Before. Almost always before. Every single thing you keep is something you pay to box up, carry, and find a home for on the other end. Sorting first shrinks the move and the bill, and your new place starts clean instead of slowly filling with boxes you’ll open next year. I build the decluttering right into the packing, so we’re deciding as we go rather than making it a separate ordeal. If the closing date is tight, start with the closets, garage, and pantry. Those three alone change the size of the move.
If the closing date is tight, start with the closets, garage, and pantry. Those three alone change the size of the move, and you can read our step-by-step checklist on how to declutter before a move room-by-room to get started smoothly.