Moving house is the perfect opportunity to start fresh — but before you start packing, take the time to declutter. Every item you sort now is one less thing to move, unpack, or pay to store later.
Whether you’re moving across Manchester or to another part of the UK, this guide will help you declutter efficiently and make your move lighter, cheaper, and less stressful.
1. Why Decluttering Matters Before a Move
Decluttering saves time, money, and effort. It can reduce your moving costs, make unpacking easier, and give you a clearer idea of what you really need.
If you’re hiring a removals company or renting a van, fewer boxes mean less loading time — and if you’re using self storage, you can rent a smaller unit.
Key benefits of decluttering:
- Lowers moving costs and storage fees
- Saves time on packing and unpacking
- Creates more space in your new home
- Makes it easier to organise once you’ve moved
If you’re short on space while sorting through items, consider temporary home storage to keep things safe while you decide what to keep.
2. Start Early and Plan Your Declutter
The best decluttering happens over time, not in a rush. Aim to start at least four weeks before your move so you can tackle one area at a time.
Set a goal for each day or week — for example, “clear the loft by Friday” or “sort out the kitchen this weekend.” Breaking it down keeps you focused and prevents burnout.
Simple planning steps:
- Make a room-by-room list of what to declutter
- Set clear deadlines before moving day
- Order free packing boxes to stay organised
- Arrange a charity collection or car boot sale
- Book a collection service if you’ll need help moving items to storage
3. Follow the Four-Box Rule
One of the easiest ways to stay organised while decluttering is the four-box method. Label boxes as:
- Keep
- Donate
- Sell
- Store
Go through each room methodically and be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used something in over a year or didn’t even remember you owned it, it might be time to let it go.
Great candidates for donating or storing:
- Clothes you rarely wear
- Duplicated kitchenware
- Unused furniture
- Old books and DVDs
- Sentimental items that you’re not ready to part with (store these securely at Cheap Storage Manchester)
4. Decluttering Room by Room
Breaking your home into sections keeps things manageable.
Kitchen:
Go through cupboards and check expiry dates. Recycle old containers and donate small appliances you don’t use.
Bedroom:
Sort clothes into keep, donate, or store. Vacuum-seal out-of-season clothes to save space.
Living Room:
Review decor and electronics. If you’re moving to a smaller space, think about what furniture will realistically fit.
Garage or Loft:
These often hold the most clutter. Sort tools, garden equipment, and old storage boxes, keeping only what you’ll use again.
Bathroom:
Dispose of expired products, old medicines, and nearly empty bottles.
If you run out of space mid-process, check out furniture storage options to keep your rooms clear as you work.
5. Sell, Donate, or Store
Once you’ve decided what’s not coming with you, it’s time to find a new home for it.
Selling online:
Use sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Vinted for clothes, furniture, and household items.
Donating:
Charity shops in Manchester like The British Heart Foundation or Barnardo’s often offer free furniture collection.
Storing:
If you can’t decide whether to keep something, or you plan to move again soon, self storage is a simple, cost-effective option. See our storage prices or ask about our 50% off your first 9 weeks offer.
Ways to manage unwanted items:
- Hold a car boot sale before moving day
- Offer furniture to friends or family
- Use community recycling or bulky waste collection services
- Store items you’ll need later in secure storage
6. Decluttering Tips to Stay Motivated
Decluttering a whole house can feel like a huge task. Staying motivated is the key to getting it done without stress.
Ways to stay on track:
- Set a timer for 30 minutes and focus on one area
- Play music or a podcast while sorting
- Take before-and-after photos to track progress
- Reward yourself after each room
- Involve family members or friends to help
If you feel overwhelmed, moving items into short-term storage can give you more space to think clearly.
7. How Decluttering Makes Moving Easier
Once you’ve cleared out what you no longer need, packing becomes faster and unpacking becomes simpler. You’ll arrive in your new home with only the items you actually want and use.
Many people also find the process emotionally refreshing — decluttering can help you feel more in control and ready for a new start.
Benefits of decluttering before a move:
- Reduces the number of boxes to move
- Makes packing materials go further
- Saves on removals and storage costs
- Creates a cleaner, calmer space in your new home
If you’re planning to move soon, Cheap Storage Manchester offers moving home storage solutions designed to keep your belongings safe until you’re ready for the next chapter.
8. Final Thoughts
Decluttering before you move doesn’t just make packing easier — it helps you start your next home with more space, less stress, and a clearer mindset.
Take your time, plan ahead, and make use of local services like Cheap Storage Manchester to keep everything organised along the way.
