Most organizing experts agree the main reason homeowners don't get organized is because people dread sorting through all that household clutter. Since the simple fact of moving requires homeowners to sort through their stuff anyway, there's no better starting point for organizing the new house--otherwise people can find themselves right back where they started, with tons of out-of-control clutter filling up their new place.

Being organized in your new home means having a plan that includes taking only what you need from the old place. Here are a few considerations for minimizing the stuff you take.

Scrutinize Household Items
The packing stage offers a last-chance opportunity to scrutinize each and every home item to be moved. Before packing, carefully evaluate all household items, like that never-been-used garden tool, and ask if the item is really needed. Before packing anything, ask why you have it. Why it's valuable to you or your family. Is it for sentimental reasons? Does it have monetary value? Other reasons? Is it truly of use to you, or are you holding on because some day it "might be" useful. If you can't see yourself using, wanting or needing it in the future, don't move it to your new home. In addition to helping bring a sense of order to the new home, getting rid of unneeded items also saves time and money in the move.

Disrepair? Leave It
All of us have broken stuff around the old house, and chances are if it's broken now, it's been that way for awhile. So, as you're packing items for the move, be asking yourself if you really plan on fixing that broken lawn mower, or other questionable items. If you're not going to fix it, it's best to toss it.

Test of Time
Home storage havens such as basements, closets and garages are "junk magnets" for the stuff people keep dragging to new home after new home. Replacing old home clutter with new house clutter is costly. Put each household item to the test of time--meaning, if it hasn't been used or handled for 2-3 years, it's probably best to pitch it, sell it or give it away before the move.

May Be A Treasure To Others
Any items, especially clothing and furniture, in good condition can be given to charity shelters or other collection facilities. Organizations such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and Red Cross will often pick it up for you. And remember, books can be donated to local libraries and schools--all tax deductible. If you're looking to make some money on those unwanted items, selling on eBay may be your best choice.

Throw It Away, Give It Away or Have a Garage Sale
If you're like most people, you have in your possession many items you really have no use for. So sponsor a garage sale before your move. You just might raise enough money to pay for your moving expenses.

The Garage Sale
When having a garage sale, price items to sell because you'll save money in the long run anyway--getting rid of junk is the primary reason for the sale. Here are some important pointers to remember as you plan your garage sale.

• Know whether or not you need a permit
• Put up sign around the neighborhood in advance
• Have the sale on a Saturday morning
• Have for sale items neatly and nicely displayed
• Include cost signage on all items
• Don't be afraid to barter on price
• Tell neighbors relative and friends about the sale

With a little planning and the right storage and organization products, homeowners can begin enjoying a sense of order in their new home (rather than hiding their clutter as they probably did at the old house). Most organizing experts agree, there's no better time to get organized than moving time.