How to declutter before moving house

Make a plan

The most important thing to do when decluttering your home is to have a plan. Allocate time for each room; that way, you can finish one section before you move on to the next, and you won’t get confused about what you are keeping and throwing away.

A good idea is to adopt the ‘keep, donate, throw, sell’ concept. Have designated boxes for each category and try to have items for each one from every room.

By donating items (think Vinnie’s, GiveNow.com.au or NACRO), you won’t feel like you’re wasting money or keeping things you don’t use just for the sake of it. Best of all, you’re doing a good deed.

Selling items either at a garage sale or online can be a good way to make some extra cash for the things you do still need. eBay and Gumtree are great places to start, but there are lots of websites to choose from.

Got extra appliances you’re keen to get rid of? Look into such things as fridge-buyback schemes and TV end-of-life recycling programs.

Make lists

Another good idea is to make a list of everything you want in each room of your new home. As you start sorting through your things and ticking items off your list room by room, you’ll get an even better idea of what you can donate, sell or throw out. With throwing out in mind, be sure to make note of your local council pick-up days. The City of Melbourne website has some more great tips for disposing of unwanted items.

Clearing out those clothes

The idea of tackling – and culling – your wardrobe may seem particularly daunting, but there is a good rule of thumb to apply here, too: If you didn’t wear it last season (for example, swimmers in summer or jeans in winter), then you probably won’t, so get rid of it. You’ll be surprised how much space you begin to free up and how great your new closet will look!

So what are you waiting for? Look at your calendar, set aside some time and get started today.