Moving House Help: Bin, Keep, Sell or Donate - Easy Ways to Decide

by Jenna May 02, 2024

Part of the moving house process is decluttering. You're moving to a new home which means a fresh start. There's no need to bring clutter with you.

At Best Rated Transport we want to offer our moving house help to everyone which is why we've put together a cheeky guideline on how to know what to keep, bin, sell or donate. Having a set box for each of these things can help you reduce the clutter and ensure you're not bringing items that will simply take up space. It can also help you reduce your moving load. 

So, how do you know what's coming with you and what's taking a trip to the tip? Here's our go-to guide: 

Moving House Help: What to Keep, Bin, Sell or Donate 

Here are the things to ask yourself:

Do you use it? And by this we mean, often. Not like "I could use this random jar I've kept in the pantry for three years one day". No. That jar doesn't need to come with you. 

If you haven't used something in the last five years, it goes. If you do use the item often, then keep it. 

In terms of clothing, my rule is if you haven't worn it in a year, then decide whether to donate, sell or bin it. 

Does this item align with my current goals and priorities? Then keep. 

Does it hold sentimental value? Yes? Okay, keep it then. Everyone is different with this. I'm not one for keeping items that once meant something to me but everyone is different.

I've kept onto a terrible dirty rocking chair for 14 years because it was the chair I used to feed and cuddle my babies to sleep. It serves no value whatsoever and just takes up space. But I can't bring myself to ever get rid of it. 

Is the item still in good condition but you simply don't have a use for it anymore? You could try to sell it. 

Is this item valuable enough to justify selling it? Not everything is sellable, however, and often it's more effort to try and sell an item than what it's worth. If you do have several pricey things that you don't want to bring with you, consider a garage sale. For larger ticket items, near-new clothing and near-new toys, Facebook Marketplace is always a good place to start. 

Can this item be recycled or repurposed? If so, then donating it might be a good choice.

Could someone else benefit from this item more than I do? This is an important question to ask yourself when considering donation. There are so many great places to donate your unwanted items and often it's easier to give without trying to sell, especially if you are pressed for time. However, donated items shouldn't be trashed, broken, outdated, mouldy or damaged. Think "gently used" condition. 

Some of the most common items to donate include clothing, toys, outdoor toys like bikes, books, shoes and housewares in good condition. 

Is it broken or has it lost its purpose? BIN. No need to bring that broken pie maker with you. It's going to be broken at the new house too. 

Does this item require costly repairs or maintenance? Most likely BIN.

Is it a random cord to something you most likely used 10 years ago? BIN. That whole drawer of cords can most likely just be binned. 

Do I have duplicates of this item? No need to keep them both. 

Will I need this item in the future? This is a tricky one, especially when it comes to baby items and toys if you're not sure if you're still planning on having more children. But when in doubt, say goodbye. 

Does this item fit my current lifestyle? That collection of shot glasses from your early 20s may not still serve your needs anymore. 

Will keeping this item contribute to clutter in my new space? Yes. Then GOOD-BYE. 

Is this item outdated or obsolete? BIN. Your camera from 2002 isn't even a thing anymore. Let it go. 

Ready to Make the Move? 

Moving house help is just a click away! Find your perfect interstate removalist with Best Rated Transport's Instant Quote service. Compare house movers near you, find the most affordable rate and enjoy the most peaceful move you've ever had. Yes, moving can be stress-free! Let us show you. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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