Do I declutter before or after a move?

Posting a question and answer between me and a client (edited for anonymity and clarity) -

Q: When is it better to just start packing to save time vs going through what to keep/donate?

A: Great question!

Each item = time

The more you can discard, the less time you will be spending handling that item.

For example, a glass flower vase - you have to pick it up, find some bubble wrap, find the right box for it, wrap it efficiently among other things, close the box, label the box, move the box to the garage, move it to your new house, look through all the boxes to locate that vase, open the box, decide where that vase will go on your shelf. You’ll have to wash the vase, dust the vase. If the vase is in front of other things you’re trying to reach, then you’re going to move that vase again, etc.

If you love the vase, keep it with joy! It’s worth your time and brings value to your life.

Otherwise, it’s much easier to discard. The vase no longer takes your time.

We don’t have to do it perfectly, but everything is a learning process and we do what we can when we can with what we have.

As I told **** (who had been experiencing the guilt of “wasting”), just use those feelings and harness them for the future to really guard what comes in the new home, and to be intentional.

I came across a frame you had that said “Trust the timing of everything.” Just like your boxes came in at the perfect time, believing for the right provisions for your move.