📦 Preparing for a Move: A Room-by-Room Checklist to Declutter Before You Pack
Keep · donate · recycle · haul · timeline · save time & money
Moving is one of life's most stressful events—but decluttering before you pack can save you time, money, and headaches.
By sorting your belongings room by room into "keep," "donate," "recycle," and "haul" categories, you'll pack fewer boxes, pay less to move them, and start fresh in your new home.
This checklist guides you through the process, with tips from Fairfield's trusted No Limit Hauling team.
Bedrooms
Go through closets, dressers, and under the bed. Try on clothes—if you haven't worn it in a year, donate it.
- Keep: favorites, seasonal wear
- Donate: gently used clothes, shoes
- Recycle: worn-out textiles (some centers)
- Haul: old mattresses, broken furniture
Start 4 weeks out
Kitchen
Check cabinets, pantry, and drawers. Duplicate utensils, expired food, and unused appliances can go.
- Keep: daily dishes, cookware
- Donate: small appliances, extra plates
- Recycle: glass, cans, plastic
- Haul: broken appliances
3 weeks out
Living / Dining
Books, electronics, furniture, decor. Be honest about what fits your new space.
- Keep: favorites, media
- Donate: books, working electronics
- Recycle: old electronics (e‑waste)
- Haul: broken furniture, sofas
2 weeks out
Garage / Basement
Tools, holiday decor, yard equipment, chemicals. Separate hazardous items (paint, oil).
- Keep: tools, seasonal items
- Donate: working tools, decor
- Recycle: scrap metal, cardboard
- Haul: old furniture, broken items
1 week out
Pre-Move Declutter Timeline
- 4 Weeks Before: Start with bedrooms and closets. Set up "keep," "donate," and "haul" zones. Call No Limit Hauling for a free estimate if you have large items.
- 3 Weeks Before: Attack the kitchen and pantry. Check expiration dates. Donate unopened non‑perishables to a food bank.
- 2 Weeks Before: Go through living areas, electronics, and books. Take e‑waste to Fairfield Recycling Center or schedule a pickup.
- 1 Week Before: Tackle the garage, basement, and outdoor spaces. Sort hazardous waste (paint, batteries) for Solano County HHW appointment.
Where to Take Your "Donate" & "Haul" Items
- Donate: Goodwill, Salvation Army, local shelters. Call ahead for large furniture.
- Recycle: Fairfield Recycling & Solid Waste Center (2300 N. Texas St) accepts e‑waste, scrap metal, cardboard.
- Hazardous waste: Solano County HHW Facility (3635 Lambie Rd, Suisun City) — appointment required.
- Professional hauling: For mixed loads, heavy items, or a full house cleanout, No Limit Hauling offers same‑day service and eco‑friendly disposal.
30% less to move after decluttering
24/7 hauling service