Central Ohio Homeowner with boxes marked for donation

From Clutter to Clarity: A Local Guide to Decluttering Before You Move

September 30, 20252 min read

You've built a life in your current home—20 years of memories, milestones, and let’s be honest... a whole lot of stuff. For many Central Ohio homeowners, decluttering is the biggest mental and emotional barrier to making the move they know they want.

If your home is in a neighborhood like Laurel Canyon in Pataskala or Fenway neighborhood in New Albany, you may be sitting in a beautiful house that no longer fits your needs—except it’s bursting at the seams with decisions you haven’t made yet.

Let’s break the process down into manageable steps, with local resources that can help.

Step 1: Get Clear on the Vision

Are you moving into a high-end patio home in Westerville? A new build in New Albany close to Hannah Park? A modern condo in the heart of downtown Columbus? Once you visualize what your next space will look like, it becomes easier to say goodbye to the things that don’t belong in that future.

Step 2: Use the “5-5-5 Rule”

For each room, ask yourself:

·        Have I used this in the last 5 months?

·        Will I need this in the next 5 months?

·        Would I buy this again for $5?

If the answer is “no,” it’s time to let go.

Step 3: Donate Locally

Don’t just toss it — bless someone else in our community. Consider:

·        New Albany Neighborhood Bridges for gently used furniture

·        Granville Thrift Shop for clothes and housewares

·        Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Newark for building materials or fixtures

Step 4: Bring in the Pros

I work with trusted local organizers and moving coordinators who specialize in working with Central Ohio homeowners during transitional seasons. You don’t have to do this alone.

Step 5: Celebrate Progress

Every box you pack is one step closer to your dream lifestyle. Whether that’s less housework, more travel, or a home that just feels right—you’re making room for what’s next.

📦 Want my full Declutter Checklist and Vendor Guide? Message me and I’ll send it over!

Hi, I’m Sheila Howell, a dedicated and experienced real estate professional based in Central Ohio.  With my lifelong connection to the region and a deep understanding of rural areas, I am passionate about guiding buyers and sellers through their real estate transactions with care and expertise.  Having reached the empty-nest stage of life, I bring a wealth of personal experiences and a strong commitment to building lasting relationships.  My thorough knowledge of the local market provides insights to my clients, ensuring they make informed decisions and navigate the real estate process smoothly.  Drawing from my contract negotiation and marketing expertise, I bring a unique perspective to the real estate industry.  


My goal is to make your real estate transaction seamless and enjoyable so that you consider me as a trusted advocate well after leaving the closing table.   I would be honored to connect with you if you’re ready to embark on your real estate journey.  Together, we can navigate the real estate landscape and find your dream home that perfectly reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

Sheila Howell

Hi, I’m Sheila Howell, a dedicated and experienced real estate professional based in Central Ohio. With my lifelong connection to the region and a deep understanding of rural areas, I am passionate about guiding buyers and sellers through their real estate transactions with care and expertise. Having reached the empty-nest stage of life, I bring a wealth of personal experiences and a strong commitment to building lasting relationships. My thorough knowledge of the local market provides insights to my clients, ensuring they make informed decisions and navigate the real estate process smoothly. Drawing from my contract negotiation and marketing expertise, I bring a unique perspective to the real estate industry. My goal is to make your real estate transaction seamless and enjoyable so that you consider me as a trusted advocate well after leaving the closing table. I would be honored to connect with you if you’re ready to embark on your real estate journey. Together, we can navigate the real estate landscape and find your dream home that perfectly reflects your lifestyle and aspirations.

LinkedIn logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog