Apartment and small-space moves: declutter before you pack
Sell or give away what won't fit, then pack a small space without chaos.
In a small space every box counts. Decluttering first means fewer boxes up the stairs, a cheaper move and a calmer first week.
Measure first
Get the room sizes for the new place and the width of doors, stairwells and elevators. Furniture that won't fit, or won't make the turn, should be sold early.
Decide room by room
- Kitchen: keep one set of the basics. Duplicate gadgets and extra mugs can go as a kitchen lot.
- Closet: anything you didn't wear last season.
- Books and media: keep favorites, bundle the rest.
- Furniture: if you'd have to buy it again today, keep it. If not, sell it.
Sell the big things first
Large furniture takes the longest to sell and the most room to store. List it as soon as you know your move date. Include measurements, the floor you're on, and whether the buyer needs to bring help.
Building rules
- Check your lease and building rules for move times, elevator reservations and where buyers can park.
- Don't leave items in hallways or by the curb unless the building allows it.
- Take photos of the empty unit when you leave.
Packing a small space
- Pack the rooms you use least first.
- Label every box with the room and a short contents list.
- Keep a first-night bag: chargers, toiletries, sheets, a towel, medicine and snacks.
Leftovers
Community swaps, buy-nothing groups and donation pickups can take what doesn't sell. Book a pickup a few days before you move out.