealers sell.
🎁 2. Donate – Make others happy
✅ Social department stores (e.g. Oxfam, Caritas, Diakonie) accept well-preserved furniture and clothing.
✅ Refugee accommodation or social projects often look for household goods & furniture donations.
🔄 3. Swap or give away
✅ Online exchange platforms like Freecycle, nebenan.de or Facebook groups to use.
✅ Attach “Free to give away” notes to boxes and place them in front of the door.
🗑 4. Dispose of & recycle properly
✅ Electronic waste & old devices take it to the recycling center.
✅ Clothing & Fabrics into special recycling containers.
✅ Register bulky wasteif larger pieces of furniture need to be disposed of.
💡 Tip: If the move is imminent, a free pick-up service from social organizations be used.
4. Minimalism in your new home – How to keep it tidy
🏠 1. Don’t fill your new apartment immediately
✅ First of all with start with a few furniture & decorations.
✅ If necessary, gradually purchase missing items.
📦 2. Store things systematically
✅ Label crates & boxesto keep track.
✅ Minimalism rule: For every new part, an old one has to go (“one in – one out”).
🛒 3. Consume more consciously & avoid impulse purchases
✅ Consider before every purchase: Do I really need this?
✅ If unsure: Postpone purchase decision for 30 days.
💡 Tip: A minimalist interior not only saves space, but also time when cleaning and tidying up.
5. Avoid common decluttering mistakes
❌ Clearing out everything at once & being overwhelmed → Solution: Proceed step by step and with structure.
❌ Clinging emotionally to objects → Solution: Only keep things that are truly useful.
❌ Do everything at the last minute → Solution: Start decluttering in good time (at least 4 weeks before the move).
❌ Throwing away instead of passing on meaningfully → Solution: Sell, donate or recycle instead of throwing away.
💡 Tip: If you are unsure, ask yourself: Does this item really make my life better?
6. Checklist for efficient decluttering before moving
📌 Before the move:
✅ Clean out room by room (living room, kitchen, bedroom, basement).
✅ Use the 4-box method: Keep, sell, donate, dispose of.
✅ Pass things on or sell them before they are thrown away.
📦 During the move:
✅ Pack boxes sensibly – only take necessary things.
✅ Furnish your new apartment in a minimalist way & consume less.
🚛 After the move:
✅ Sort things after moving in & keep only what is necessary.
✅ Use the “one in – one out” rule to maintain minimalism in the long term.
✅ Consume consciously & avoid impulse purchases.
💡 Tip: A minimalist lifestyle not only reduces stress but also helps you live more sustainably.
Conclusion: Move minimalistically & get rid of ballast
✔ Fewer boxes = easier & cheaper move
✔ Minimalism saves space, time & money
✔ Decluttering helps you live more consciously and sustainably
✔ Donate, sell or recycle instead of throwing away
✔ Stay minimalistic and consume more consciously after moving
🚛 Are you planning to move? Praktik Transport supports you with efficient moving solutions & sustainable packaging options – for a minimalist & stress-free move! Get a non-binding offer now! 🏡✨
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