Here at BEST, we’ve helped a lot of people move home, and there’s one piece of advice we find ourselves giving again and again: don’t pay to move things you don’t want.It sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to do. When moving day is approaching and there’s a lot to organise, it can feel quicker to pack everything and sort it out at the other end. The trouble is, every box, every piece of furniture and every forgotten item in the loft takes up space in the van and time on the day. A good declutter before you move can make your move quicker, smoother and often cheaper too.
Why Decluttering Can Lower Your Removal Costs
Removal quotes generally take account of the volume of belongings being moved, access at each property, the distance involved and how long the job is expected to take. The more you’re moving, the more van space, packing materials and handling time you may need.
By clearing out before your survey or quote, you can:
- Reduce the volume of your move, which may mean a smaller van or fewer trips.
- Cut down on packing time and materials, especially if you’re booking a packing service.
- Speed up loading and unloading, so your move day runs to time.
- Lower storage costs if you need to store some of your belongings between properties.
And the benefits don’t stop at the price. Unpacking is far easier when you’re only opening boxes of things you actually want in your new home.
Of course, decluttering won’t automatically reduce every removal quote. The saving depends on how much you clear and whether it changes the resources needed for your move. But it’s always worth reviewing what you’re taking before you ask for a price.
When to Start Decluttering
The earlier, the better. Ideally, start as soon as you know you’re moving, and before you get your removal quotes. That way, your quote reflects what you’re actually taking rather than everything you currently own.
If you’d like a clearer picture of how decluttering fits into the wider plan, our moving timeline walks you through what to expect in the weeks leading up to your move.
Go Room by Room
Tackling the whole house at once can feel overwhelming, so work through one room at a time. Start with the spaces you use least, such as the loft, garage, shed or spare room. These are usually where the most clutter hides, and clearing them early gives you a real sense of progress.
As you go, sort everything into four groups:
- Keep: things you use, love or genuinely need in your new home.
- Sell: furniture, electricals and other items in good condition that could earn you a little extra money.
- Donate: usable items that charities, friends or local community groups would appreciate.
- Clear: broken, worn-out or unwanted items that need to be recycled or disposed of.
A simple tip is to label four boxes or areas before you begin. That way, you can make decisions as you go instead of creating another pile to sort through later.
Think About Your New Home
One of the most useful questions to ask is: will it fit, and will I use it? It’s worth measuring your new rooms and doorways before moving day. A large wardrobe or corner sofa that suits your current home may not fit at all in the new one.
The same goes for items you’ve been keeping “just in case”. If your new home has less storage, or a smaller garden, you may not need that second set of garden furniture or the boxes of old kitchenware that haven’t been opened in years.
What to Do With the Things You’re Not Taking
Once you’ve decided what’s staying behind, give yourself plenty of time to deal with it. Leaving it until the last week can add unnecessary stress.
Sell what you can
Online marketplaces and local selling groups are a great way to pass on furniture, appliances and household items. Even small amounts can help towards the cost of your move.
Donate usable items
Many charity shops accept clothes, books, homeware and furniture, and some will collect larger items for free. Check what they accept before you take things along.
Recycle and clear the rest
For items that can’t be sold or donated, your local household waste recycling centre may be a good option if you have suitable transport and the items are accepted there. Check your local council’s guidance before visiting, particularly for electrical appliances, mattresses and other bulky waste.
If you’re dealing with larger items, a garage clear-out or several rooms’ worth of unwanted belongings, a professional rubbish removal service can be a practical alternative. It can help you clear the property before your removal team arrives, so you’re not paying to transport things you no longer need.
For example, people moving in London can explore specialist clearance services from Snappy Rubbish Removals, which offers rubbish and bulky waste removal. If you’re moving elsewhere, look for a reputable local provider that can handle the particular items you need to dispose of.
Whichever company you choose, check that it’s registered as a waste carrier and ask how your waste will be handled. In England, you can check a company’s registration using the Environment Agency’s public register. Taking a few minutes to do this helps protect you from irresponsible waste disposal.
Don’t Forget the Hidden Spaces
It’s easy to declutter the main rooms and forget the places you rarely look. Before moving day, check:
- Lofts and cellars
- Garages, sheds and summer houses
- Under beds and the backs of wardrobes
- Kitchen cupboards and the cupboard under the sink
- Bathroom cabinets
Our ultimate moving house checklist is a handy way to make sure nothing gets missed.
Decluttering Makes Packing Easier Too
Once you’ve cleared out, packing becomes much more straightforward. You’ll need fewer boxes, you’ll know exactly what you’re packing, and it’s easier to label everything clearly for the new house.
If you’re thinking about getting help with packing, take a look at our guide: Do removal companies pack for you? It explains the different options and how they can save you time on a busy move.
What About Things You’re Not Ready to Part With?
Decluttering doesn’t have to mean getting rid of everything. If you have items you want to keep but don’t need in your new home straight away, such as seasonal decorations, sentimental pieces or furniture for a future project, storage can be a sensible middle ground. It keeps your new home clutter-free while giving you time to decide what to do with them.
At BEST Removals & Storage, we also offer storage solutions for belongings you want to keep but aren’t ready to move into your new property. This can be particularly helpful if you’re downsizing or moving between homes.
A Lighter, Easier Move
Decluttering before you move is one of the simplest ways to make your move cheaper, quicker and less stressful. Start early, work room by room, and be honest about what you’ll really use in your new home. You’ll thank yourself on moving day, and even more when you’re unpacking.
If you’re planning a move in Manchester or the surrounding areas, BEST Removals & Storage can help with house removals, professional packing and storage. Clearing out before your quotation means we can assess the belongings you’re actually taking and help you plan a move that suits your needs.
Ready to get started? Contact BEST Removals & Storage to discuss your move and request a quotation. We’re always happy to help.