Let’s be honest, moving house can feel overwhelming. Boxes everywhere, rooms half-packed, and that mystery drawer in the kitchen still brimming with takeaway menus and birthday candles from 2012. But with a little planning (and a few rubbish bags), decluttering as you move can make the whole process smoother, lighter, and mentally clearer.
Whether you're a seasoned mover or packing up your first place, these decluttering tips will help you sort, simplify and start fresh.
Packing and moving everything you own forces you to take stock. Do you really want to haul that broken lamp or that coat you haven’t worn since 2019 to your new place? Probably not.
Decluttering before you move gives you:
Letting go of things can bring up a lot: memories, guilt, even anxiety. But clutter can weigh on your mental load. Clearing it out, bit by bit, can feel like clearing space in your head, too.
It’s not just about physical stuff, it’s emotional, too. That’s why it’s so important to go easy on yourself. Be realistic. Keep your expectations gentle. You’re not aiming for perfection, just a bit more breathing room.
Breaking it down by room makes the job more manageable. Here's your space-by-space guide to what to keep, toss or donate.
Ask yourself:
If the answer’s no, it's time to donate, sell or sling.
For more detail check out our room-by-room packing guide.
This popular method breaks the job down into realistic, bite-sized chunks:
Each day, aim for:
It helps keep your momentum going without burnout.
Want to avoid the last-minute scramble? Here's a loose guide to keep you on track.
It’s easy to get stuck in indecision, especially when the item in question might come in handy one day (even if it hasn’t in years). If you find yourself holding up an old kitchen gadget, a pair of jeans, or a stack of notebooks wondering, “Should I keep this?” start here.
These four simple questions can help cut through the noise:
If the answer to any of these questions is no, the item can likely be:
Every item you let go of makes space. Not just in your home, but in your head, your time and your energy. And that’s exactly the kind of clarity you want when stepping into a new chapter.
Once you’ve sorted what’s not coming with you, the next step is working out how to let it go responsibly. It’s tempting to throw everything into a skip, but with a little planning, many of your unwanted items can be reused, rehomed or properly recycled.
Here are a few ways to make sure your stuff ends up in the right place.
Local op shops like the Salvos, Vinnies and Lifeline are always in need of quality second-hand goods, including clothes, books, homewares and furniture.
Got larger items like a couch, bedframe or dining set? You might not need to lift a finger. The Salvation Army offers a furniture pickup service for eligible donations, which is a great option if you’re short on time or transport.
If your items are in good condition, selling them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or eBay is a great way to lighten your load and make a bit of extra cash. This works especially well for furniture, appliances, and clothing bundles.
Some items can't be donated or sold, but that doesn’t mean they should end up in landfill.
Decluttering when moving isn’t just about cleaning out your cupboards, it’s about clearing space for something new. New memories, new energy, new beginnings. When you take the time to move with intention, you arrive lighter, calmer and more ready for whatever comes next.
And when it comes time to actually move? With Upmove you can find and book trusted moving professionals who’ll handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on the fun part: turning your fresh start into a home.
Upmove helps Aussies find and book removalists and transport services across Australia. The easy-to-use platform allows customers to access reliable, cost-effective, and user-reviewed service providers in just a few clicks. Founded back in 2017, our focus has always been on making moving as simple and effortless as possible for both customers and the professionals they rely on.
It's free and easy to create a request on Upmove.
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