Clutter is a huge problem in many American homes. A 2014 survey by SpareFoot found that 21 percent of Americans would consider their houses to be "somewhat" cluttered. Another 6 percent would put their home in the category of "very" cluttered. This kind of clutter eats up valuable space, but it becomes a real problem when you're trying to move. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to de-clutter your home and make your move smoother:

1. Get organized
One of the most essential steps of ridding yourself of pre-move clutter is to figure out what's coming with you and what's staying. The easiest way to do that is to create piles and categorize all your belongings. There are those items you plan to keep, like family heirlooms, everything you want to sell, and the rest that can be recycled. Making these distinctions will get you thinking about what you want and what you don't need, and that frame of mind will make your de-cluttering experience an enjoyable one.

2. Ditch the refuse
Some people have issues throwing anything away because they're afraid that they might need the item again down the road. That's often not the case, and as a result we hold onto objects we almost never use. To avoid this, team up with a friend or family member and figure out what gets used and what's just taking up space. Some items that you may end up tossing include clothes don't fit properly, older towels and linens, empty CD or DVD cases, plastic containers, food items, receipts, and anything you have multiple copies of. Now is also the time to return anything you've borrowed from a friend.

3. Keep an open mind 
Some people move with several rows of boxes filled with belongings. Others, meanwhile, move on with just a few bags. Whether you want to cut back that much, it's important to adhere to a few guidelines to make sure you move only the very essentials. One such rule is to avoid bringing along needless knick-knacks; items that serve only as decoration take up space and can be replaced post-move. If you don't absolutely love an item, or are unsure of its place in your old home, then there is almost no point in bringing it to your new abode. It's all about keeping an open mind and recognize what you need and what you can let go of.

4. Always take your time
For some people, having a yard sale is a quick and easy way to part with stuff. But some people have problems with letting go, developing a bond with certain personal items. If you fall into the latter category, it's a good idea to start the purging process early. By giving yourself ample time - at least a few weeks - you can make sure you have enough time to sort out items, decide what you can live without and sort personal items. The more time you allow yourself, the more energy you have for other moving tasks.

Once you're ready to move, you'll need to rely on the right partner to ensure a smooth experience. Atlas Van Lines can help, and their years of experience with moves of any size will make your move fast and simple.