What Not to Pack: A Moving Decluttering Guide
Grant Cool • November 10, 2025
Moving to a new home is an exciting chapter, but the process of getting there can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest sources of stress is the sheer volume of "stuff" we accumulate over the years. Packing up every single item, moving it, and then finding a place for it in your new home is a massive undertaking. What if you could make your move significantly easier, cheaper, and less stressful?
At Prescott Moving Company, we’ve seen it all. With decades of experience helping families move in and around Prescott, we know that the secret to a smooth move isn't just about expert packing—it starts with smart decluttering. By taking the time to sort through your belongings and get rid of what you no longer need, you can save time, money, and a whole lot of effort. This guide shares our professional tips on how to decide what stays and what goes.
The High Cost of Moving Clutter
Before diving into the "how," it's important to understand the "why." Why is it so crucial to declutter before you move? Moving clutter costs you in several ways:
- Money: Professional movers often charge based on the weight of your shipment or the time it takes to load and unload the truck. The more you move, the more you pay. You're also paying for packing materials—boxes, tape, bubble wrap—for items you might not even want.
- Time: Every item you own must be packed, labeled, loaded, transported, unloaded, and unpacked. A weekend spent packing expired pantry items and old clothes is a weekend you'll never get back.
- Space: Your new home is a fresh start. Filling it with clutter from your old home immediately makes it feel smaller and more disorganized. Starting with only the things you truly need and love allows you to design your new space with intention.
- Stress: Facing a mountain of boxes is daunting. The more there is to unpack, the longer it takes to feel settled and comfortable in your new environment.
The Prescott Moving Company Method: A Room-by-Room Strategy
The thought of decluttering an entire house at once is paralyzing. The key is to break it down into manageable chunks. Tackle one room—or even just one closet—at a time. As you go through each item, use a simple four-category system. Get four large boxes or bins and label them: Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard. Every single item you touch must go into one of these four boxes. There is no "maybe" pile. If you're struggling to decide, ask yourself these critical questions:
- Have I used this in the last year?
- Is it broken? If so, will I realistically fix it before I move?
- Do I have more than one of these? Do I need a duplicate?
- Does it fit my new home's style or space?
- Am I keeping this out of guilt or obligation?
- Would I buy this item today if I saw it in a store?
If the answers are "no," it's time to let it go.
What You Don’t Need: A Checklist for Decluttering
Here are some of the most common items we see people move unnecessarily. Use this as a guide to start identifying what you can get rid of.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen is a prime spot for clutter. Be ruthless here.
- Expired Food: Go through your pantry, fridge, and spice rack. Toss anything that is expired. Consider donating unexpired, non-perishable food you don't want to move to a local food bank.
- Duplicate Utensils and Gadgets: How many wooden spoons, whisks, or can openers do you really need? Keep the best one and donate the rest. The same goes for that single-purpose gadget you used once (we're looking at you, apple corer).
- Chipped or Stained Dishware: Mismatched and damaged mugs, plates, and bowls take up valuable space.
- Old Water Bottles and Travel Mugs: Keep your favorites and recycle the rest.
In the Closets
Clothing is personal, but closets are often filled with items we no longer wear.
- Clothes That Don't Fit: Be honest. If it hasn't fit in over a year, it's time to donate it.
- Outdated or Worn-Out Fashion: That bridesmaid dress from a decade ago or those worn-out shoes can go.
- Unused Accessories: Scarves, belts, and jewelry you never wear are just taking up space.
- Excess Hangers: Keep enough for the clothes you're taking and get rid of the bent wire ones.
In the Bathroom
Bathrooms can quickly become a graveyard for half-used products.
- Expired Medications and Toiletries: Check expiration dates on everything. Most pharmacies have safe disposal programs for old medications.
- Old Makeup and Sunscreen: These products have a shelf life. If it's old, smells off, or has changed consistency, toss it.
