Downsizing Before a Move: How to De-Clutter

Oct 07. 2025

Moving home is the perfect opportunity to take stock of your belongings and let go of the things you no longer need. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a completely new city, downsizing before a move can make the entire process smoother, cheaper as the volume of possessions to move will be less, and less stressful. Instead of paying to pack and transport items that are superfluous to your needs, you can start fresh with a more streamlined home and just take what you actually need.

Why Downsizing Before a Move Matters
Save time and money on moving day
The fewer items you take with you, the quicker the packing and transport process will be. A professional removal company will base their removal costs on volume, so reducing clutter before you move can significantly cut your removal expenses.

How to Start Downsizing Before a Move
Sorting through your possessions and packing, if you’ve opted to do this yourself, often takes longer than many people anticipate. Begin at least six to eight weeks before your moving date so you can tackle one room at a time. This avoids the last-minute panic of rushing through piles of belongings and allows you to make thoughtful decisions.

As you sort through the items you want to get rid of, sort them into three categories, namely;

• items to sell – possessions that are in good condition, could be sold on to generate extra cash.
• Items to donate – clothes, books, or household goods that others can use can often be donated to support a charitable cause
• Recycle/– where possible re-use and recycle items to avoid landfill.

Key Downsizing Tips for a Stress-Free Move
When sorting through your possessions, a really useful tip is to ask yourself the right questions before keeping items, for example:
• have I used this in the last year?
• Does it fit in my new home?
• Would I buy it again if I didn’t already own it?

Digitise documents to save space
Scanning paperwork and even music or film collections can free up significant space while keeping everything safe and accessible.

Plan donation collections in advance
Many charities will collect large furniture and household items directly from your home. Scheduling collections ahead of time ensures everything is cleared before moving day.

By downsizing before a move, you’re not just saving time and money on the removals process, you’re creating the opportunity for a fresh and clearer start in your new home.