How to Declutter Before Moving House

A Guide On Decluttering Before Moving House

Moving house is a fresh start, but the process can feel overwhelming. One way to ease this transition is by decluttering beforehand.

By letting go of unnecessary items, you’ll save time, money, and stress during packing and unpacking. Let’s break down exactly how to declutter effectively before moving.

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead

The key to a smooth decluttering process is starting as early as possible. Once you know you’re moving, begin assessing your belongings. Planning allows you to avoid the last-minute rush, ensuring a more thoughtful declutter.

This early start gives you a sense of control over the process, making the task feel more manageable. Create a timeline—mark specific days for tackling different rooms so the task doesn’t feel insurmountable.

 Pro Tip: Schedule 30–60 minutes daily to declutter rather than overwhelming yourself with marathon sessions.

2. Assess Your Belongings Thoughtfully

To decide what stays and what goes, ask yourself three questions:

• Do I use this item regularly?
• Does this item hold significant sentimental value?
• Will this item suit my new home’s space and style?

By being honest, you’ll quickly identify items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Remember, moving to a new home is the perfect opportunity to let go of old habits and clutter.

This process of letting go can bring a sense of liberation, making your move feel like a true fresh start.

3. Sort Items into Categories

Organising items into categories is an excellent way to streamline the decluttering process.

Use the Four-Box Method:

1. Keep: For items you use daily or genuinely cherish.
2. Donate/Sell: For gently used items someone else can benefit from.
3. Recycle: For items made from recyclable materials.
4. Trash: For broken or unusable and non-recyclable items.

Having these four boxes ready in each room ensures you stay focused and organised.

4. Tackle One Room at a Time

Decluttering an entire house at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, break it down by focusing on one room or area at a time. Start with less-used spaces like the attic, basement, or garage.

These rooms often contain items you’ve already mentally “let go of” but haven’t dealt with yet.

Pro Tip: Begin with small wins to build momentum. Decluttering a bathroom cupboard or a single drawer can be a satisfying way to kick-start the process. These small victories can boost your motivation and make the overall task feel less daunting.

5. Use the 12-Month Rule

If you haven’t used or worn something in the past year, it’s safe to say you don’t need it. This Rule applies mainly to clothing, shoes, and kitchen gadgets.

Ask yourself: “If I haven’t needed this for the past 12 months, will I realistically need it in the future?”

Exceptions: Sentimental keepsakes and seasonal items, like holiday decorations, don’t necessarily fall under this Rule.

6. Digitise Documents and Photos

Paper clutter often sneaks up on you. Old bills, receipts, and photographs can take up significant space. Consider scanning these items and storing them digitally on a secure hard drive or cloud service.

Creating digital backups frees up physical space and keeps important documents safe from damage.

7. Dispose of Unwanted Items Responsibly

Getting rid of unwanted items doesn’t mean sending everything to landfill. Consider the following:

• Donate: Charities and donation centres often welcome gently used clothing, furniture, and household items.
• Sell: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or eBay to sell valuable items.
• Recycle: Properly recycle materials like glass, metal, paper, and electronics.
• Hazardous Waste: Contact your local council for guidance on disposing of dangerous materials like paint, batteries, or chemicals.

8. Organise Items for Packing

Once you’ve decided what to keep, it’s time to start packing. Group similar items together, such as books in one box and kitchenware in another.

Label each box clearly with its contents and the room it belongs to in your new home. This small step will save you countless hours when unpacking.

9. Consider Storage Solutions

If you’re downsizing or unsure what will fit your new home, renting a storage unit can be a lifesaver.

Short-term storage provides flexibility during your transition and allows you to declutter at a pace that works for you.

Pro Tip: Choose a unit close to your new home to make it easier to access your belongings during the move.

10. Seek Professional Help if Needed

Decluttering can be a daunting task, especially if you have a full-time job or a family to care for. In such cases, professional decluttering services can be a lifesaver.

These services often bring an objective perspective, making it easier to let go of the things you’re unsure about parting with.

Bulman’s Removals: Your Moving Partner

 

At Bulman’s Removals, we’re here to make your move as stress-free as possible. From decluttering tips to professional packing and transportation services, we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.

Our team understands that moving can be emotional, so we approach every job with care and professionalism.

Ready to move?

Let us handle the logistics while you focus on settling into your new home. Visit our home page by clicking the following Bulman’s Removals to learn more about our services.

Decluttering before moving isn’t just about lightening your load—it’s about creating a fresh start in your new space. Starting early, sorting thoughtfully, and disposing of items responsibly reduce stress and set you up for a smooth move.

Remember, your new home is an opportunity to embrace simplicity and surround yourself with only the things that truly matter.

FAQs

 

Q1: How far in advance should I start decluttering?

Ideally, start decluttering as soon as you decide to move, but aim for at least two months before your moving date.

Q2: What should I do with sentimental items I can’t decide on?

Consider creating a “maybe” box. If you don’t miss these items after the move, you can revisit and decide whether to keep them or let them go.

Q3: How do I handle decluttering when moving to a smaller home?

Focus on the most practical and essential items. Measure your new space to ensure your furniture and belongings will fit comfortably.

Q4: Can Bulman’s Removals help with decluttering?

While we specialise in packing and moving, our team is happy to advise on decluttering and even help with transportation.

Q5: Is it worth selling items before moving?

Absolutely! Selling items helps declutter and provides extra cash to offset moving expenses.