- Frayed Towels and Linens: Old, stained, or ripped towels can be repurposed as cleaning rags or donated to an animal shelter.
In the Office and Living Areas
This is where paper, media, and electronics tend to pile up.
- Old Manuals and Paperwork: Most manuals are available online. Shred old bills and documents you no longer need to keep for tax or legal reasons.
- Physical Media: DVDs, CDs, and old books you'll never watch or read again can be sold or donated. Consider digitizing old photos and home movies to save space.
- Outdated Electronics and Cables: That box of random cables for devices you no longer own can be recycled. Many electronics stores have e-waste recycling programs.
In the Garage and Storage Areas
These spaces are magnets for clutter.
- Old Paint Cans and Chemicals: These can be hazardous and difficult to move. Check with local waste management for proper disposal guidelines.
- Broken Tools and Lawn Equipment: If it's beyond repair, it's time to let it go.
- Unused Hobby Supplies: That project you started five years ago and never finished? It might be time to pass those supplies on to someone who will use them.
A Fresh Start Begins Before You Pack
Decluttering is about more than just getting rid of junk; it's about making a conscious choice to start fresh in your new home with only the things that serve a purpose or bring you joy. It's the most powerful step you can take to ensure your move is efficient, cost-effective, and low-stress. Once you've sorted through everything, the hard part is over. The team at Prescott Moving Company can then step in to expertly handle the rest. We provide the professional packing, loading, and transport services you need for a seamless transition. By doing the decluttering work upfront, you allow us to move you more quickly and affordably. Ready to make your move a truly fresh start? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free estimate and expert advice on making your next move your best move.
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Meta Title: Moving Decluttering Tips: What Not to Pack | Prescott Moving
Meta Description: Save time, money, and stress on your move. Prescott Moving Company shares expert tips on what to declutter before you pack your first box.
Moving day is a complex puzzle, and some of the largest, heaviest, and most awkward pieces are your household appliances. The refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, and stove are essential to your daily life, but they present a unique challenge during a move. These items are not just heavy; they are also complex machines with delicate components, electrical wiring, and water lines. Attempting to move them without the right knowledge and equipment can lead to personal injury, damage to your home, and costly harm to the appliances themselves. At Prescott Moving Company, we understand that moving appliances is a job for professionals. We have the expertise, specialized equipment, and meticulous process required to handle these valuable items with the care they deserve. Our team is trained to manage everything from disconnection and preparation to safe transport and placement in your new home. This guide explains why professional appliance moving is so important and how our services ensure your essential machines arrive safely and ready for action. The Risks of a DIY Appliance Move It can be tempting to think of appliance moving as just a matter of muscle. However, the risks go far beyond simply dropping a heavy object. Without proper training and equipment, you can face a host of serious problems. Personal Injury: Appliances are notoriously heavy and unwieldy. A washing machine can weigh over 200 pounds, and a large refrigerator can easily exceed 300 pounds. Attempting to lift or maneuver these items without proper technique can lead to severe back strain, muscle tears, or crushed fingers and toes. Damage to the Appliance: Modern appliances contain sensitive electronics, compressors, and precisely balanced drums. Tilting a refrigerator improperly can cause oil to enter the cooling lines, ruining the compressor. Failing to secure a washing machine's drum can lead to damage to the suspension system during transit. Damage to Your Home: Scraping a heavy appliance along hardwood floors can leave deep, permanent gouges. Bumping one against a door frame can chip paint and dent drywall. These seemingly minor incidents can lead to expensive repairs in both your old and new homes. Improper Disconnection and Reconnection: Appliances are connected to your home's electrical, water, and gas systems. Incorrectly disconnecting a gas dryer can create a dangerous gas leak. Failing to drain a washing machine completely can result in a messy, damaging water spill in the moving truck. Hiring professionals eliminates these risks. It's an investment in the safety of yourself, your home, and your valuable appliances. The Prescott Moving Company Appliance Moving Process Our approach to moving appliances is built on a foundation of careful planning, specialized equipment, and expert execution. We have a detailed process for each type of appliance to ensure it is prepared, moved, and delivered without a scratch. 