The Minimalist's Guide to Decluttering Skincare Products Before a Big Move

The Minimalist's Guide to Decluttering Skincare Products Before a Big Move

Moving homes is a prime opportunity to reevaluate what’s truly essential. This also includes your skincare regimen. Decluttering skincare products ensures you only bring what serves you best. It’s not just about reducing clutter but also about embracing products that are beneficial for your skin. Whether it's a vitamin-rich, organic, and toxin-free personal care line or just the essentials, minimizing your collection can rejuvenate your skin and your new space.

Why Is a Minimalist Approach to Skincare Better? 

Adopting a minimalist approach to skincare counters, the rising trend of overconsumption is often promoted on platforms like TikTok, where viewers are bombarded with endless product recommendations. This social media influence contributes to a "more is better" mentality, encouraging followers to purchase numerous skincare products and tools. 

In 2022, the U.S. held the title for the highest-earning skincare market globally, with a significant portion of these products eventually going unused. By choosing a minimalist routine, individuals can drastically cut down on wasteful spending and reduce environmental impact. Instead of falling into the trap of buying every new item featured in viral videos, a selection of essentials can meet all skin care needs effectively.

Decluttering skincare products will result in fewer items to pack and transport 

Fewer Items Mean Less to Pack

Decluttering your skincare collection before a move makes your routine easier and reduces the number of items you need to pack and transport. This reduction leads to a decrease in the need for packing supplies and can lower the costs associated with hiring movers. 

If you are making a relocation over longer distances, like from the West Coast to New York, you should definitely hire long-distance movers in NYC familiar with sustainable practices to assist in packing and transporting other household goods. This will give you time to dedicate to your skincare items personally, which ensures they are packed and decluttered with care and attention to detail. By decluttering beforehand, you make the process more manageable and cost-effective.

What Does Your Skin Need?

Take a moment to really understand your skin type. Is it dry, oily, or a combination? Maybe it's sensitive or prone to acne. Knowing this will help you identify which products are keepers and which aren’t pulling their weight. For instance, oily skin might not benefit much from heavy, oil-based creams. Use this as a guide to purge your collection to products that truly match your skin’s needs.

Take a Good Look at Your Current Skincare Inventory

When deciding what stays and what goes, ask yourself a few questions: Does this product suit my skin type? When did I last use it? Is there a sentimental reason I’m holding onto it? Be honest. Products that don’t fit your current skin needs or are past their prime should be discarded responsibly. For unopened items or those barely used, consider donating to shelters or programs that accept personal care products. This clears your space and helps those in need. Meanwhile, make it a habit to keep your skincare products organized. This practice will make your routine more efficient and ensure you use what you have before buying new.

Practical Tips for Decluttering Skincare Products

So, you've decided which skincare products to keep? Next, let's focus on how to declutter them effectively. Start by gathering all your products in one place. This visibility will help you avoid buying duplicates in the future and keep track of what you use most. Do the following:

• Sort by type: Group your items by cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers.
• Check duplicates: If you have multiples of the same item, keep the one you use most or the one that’s least used.
• Set a usage timeline: For items you're unsure about, give yourself a month to use them. If you don’t reach for them, it’s time they go.

As you declutter, remember to recycle containers whenever possible. Many brands offer recycling programs, contributing to a more sustainable environment. My Emollient has a recycling program that will give you 15% off your next item with each container. 

Recycle containers of products 

Creating a Capsule Skincare Routine

Now that you've minimized building a capsule routine is next. This means selecting a few versatile products that meet all your skin needs. It’s about quality over quantity. For beginners, build a skincare routine for beginners that includes just the essentials:

• A gentle cleanser
• A hydrating moisturizer
• A reliable SPF

This streamlined approach simplifies your morning and evening routines and ensures you only use products that truly benefit your skin.

Packing Tips for Skincare Products

When packing your decluttered skincare collection for the move, proper storage is key to prevent spills and damage:

• Bubble wrap: Secure bottles with bubble wrap to prevent breakage.
• Tight lids: Ensure all caps and lids are tightened to avoid leaks. For additional peace of mind, put a few layers of stretch wrap around the cap and/or put the container into a plastic bag to avoid spills that could potentially damage surrounding items or even leak out of the box. 
• Label boxes: Clearly label boxes with ‘fragile’ and ‘this side up’ to inform movers of the contents' delicate nature.

Setting Up in Your New Home

Once you arrive at your new home, take the opportunity to reassess your skincare storage. Ideally, keep your products in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to maintain their efficacy. If you didn't have time to declutter as much as you like, now is the chance to do so. Now is also a great time to integrate new habits, such as weekly checks, to keep your collection streamlined and organized. This ongoing attention ensures you continue to make the most of your skincare products without reverting to clutter.

In the new home, you have one last chance to declutter before putting everything in its spot 

Decluttering Skincare Products Offer Multiple Benefits

As you can see, decluttering skincare products is more than just a task for moving—it's a step toward a more minimalist lifestyle. By reducing the number of products you own, you save space and create a more focused and effective skincare routine. Let this approach spill over into other areas of your life, and you’ll find that less really can be more. Simplifying isn’t just about having fewer things; it’s about having more time, clarity, and enjoyment in everyday life.