How do I start sorting a house I have lived in for 30 years?
The short answer
Start small and put it on a calendar. Pick one closet or one drawer, not a whole room. Sort everything into keep, give to family, donate, sell, and toss. Give each part of the house a date, the same way I plan a wedding at my venue, and the house gets done one small piece at a time.
Where do I start when the whole house feels like too much?
Start where there's the least emotion. A linen closet, the bathroom cabinets, or the garage shelves. You'll make quick decisions, and you'll see progress the first day.
Leave photos, letters, and keepsakes for last. Those take the most time, and they're easier once the rest of the house is lighter.
How should I sort everything?
Use five piles, and label a box or bag for each one.
- Keep. Things you use and have room for in your next home.
- Family. Things your kids or relatives have said they want.
- Donate. Things in good shape that you don't need.
- Sell. Furniture and items worth the time it takes to sell them.
- Toss. Anything broken, stained, or expired.
If you haven't used something in a year and it doesn't mean anything to you, it probably doesn't need to move with you.
How long does it take to sort a whole house?
Plan in weeks, not weekends. Here's a sample plan I'd adjust to fit your house:
- Week 1. Linen closets and bathrooms.
- Week 2. The kitchen and pantry.
- Week 3. Guest rooms and spare closets.
- Week 4. The garage and shed.
- Week 5. The basement and attic.
- Week 6. Your bedroom and main closet.
- Week 7. Photos, papers, and keepsakes.
- Week 8. Final donation drop off and a deep clean.
Every wedding at my venue runs on a timeline. A move goes better the same way.
How do I talk to my family about the move?
Ask early. Let your kids and relatives know what's coming, and ask them to tell you what they want to keep. Then give them a date to pick it up. It's fine to say no to storing things for someone else.
What do I do with things nobody wants?
You have options. Local donation centers, consignment shops, estate sale companies, and haul away services can all help. Some will pick up from your house. I'm happy to help you find what's available near you.
Do I have to sort everything before I list my house?
No. Your house needs to look clean and clear for photos and showings, but you can keep living there. Extra things can go to a storage unit or straight to your next home. We plan the selling side and the moving side together, so the dates line up.
Questions people ask me
When should I start sorting if I want to sell next year?
Now. Starting a plan doesn't mean listing your house. One closet a week adds up, and you'll be ready when the time is right for you.
Should I sell my house first or buy my next home first?
It depends on your finances and how much risk you're comfortable with. Some people sell first and rent for a short time, and some buy first. We'd look at your numbers and plan the timing before you list.
Should I hire an estate sale company?
It can be worth it if you have a lot of furniture, collectibles, or tools you won't take with you. Ask what they charge, what they don't take, and what happens to the items that don't sell.
Can I sell my house with my furniture still in it?
Yes. Most homes sell while people are still living in them. Clear out the extras so rooms feel open, and keep the furniture you use.
Kelly KleffnerI'm a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Jefferson City. I was a registered nurse for 15 years and I've run a wedding venue for 3. I help people buy and sell homes in Jefferson City, Holts Summit, Taos, and Cole, Callaway, and Osage County. Call or text me at 573-761-3422.