1. Pre-Move Planning and Preparation A successful appliance move begins long before the heavy lifting starts. Our team coordinates with you to ensure each appliance is properly prepared for transport. Refrigerators and Freezers: We advise clients to empty, clean, and thoroughly defrost their refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours before moving day. This prevents water leakage and mildew growth during transit. Our team will then secure all loose shelving and drawers and ensure the doors are securely shut and taped. Washing Machines: Proper preparation is critical for washing machines. We ensure the appliance is disconnected from the water supply and that all water has been drained from the hoses and the machine itself. Most importantly, we install shipping bolts (also known as transit bolts) to secure the drum. This critical step prevents the drum from moving and damaging the suspension system during the move. Dryers: For electric dryers, we handle the disconnection of the heavy-duty electrical cord. For gas dryers, we strongly recommend a licensed plumber perform the disconnection to ensure safety. Once disconnected, we clean out the lint trap and secure the drum and door. Ovens and Stoves: We make sure the appliance is clean and that all racks and loose parts are removed and packed separately to prevent rattling and damage. We secure the oven door and take extra care with delicate glass cooktops. 2. Specialized Equipment for Safe Handling Moving a 300-pound refrigerator is not a two-person job with a simple dolly. Prescott Moving Company invests in specialized equipment designed specifically for handling heavy and awkward items safely. Appliance Dollies: These are not standard hand trucks. Appliance dollies are taller, more robust, and equipped with straps to securely fasten the appliance. They also have stair climbers—a system of rolling belts that allows our movers to navigate stairs smoothly and safely, reducing the risk of bumps and drops. Furniture Pads and Blankets: Every appliance is wrapped in thick, padded moving blankets before it is moved. This provides a crucial layer of protection against scratches, dents, and dings to both the appliance and your home's walls and floors. Floor Runners and Protection: We lay down protective floor runners on hardwood, tile, and carpeted surfaces. This creates a safe pathway for moving heavy items, preventing any scuffs, scratches, or damage to your flooring. Lift Gates and Ramps: Our moving trucks are equipped with hydraulic lift gates or heavy-duty ramps. This allows us to load and unload heavy appliances smoothly and mechanically, avoiding the dangerous jostling that can occur when manually lifting items into a truck. 3. Expert Loading and Secure Transport Once an appliance is on the truck, its placement and security are vital. Our experienced crew knows how to load the truck for maximum stability. Strategic Placement: Appliances are loaded to be level and are braced against the truck's walls to prevent shifting. We ensure they are positioned in a way that minimizes vibration and movement during transit. Secure Strapping: Using high-quality logistic straps, we secure each appliance firmly in place. Refrigerators and freezers are always kept upright to protect their compressors. Every item is anchored to prevent it from tipping or sliding into other belongings. This meticulous attention to detail inside the truck is just as important as the care we take moving the item out of your house. Peace of Mind on Moving Day When you entrust your appliances to Prescott Moving Company, you are not just hiring movers; you are hiring a team of logistical experts dedicated to protecting your property. Our professional service provides you with invaluable peace of mind. You can focus on the other countless details of your move, confident that your most expensive and essential household items are being handled with the highest level of care. Don't risk injury or costly damage by trying to move appliances yourself. Let the trained and equipped professionals at Prescott Moving Company manage the heavy lifting. Ready to ensure your appliances arrive at your new home safely? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free estimate and learn more about our professional appliance moving services! Meta Information Meta Title: Safe Appliance Moving | Prescott Moving Company Meta Description: Prescott Moving Co. specializes in safely moving refrigerators, washers, and other appliances. Our experts use specialized equipment to prevent damage.
