How to Declutter for an International Move

Moving to another country is an exciting adventure, but it also requires careful planning, especially when it comes to deciding what to take with you. Unlike local or even cross-country moves, international relocations come with high moving costs, potential customs restrictions, and the challenge of adapting to a new home with different space constraints.

Decluttering before your international move can save you money, simplify the packing process, and ensure a fresh start in your new home. This guide will walk you through effective strategies for decluttering and deciding what to keep, donate, sell, or discard.

Why Decluttering is Essential for an International Move

Lower Moving Costs – Moving items internationally can be expensive. The less you take, the less you pay.
Customs and Import Restrictions – Some items may not be allowed in your destination country, or they might require additional paperwork.
Different Living Spaces – Your new home may have different storage capacities, layouts, or cultural preferences for home furnishings.
A Fresh Start – Moving internationally is a great opportunity to simplify and start anew.

How to Begin Decluttering

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. Use these strategies to get started:

1. Start Early

Decluttering is a process that takes time. Ideally, start sorting your belongings at least 2-3 months before your move to avoid last-minute stress.

2. Categorize Your Belongings

Sort everything into four main categories:

Keep: Items essential for your new home and daily life.
Sell: Items in good condition that you can sell to recoup some moving costs.
Donate: Items that are still useful but not worth selling.
Discard: Broken, outdated, or unnecessary items that won’t serve a purpose in your new home.

3. Consider Your New Home and Lifestyle

Research your destination to understand how much space you will have and whether certain items are necessary. Ask yourself:

Will I have enough room for large furniture?
Is my home in a warm climate, making winter clothes unnecessary?
Are appliances compatible with the electrical outlets in my new country?

What to Declutter Room by Room

Each room in your home requires a different decluttering approach. Here’s how to tackle each space:

Living Room

Furniture: Large or heavy pieces may be too costly to ship.
Decor: Fragile or sentimental decor may not be worth transporting.
Electronics: Check voltage compatibility before deciding to take TVs, gaming consoles, or speakers.

Kitchen

Appliances: Verify if your appliances will work in your new country.
Dishes and Cookware: Keep essential items, but avoid packing excess dishware and specialty tools you rarely use.
Perishables: Avoid bringing food unless you’ve confirmed that it’s allowed.

Bedrooms

Clothing: Donate or sell anything you haven’t worn in the past year. Keep only versatile, climate-appropriate clothing.
Bedding: Consider if your new home will have different bed sizes or bedding preferences.
Jewelry & Accessories: Keep valuable or sentimental pieces but consider donating excess costume jewelry or accessories.

Bathroom

Toiletries: Most toiletries can be purchased in your new country, so only take necessities.
Medications: Research what medications are allowed and if they are available at your destination.
Towels & Linens: Unless they’re high-quality or sentimental, you may want to replace them after the move.

Garage/Basement

Tools: Keep only multi-purpose tools and sell or donate heavy, rarely used items.
Outdoor Equipment: If moving to a different climate, you may not need seasonal items like snow shovels or gardening tools.
Bikes & Sporting Goods: Consider selling bulky items and replacing them after moving.

How to Sell or Donate Unwanted Items Before a Move

Once you’ve decided what to part with, you can:

Sell: Use online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist) or hold a garage sale.
Donate: Local charities, shelters, and thrift stores often accept gently used items.
Recycle: Old electronics, clothes, and furniture can often be recycled responsibly.
Dispose: Properly discard broken or unusable items following local waste guidelines.

Final Decluttering Tips

Use the “One-Year Rule”: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, you likely won’t need it in your new home.
Digitize Documents: Scan important documents instead of carrying piles of paperwork.
Limit Sentimental Items: Take photos of sentimental belongings rather than moving them.
Think About Replacement Costs: Sometimes, it’s cheaper to replace an item than to ship it.

Enjoy a Lighter Move

Decluttering before an international move not only saves you time and money but also helps you embrace a fresh start in your new home. By carefully assessing what to take and what to leave behind, you’ll simplify your transition and make settling in much easier.

Looking for the best international movers for your relocation? Contact Allied International, the best international movers in Chicago, to see how we can make your relocation process smooth and stress-free. Get a free quote now!