How to Declutter Before Your Move
📅 Published Nov 3, 2025
Moving house is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your belongings and lighten the load. Decluttering before your move not only saves time and money but also ensures you start fresh in your new home. Here’s how to approach it strategically.
🗂️ Start Early and Plan
Decluttering isn’t something to leave until moving day. Begin at least a few weeks in advance. Work room by room, setting aside time each day to sort through items. A structured plan helps you avoid last‑minute stress and rushed decisions.
📦 Sort Into Clear Categories
Use the classic “keep, donate, sell, or discard” method.
- Keep: Items you use regularly or hold genuine sentimental value.
- Donate: Clothes, books, or household goods in good condition that others can benefit from.
- Sell: Furniture, electronics, or collectibles that could earn you extra cash.
- Discard: Broken, outdated, or unusable items that don’t belong in your new home.
🛋️ Focus on Bulky Items
Large furniture and appliances are costly to move. Ask yourself if they fit your new space or lifestyle. If not, selling or donating them can significantly reduce moving costs and free up valuable space in the removals van.
📑 Tackle Paperwork and Small Clutter
Old bills, expired documents, and random drawers full of “just in case” items add unnecessary weight. Shred sensitive papers and recycle what you don’t need. Streamlining paperwork makes unpacking easier and keeps your new home organised.
🎁 Use Quality Packing Materials
Once you’ve decluttered, invest in sturdy boxes and protective wrapping for what remains. This ensures your essentials arrive safely and avoids wasting time packing items you don’t truly need.
Decluttering before your move is about more than tidying up — it’s about making smart choices that save money, reduce stress, and help you settle quickly into your new home. By starting early, sorting effectively, and letting go of what no longer serves you, you’ll enjoy a smoother, lighter relocation.