Decluttering Before a Move: What to Keep, Donate, or Sell?

Moving house is the perfect opportunity to declutter and start fresh in your new home. Sorting through your belongings before packing not only saves time and effort but can also reduce moving costs. However, deciding what to keep, donate, or sell can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you streamline the process and make smart choices about your possessions before moving to your new home.

Why Decluttering Before a Move is Essential

1. Reduces Moving Costs

Removal companies often charge based on the volume of items being transported. The fewer items you take, the lower the cost.

2. Makes Packing & Unpacking Easier

Less clutter means a more efficient packing process and less stress when settling into your new home.

3. Gives You a Fresh Start

A new home is a chance to refresh your space with only the things that truly matter to you.

The Decluttering Process: Step by Step

Step 1: Assess Each Room

Go through your home room by room to assess what you own. Categorise items into three groups:

Keep – Essentials and sentimental items.
Donate – Items in good condition that others can use.
Sell – Valuable items you no longer need.

Step 2: Ask Yourself Key Questions

To determine the fate of each item, ask yourself:

Have I used this in the past year? If not, it might be time to let go.
Does it have sentimental value? Keep cherished items but consider if they hold a place in your future home.
Is it still functional and in good condition? Broken or outdated items should be discarded or recycled.
Would someone else benefit from this more than I do? If yes, donating is a great option.

What to Keep, Donate, or Sell?

Items to Keep

Certain things are worth keeping, especially if they add value to your life. These include:

Essential furniture – Beds, sofas, dining tables, and storage units that fit in your new space.
Everyday kitchen items – Dishes, cutlery, pots, and pans that are still in good condition.
Clothing you wear regularly – Keep seasonal and everyday essentials, but remove anything you haven’t worn in a year.
Important documents – Keep birth certificates, passports, tax records, and other essential paperwork.
Sentimental keepsakes – Family heirlooms, photographs, and special gifts that hold deep meaning.

Items to Donate

Many household items can be donated to charity shops, shelters, and community centres. Consider donating:

Clothing in good condition – If it doesn’t fit or you never wear it, someone else could benefit.
Books – Donate novels, textbooks, and children’s books to libraries or charities.
Toys – Unused or gently used toys can go to children’s charities.
Small appliances – Working kettles, toasters, and coffee makers are great donation items.
Furniture – If it’s in good condition but doesn’t fit your new home, donate it to furniture banks.
Unopened toiletries & household goods – Homeless shelters and community groups often accept unused hygiene products and cleaning supplies.

Items to Sell

If you have items of value that you no longer need, selling them can help you earn extra cash. Popular things to sell include:

Electronics – Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles.
Designer clothing & accessories – High-end fashion, handbags, and shoes in good condition.
Furniture – Vintage or high-quality pieces can fetch good prices online.
Collectibles & antiques – Coins, stamps, or rare memorabilia.
Bicycles & sports equipment – Unused gear can sell well in local marketplaces.
Home decor – Mirrors, artwork, and decorative items.

Use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and Depop to sell your items quickly.

How to Dispose of Unwanted Items Responsibly

Some items may not be suitable for keeping, donating, or selling. To dispose of them properly:

Recycle – Take paper, plastic, glass, and electronics to recycling centres.
Use council collection services – Many councils offer bulk waste collection.
Repurpose or upcycle – Turn old furniture into DIY projects instead of discarding it.

Tips for Staying Organised While Decluttering

Start early – Give yourself plenty of time before moving day.
Use the ‘one-year rule’ – If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need it.
Label boxes clearly – Separate items into ‘Keep,’ ‘Donate,’ and ‘Sell’ bins.
Get family involved – Assign tasks to different household members to speed up the process.
Stay committed – Avoid second-guessing your decisions to prevent unnecessary clutter.

Decluttering before a move is a rewarding process that helps simplify your transition to a new home. By carefully choosing what to keep, donate, or sell, you’ll lighten your load and make your move smoother and more cost-effective. Start early, stay organised, and embrace the opportunity for a fresh start!

Are you looking to move house in London or surrounding areas? Speak to us today about your house move and get a free no-obligation competitive quote from one of the best movers in London.