Why Moving House Is the Perfect Time to Declutter
Moving house represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter. And there’s no better way to get a fresh start than decluttering before moving. Eliminating items that no longer fit your lifestyle makes a stressful transition smoother and simplifies how you organise your new home.
So, roll up your sleeves and evaluate your belongings. Be honest and ask yourself: what do I really need? What are the things I use daily and need to be accessible? Although it may seem like just another task, decluttering before you move reduces the number of boxes you need, saves time, and cuts costs.
Why Does Decluttering Before Moving Matter?
Decluttering makes the entire moving process more efficient and less stressful. It speeds up the organisation of your new home from the very first day. It also contributes to helping others by donating items or clothes you no longer use.
Other benefits include:
- You can find items in good condition to sell and make some extra income.
- It makes loading easier on moving day.
- You can pay less by renting a smaller car for transportation.
A practical way to make this process easier is to use a simple triage system. Just separate the items you want to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
How to Decide What to Sell, Donate, Keep, or Store
To choose what to declutter before moving, start by dividing your house into sections. Remove all items from the space and divide them into boxes according to the categories: keep, donate, sell, and discard.
- Keep: includes everything you use frequently and need to be accessible. Also consider belongings with sentimental value within this category.
- Donate: apply this rule to items that you no longer use or need, but are in good condition.
- Sell: valuable belongings in good condition, but that you don’t need, such as electronics or furniture.
- Discard: broken, unusable, or expired items, such as expired makeup. Remember to be responsible when disposing of these items.
Extra tip: If you have expired medications, look for a community pharmacy to return them. These establishments are part of the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) program.
Applying this method will make it easier for you to decide what goes and what stays.
What to Sell
Make a bit of extra cash for quality items still in good condition, such as:
- Electrical appliances that you don’t use anymore.
- Sports equipment, such as skates or dumbbells.
- Printers, label makers, or other items that need frequent maintenance.
- Products from well-known brands, such as clothing or accessories.
- Tools.
- Items still in their original packaging.
- Jewellery.
- Furniture, even if it needs minor repairs.
Moving usually incurs extra transportation and cleaning costs, so selling items you no longer need is a simple way to offset some of these costs.
Extra tip: For items you no longer need or want but are too ‘used’ to sell, or too low value, most suburbs have a dedicated “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook. You can list your unwanted items for free and give them a new home!
Where to Sell
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree offer an easy way to list your items, usually for free. Or, if you have a large amount to sell, it might be more worthwhile holding a garage sale.
What to Donate
Another great option for offloading unwanted ‘stuff’ is by donating it to your local charity or op shop. They will usually accept items such as:
- Towels and bed linens (good quality can go to op shops, well-used towels, linens and blankets are great for animal shelters).
- Books, old records, and DVDs.
- Used clothes and shoes in good condition.
- Baby goods.
- Accessories like bags or glasses.
- Electrical appliances in good working condition.
- Antiques and decorative items.
Institutions like The Salvation Army, Good Sammys, and the Australian Red Cross are good donation points. You can find the nearest unit to your home and simply drop off the items. Some even offer the ability to schedule a home pickup for large items!
What to Put in Storage
Renting a storage unit is an efficient alternative to safely store items that won’t fit in your new home, but you don’t want to get rid of. This might include things like:
- Sentimental items, such as family heirlooms and pieces of art that you wish to protect.
- Seasonal items, such as bulky winter clothing and recreational sports equipment.
- Extra furniture you still plan to use after some renovations.
Keep in mind there are some things you should not store in a storage unit. Always consult the company’s rules when signing the lease to avoid penalties.
Next Step: Find Out What Size Storage You Need
The size is one of the main factors when renting a storage unit. Choosing a unit that’s too large means paying for space you’re not using, while choosing a too-small space can make access difficult and damage your belongings.
Finished decluttering before your move and need space to store your belongings? Simplify the selection process by using our storage space estimator to find the perfect size for your unit. Or get in touch with our team today for personalised service.