How To Declutter Before A House Move

Decluttering before a house move means sorting through your stuff and removing anything you no longer need. This can help make packing easier, reduce moving costs, and help you start fresh in your new home.

Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or simply moving elsewhere, taking the time to organise and cut down on your stuff means you can have a more efficient and cost-effective move.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from why decluttering matters before a move to what to get rid of first, how to organise your stuff, and the best ways to dispose of unwanted things.

 

Why Decluttering Before Moving House Is A Good Idea

 

When planning a move, packing everything you own might seem like the easiest route - but it can quickly lead to unnecessary stress and high removal costs. Here’s why taking time to declutter before a move pays off:

 

Save Time When Packing

Fewer items mean faster packing, fewer boxes, and a smoother unpacking process when you arrive.

 

Lower Removal Costs

Most removal companies charge by volume or time. The fewer boxes and furniture you move, the less you pay.

 

Stay Organised From Day One

Arriving at your new home with only the items you truly need or love makes it easier to unpack and settle in.

 

Reduce Waste

Decluttering gives you a chance to responsibly dispose of, recycle, or donate the things you no longer need - helping reduce waste going to landfill.

 

 

What Is Decluttering?

 

Decluttering is the process of looking through your stuff and letting go of anything you no longer use, need, or value.

It's not just about creating more space - it’s about being intentional with what you bring into your next home.

When moving house, decluttering allows you to start fresh. It can also be a great opportunity to cut down on what you no longer need.

 

Decluttering Tips For Moving House

 

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry - we’ve broken it down for you.

 

1. Start With a Decluttering Plan

Give yourself plenty of time - ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your move date. Schedule time each week to tackle specific rooms, and avoid trying to declutter the whole house in a weekend.

 

2. Use a Simple Sorting System

As you go through each room, separate items into four categories:

• Keep – essentials and sentimental items

• Donate – usable items in good condition

• Sell – items of value you no longer want

• Discard – broken, expired, or unusable items

 

3. Be Realistic About Space in Your New Home

Before you pack, consider the layout and storage space available in your new home. If you're moving into a smaller house, think about which items can be multi-use and get rid of bulky or extra furniture.

 

4. Tackle Easy Wins First

Start with clutter hotspots like:

• Junk drawers

• Wardrobes (especially clothes you haven’t worn in the last year)

• The kitchen (old appliances, mismatched Tupperware)

• Garage or attic storage

• Kids’ toys and outgrown clothes

 

Room-by-Room Decluttering Strategy

 

Bedroom:

• Donate clothes you haven't worn in 12+ months

• Throw out old bedding or duplicate linens

• Review books, shoes, and accessories

 

Living Room:

• Declutter old DVDs, games, and electronics

• Get rid of excess décor and furniture that won’t fit

 

Kitchen:

• Recycle expired foods and duplicates

• Donate unused appliances or cookware

 

Bathroom:

• Toss expired medicines and cosmetics

• Minimise duplicates (e.g., six half-used shampoo bottles)

 

How To Get Rid Of Unwanted Items Before Moving

 

Once you’ve sorted everything, it’s time to responsibly let go of what you’re not taking with you.

 

Recycle Where You Can

Check local recycling centres for:

• Electronics (WEEE waste)

• Textiles

• Batteries and light bulbs

• Old documents (shred and recycle)

 

Donate To Charity

Many charities will accept:

• Clothing and shoes

• Small furniture

• Kitchenware and household goods

• Books and toys

Check with charities like the British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, or local community shops.

 

Sell Items Online

Selling unwanted items can help offset moving costs. Try:

• Facebook Marketplace

• Gumtree

• eBay

• Vinted (for clothes and accessories)

You can also host a garage sale or car boot sale if you have a lot of things to shift quickly.

 

Create a Decluttering Checklist Before Moving

 

A checklist helps you stay organised and means nothing gets left behind.

 

Pre-Move Decluttering Checklist:

 

Start decluttering 4–6 weeks before your move

Sort belongings room by room

Use a keep/donate/sell/discard system

Schedule donation drop-offs and collections

Sell valuable items on resale platforms

Recycle or responsibly dispose of waste

Review what to keep based on new home’s storage

Label and pack only what you’re keeping

 

What Is the Golden Rule of Decluttering?

 

If you wouldn’t buy it today, don’t take it with you.

Another simple rule: If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably won’t use it in the next.

Being honest with yourself during the decluttering process helps prevent clutter from creeping back in - and saves you space, time, and money.

 

Don’t Want To Get Rid Of Something Just Yet?

 

If you're not sure about certain items or your new home doesn't have enough storage space, consider using a storage-by-the-box service. It’s a flexible, affordable way to hold onto things without overcrowding your new home.

 

Make Moving Easy With The Box Co.

 

At The Box Co., we make moving house simple. Whether you need extra storage space or help with removals, we collect and deliver your boxes straight from your door - and you only pay for what you use.

No need to hire a van or pack everything into one day.

Perfect for seasonal items, bulky furniture, or boxes you’re not ready to unpack.

Get your free quote today and discover a better way to move house.