The moving truck has arrived, and the doors swing open to reveal a wall of brown boxes and shrink-wrapped furniture. For many, this is the most overwhelming moment of a move. Where does it all go? Without a plan, unpacking can descend into a chaotic shuffle of boxes, creating clutter, stress, and days of wasted effort trying to find essential items. The secret to a smooth, stress-free move-in day isn't just about getting your things from point A to point B; it's about knowing exactly where they belong at point B before they even leave point A. At Prescott Moving Company, we understand that a successful move is built on a foundation of careful planning. We do more than just lift heavy boxes; we partner with you to create a detailed moving-in plan . Our expertise in pre-move organization, strategic labeling, and room-by-room coordination transforms unpacking from a daunting chore into a streamlined process. This guide will show you how a solid plan makes all the difference and how our services can help you settle into your new home faster and with far less stress. The Chaos of Unpacking Without a Plan Imagine this scenario: the movers are carrying in furniture and stacking boxes, asking "Where do you want this?" for every single item. You point vaguely towards rooms, not yet sure of the best layout. Boxes labeled "Kitchen" end up piled in a corner, mixing essential appliances with seldom-used gadgets. You spend the first night digging through a dozen boxes just to find a coffee mug, toothbrush, and bed linens. This lack of a plan leads to several common frustrations: Wasted Time and Energy: You end up moving heavy items multiple times as you figure out the best furniture arrangement. Decision Fatigue: Making hundreds of on-the-spot decisions is mentally draining, adding to the exhaustion of moving day. Lost Items: Important items get buried in mountains of non-essential boxes, causing panic and frustration. Prolonged Disruption: Your home remains in a state of chaos for weeks, preventing you from feeling settled and comfortable. A moving-in plan is the antidote to this chaos. It's a roadmap that tells everyone—you, your family, and the moving crew—exactly where each item belongs, ensuring a logical and efficient unloading process. The Prescott Moving Company Planning Process Our experience with countless moves in the Prescott area has taught us that a few hours of planning can save days of unpacking. We work with you before moving day to develop a comprehensive strategy that covers everything from furniture placement to box contents. 1. Pre-Move Space Planning and Furniture Layout The first step is to think about your new home's layout. Before we pack a single box, we encourage you to get a floor plan of your new residence. Measure Your Furniture and Rooms: We advise clients to measure their large furniture pieces (sofas, beds, bookshelves) and the dimensions of the new rooms. This simple step prevents the frustrating discovery that your oversized sectional won't fit through the living room door or that your king-size bed overwhelms the new master bedroom. Create a Digital or Hand-Drawn Layout: Using simple online tools or just graph paper, you can map out where major furniture pieces will go. This visual plan becomes the blueprint for moving day. When our movers arrive, they won't need to ask where the sofa goes; they can consult the plan and place it correctly the first time. 2. The Art of Strategic Labeling Effective labeling is the cornerstone of an organized move. A box simply marked "Kitchen" is not enough. Our professional packing service utilizes a detailed labeling system designed for maximum efficiency. Room and Location: Every box is clearly labeled with its destination room (e.g., "Master Bedroom," "Kitchen," "Office"). Contents and Priority: We add a brief description of the contents (e.g., "Pots and Pans," "Everyday Dishes," "Office Supplies"). Most importantly, we mark boxes containing essential items with a high-priority designation, such as "OPEN FIRST." Color-Coding System: For an even faster visual reference, we can implement a color-coding system. Each room is assigned a color, and a corresponding colored sticker is placed on every box destined for that room. On moving day, we can place matching colored signs on the doors of the new home, allowing our crew to deposit boxes in the right location at a glance, without having to read every label. 