Decluttering before moving

The volume of goods is the biggest single factor in your moving cost. Clearing out before the survey can cut the size of truck you need, and the number of cartons you unpack at the other end.

A simple method

Go room by room with three bags or areas: keep, sell or give, discard. Ask of each item: have I used it in the last year, and will it fit in the new home?

Common things to let go

• Old newspapers, magazines and cartons: sell them to the kabadiwala
• Broken appliances and electronics: e-waste collection points
• Clothes and shoes not worn in a year: donate
• Old mattresses and pillows: often cheaper to replace than to move a long way
• Duplicate kitchen utensils and old plastic containers
• Furniture that will not suit the new home's size

Selling furniture and appliances

Online classifieds and local second-hand dealers buy furniture and appliances in good condition. Start at least three weeks before the move so you are not forced to sell cheaply on the last day.

Do it before the survey

If you declutter after the survey, the quote may be based on more goods than you actually move. Tell us what you have cleared so the quote reflects it.

See how volume affects price on our charges page.