Declutter Before You Move: Save Money and Stress
Moving house is often ranked as one of life’s most stressful events. Between packing boxes, booking removalists, and handling paperwork, the process can feel overwhelming. Yet one step — often overlooked — can make the entire move smoother, cheaper, and less stressful: decluttering before you go.
Decluttering before a move reduces the number of items you need to pack, transport, and unpack. For tenants, it also avoids disputes with landlords over rubbish left behind. For homeowners, it ensures the new chapter starts fresh, without dragging old clutter into a new space.
By investing time in sorting before moving day, Illawarra families can save money on removal costs, reduce stress, and step into their new home with a clean slate.
The Financial Benefits of Pre-Move Decluttering
Lower removal costs. Fewer items mean fewer boxes, less labour, and potentially smaller trucks — all of which reduce moving expenses.
Avoid paying to move junk. It doesn’t make sense to spend money transporting items you no longer use or want.
Security bonds protected. Tenants who leave behind rubbish risk losing part of their bond to cover removal costs.
How Decluttering Eases the Moving Process
Packing made simple. With only the essentials left, packing is faster and more organised.
Less to unpack. You’ll start fresh in your new space without unnecessary clutter.
Peace of mind. Knowing everything in your boxes has value or purpose reduces stress on moving day.
Practical Steps for a Pre-Move Declutter
Start early. Begin at least 3–4 weeks before moving day.
Work room by room. Kitchens, garages, and wardrobes often hold the most clutter.
Apply simple rules. Haven’t used it in a year? Time to let it go. Can it be replaced for less than $20 in 20 minutes? Clear it out.
Use clear categories. Create piles for Keep, Donate, Recycle, Tip.
Arrange disposal. Book a rubbish collection in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Items Worth Reviewing Before a Move
Furniture. Large or bulky items that may not fit your new space.
Appliances. Outdated or broken devices that cost more to move than replace.
Clothing. Outgrown or unused clothes that can be donated.
Papers and files. Shred or recycle what’s no longer needed.
Garage clutter. Paint tins, rusted tools, and old sports gear are better dealt with before moving.
A Customer’s Reflection
“Decluttering before the move saved us a fortune. We only took what we needed, and Illawarra Tip Run cleared the rest. It made settling into the new house so much easier.” — Albion Park resident
Moving doesn’t have to mean packing up years of clutter. By decluttering first, you save money, reduce stress, and arrive at your new home with only what matters most.
The best way to start fresh is to leave the excess behind.
Moving soon? Book a tip run before the big day and make your move faster, cheaper, and stress-free.