3. Room-by-Room Organization Our goal is to place your belongings as close as possible to where they will ultimately be used. This thoughtful placement dramatically speeds up the unpacking process. Kitchen Strategy: We don't just dump all kitchen boxes on the floor. With your guidance, boxes containing everyday items like plates and coffee makers are placed on the countertops, while those with less-used items like holiday dishes can be placed in the pantry or a designated corner. Bedroom Placement: Instead of a wall of boxes, we place the "OPEN FIRST" box with bedding right by the bed frame. Boxes with clothes are placed near the closet, and the box with bedside lamps and chargers is put right next to the nightstand. Utility and Storage Areas: Boxes destined for the garage, basement, or long-term storage are identified and moved directly to those zones, keeping them out of your primary living areas and reducing clutter from the start. The Benefits of a Professional Moving-In Plan When you partner with Prescott Moving Company, you're not just hiring movers; you're hiring logistical experts. The benefits of our planning services are immediate and lasting. Reduced Stress on Moving Day: With a clear plan, the unloading process is calm and controlled. Our crew works efficiently, and you are free from the pressure of making constant, rapid-fire decisions. Faster Unpacking and Settling In: Because everything is in its proper place, you can unpack systematically and logically. You can have your kitchen functional and your beds made on the very first night, providing an immediate sense of normalcy and comfort. Saves Physical and Mental Energy: By placing heavy furniture correctly the first time and organizing boxes logically, we save you the back-breaking work of rearranging your home after the movers have left. A Feeling of Control: A move can feel like a whirlwind of chaos. Our planning process puts you back in the driver's seat, providing a sense of order and control over one of life's most significant events. Let Us Help You Plan for a Perfect Move-In Your new house shouldn't feel like a warehouse of boxes for weeks on end. It should feel like home from the moment you walk through the door. The difference lies in having a plan. The team at Prescott Moving Company has the experience and systems needed to help you create and execute a flawless moving-in strategy. We take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life. Don't leave your move-in day to chance. Let us help you plan for a smooth, organized, and stress-free transition into your new home. Ready to create a seamless moving plan? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free consultation and discover how our professional planning services can transform your moving experience! Meta Information Meta Title: Moving-In Plan | Prescott Moving Company Meta Description: Prescott Moving Co. helps you create a plan for your new home. Our labeling and organization services make unpacking faster and stress-free.
Moving to a new home is a major life event. For adults, it’s a mix of excitement, stress, and endless to-do lists. For children, the experience can be even more intense. A move represents a huge disruption to their world, often bringing feelings of anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty about leaving behind friends, their school, and the only home they’ve ever known. At Prescott Moving Company, we understand that a successful family move involves more than just transporting boxes. It's about managing the emotional journey for every member of the family. With years of experience helping Prescott families relocate, we’ve learned that a little preparation can make a world of difference for children. This guide shares our expert tips for preparing your kids for a move , making the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone. The Emotional Side of Moving for Children A child's reaction to a move often depends on their age and personality. Toddlers and preschoolers, who thrive on routine, may feel unsettled and anxious when their familiar environment changes. School-aged children might worry about making new friends and fitting in at a new school. Teenagers often feel a profound sense of loss, as they are leaving established social circles and their sense of identity, which is closely tied to their current surroundings. Common signs of moving-related stress in children include: Increased clinginess or separation anxiety Changes in sleeping or eating habits Regression to earlier behaviors (like thumb-sucking) Irritability, anger, or frequent crying spells Withdrawal from family and friends Recognizing these feelings as a normal reaction is the first step. The next is to proactively address their concerns with honesty, empathy, and a clear plan. 1. Communicate Early and Honestly The unknown is often scarier than the reality. As soon as your plans are firm, talk to your children about the move in an age-appropriate way. Avoiding the conversation will only create more anxiety when they sense that something big is happening. How to Frame the Conversation For Young Children: Keep it simple and positive. You might say, "We have exciting news! We're going to move to a new house where you'll have a new room to decorate and a big backyard to play in." Use books or stories about moving to help them understand. For School-Aged Children: Acknowledge their feelings and provide more details. Explain why you're moving and what the new city or neighborhood is like. Show them pictures of the new house, school, and local parks. For Teenagers: Treat them as part of the decision-making process as much as possible. Have a direct, honest conversation about the reasons for the move. Acknowledge their anger or sadness and validate their feelings by saying, "I know this is really hard, and it’s okay to be upset about leaving your friends." Hold regular family meetings to provide updates and create a space where everyone can ask questions and share their feelings without judgment. 