
Moving is a fresh start, but the process of getting there can feel overwhelming. Between decluttering, packing, and unpacking, it’s easy to lose focus and get caught up in the chaos. The good news? By applying the KonMari Method®, you can transform your move into a mindful, efficient, and joyful experience. These top moving tips will help you prepare for your move with intention, leaving behind unnecessary stress—and unnecessary stuff.
1. Visualize Your Ideal Life in Your New Space
Before diving into boxes and bubble wrap, take a moment to imagine how you want your new home to feel. Picture your ideal lifestyle: What activities will you do there? What kind of energy do you want to cultivate? This vision will guide you as you decide which items deserve to make the journey with you.
Marie Kondo recommends using this vision as a foundation for every decision you make. Let your future life dictate what you bring into your new space.
2. Declutter Before You Pack
One of the biggest mistakes people make is packing everything they own and sorting it out later. The KonMari Method flips that script. Use the move as an opportunity to declutter before you pack.
Sort by category—clothing, books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and sentimental items—and only keep what truly sparks joy. As Marie Kondo reminds us, moving fewer items will not only lighten your load but also save time and money.
3. Tidy Sentimental Items Last
Sentimental items can be the hardest to sort through, especially when moving. Tackle them last, once you’ve built up momentum from decluttering other categories. Hold each item in your hands and ask yourself if it brings you joy.
For items you choose not to keep, thank them for the role they played in your life before letting them go. Taking a photo of especially meaningful objects can also help you preserve the memory without holding onto the physical item.
4. Keep an Essentials Box
Marie Kondo suggests preparing a box with all the essentials you’ll need for your first few days in your new home: toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, and a few changes of clothes. This will help you settle in comfortably without having to hunt through boxes for necessities.
5. Label Clearly and Pack Intentionally
Pack similar items together and label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. If you want to take it a step further, color-code your labels for even more organization.
Marie Kondo also advises against using trash bags for packing, as they can create confusion and make it harder to locate your belongings. Invest in sturdy, stackable boxes or bins to streamline the process.
6. Respect the Packing Process
Don’t rush through packing just to “get it over with.” Approach it mindfully, giving each item the attention it deserves. Folding clothes neatly, as Marie Kondo recommends, can maximize space and make unpacking a delight.
Packing with care also helps you maintain gratitude for your belongings—a key principle of the KonMari Method.
7. Donate Responsibly
Letting go of items that no longer serve you doesn’t mean they have to go to waste. Donate gently used clothing, furniture, and household goods to local charities or organizations in need. This practice not only lightens your load but also spreads joy to others.
8. Unpack with Intention
Once you’ve moved, resist the urge to leave boxes untouched for weeks. Instead, unpack thoughtfully, starting with the items that bring the most joy and are essential to your daily life. Give each item a designated home, and take time to enjoy the process of creating a space that aligns with your vision.
Marie Kondo suggests unpacking category by category to maintain focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
9. Create Joyful Storage Solutions
As you settle into your new home, prioritize storage solutions that are functional and beautiful. Store items in a way that makes them easily accessible and visually pleasing—whether it’s folding clothes upright in drawers or using baskets to organize small items.
10. Celebrate Your Fresh Start
Finally, honor the effort you’ve put into your move by celebrating your fresh start. Whether it’s a quiet moment of gratitude or a housewarming gathering with loved ones, take time to acknowledge this new chapter.
Why the KonMari Method is Perfect for Moving
The KonMari Method turns moving into an opportunity to curate a life that sparks joy. It’s not just about packing and unpacking—it’s about starting fresh with intention, surrounded only by the things you truly love.
At Spark Joy in MI, I specialize in mastering move organization with the KonMari Method, helping clients create calm, organized spaces during life’s transitions. Whether you need hands-on help decluttering or guidance unpacking in your new home, I’m here to make the process joyful and seamless.
Ready to make your next move your most joyful one yet? Let’s connect today!
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