2. Involve Them in the Moving Process Giving children a sense of control is one of the most powerful ways to reduce their anxiety. When they feel like active participants rather than passengers, the move becomes something they are a part of, not something that is happening to them. Ways to Get Kids Involved Planning the New Space: Let them help plan the layout of their new bedroom. Show them floor plans or let them draw where their bed and toys will go. Allow them to pick out a new paint color or bedding. This gives them something positive and concrete to look forward to. The Purge and Pack: Turn decluttering into a positive experience. Ask them to help sort through their toys and clothes, deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to pack. For younger kids, make it a game. For older kids, this can be an opportunity to "graduate" from things they've outgrown. Pack a "First-Night" Box: Have each child pack a special box or backpack with their most important items: a favorite stuffed animal, pajamas, a book, a toothbrush, and any other comfort items. Keeping this box with you ensures they have familiar things immediately upon arrival at the new home. 3. Maintain Routines as Much as Possible In a sea of change, routines are an anchor. While the chaos of moving can make this challenging, maintaining familiar schedules provides children with a sense of stability and normalcy. Key Routines to Preserve Mealtimes and Bedtimes: Try to stick to your regular schedule for meals and sleep, even when surrounded by boxes. A well-rested and well-fed child is better equipped to handle stress. Playtime: Don't pack up all the toys at once. Leave out a selection of favorites until the very last day, and make sure to take breaks from packing for unstructured playtime. Family Rituals: Whether it's a weekly pizza night, a bedtime story, or a family game night, continuing these small traditions reinforces the message that your family unit remains strong and constant, no matter where you live. 4. Explore and Discover the New Community Help your children build a positive connection with their new surroundings before you even move. Frame the new location as a place of adventure and discovery. Building Excitement for the New Home Be a Digital Tourist: Explore your new town online together. Use Google Maps to find the nearest park, ice cream shop, or library. Look up the new school's website and check out their sports teams or clubs. Plan a Visit: If possible, take a trip to the new neighborhood before the move. Walk around, visit a playground, and eat at a local restaurant. Making a positive memory there can help ease the transition. Create a "New Home" Bucket List: Work together to create a list of all the fun things you want to do once you move, like visiting a local museum, finding the best hiking trail, or joining a community pool. Let Prescott Moving Company Handle the Logistics Trying to manage the emotional needs of your children while juggling the physical demands of packing and moving can be overwhelming. This is where professional help becomes invaluable. By hiring Prescott Moving Company, you free up your time and energy to focus on what truly matters: your family. While our professional crew efficiently packs your belongings, loads the truck, and handles the transportation, you can be fully present for your kids. You’ll have the bandwidth to host that one last playdate, maintain your family's routines, and provide the emotional support your children need during this major transition. We take the stress of the physical move off your shoulders so you can be the parent your family needs you to be. A Smooth Move for Your Whole Family Moving is a journey, and with the right preparation, it can be a positive one for your children. By communicating openly, involving them in the process, and maintaining a sense of normalcy, you can help them navigate the change with confidence. Let Prescott Moving Company be your partner in this journey. We bring the expertise, efficiency, and care needed to handle the logistics, giving you the freedom to focus on your family's well-being. Ready to plan a stress-free move for your family? Contact Prescott Moving Company today for a free consultation and learn how we can help make your transition a smooth one. Meta Information Meta Title: Moving with Kids? Tips for a Smooth Family Move | Prescott Moving Meta Description: Prescott Moving Company shares expert tips on how to prepare children for a move. Learn how to reduce stress and make your family's relocation a positive experience.