A leading property expert says decluttering a property is the key first step to a successful, stress-free and lucrative house move.

Property specialist Jonathan Rolande, who has over 30 years’ experience in the property market, says decluttering can save money and help to prevent moving day chaos.

He said: “Decluttering should be an essential step for anyone in a property chain. Not only does it save time and energy when it comes to the big move itself but it also allows you to create a more organised and streamlined living environment.

“It is particularly useful if you’ve lived in a property for a long period of time or if you are downsizing after children have moved out of home as there will inevitably be things you have kept in the back of the loft or cupboards you will never use again.

“And you could also find some handy resale treasures to put towards new items for your home or towards the inevitable costs which come with a move.

“It’s the ideal time to go through your belongings and prepare for a fresh start in a new home.”

Here Jonathan offers his ten tips for decluttering before your move

1. Start Early

There’s plenty of time whilst you’re waiting for conveyancing to take place to start the process so begin decluttering at least 4-6 weeks before moving day. This will also help to avoid last minute chaos and give plenty of time to sell any good finds or do those visits to the tip.

2. Get categorising

Separate your items into four piles: keep, donate/sell, recycle, and discard. Look at reselling sites like eBay or Vinted, which are great for things like electricals and homeware as well as clothes.

3. Tackle the loft first

It's where we tend to throw things we’re not sure about and it’s where you’re going to find most of those things which need to go in the ‘donate’ or ‘dump’ pile, so get in their first. It will mean you have more space when it comes to packing up for things you will take with you.

4. Be ruthless…

If you haven’t used something in a long time, then unless it’s a treasured family heirloom, make sure it doesn’t go in the ‘keep’ pile. Charity shops in particular are always welcoming good quality items they can sell but don’t confuse them for an alternative to the tip.


5. But don’t be hasty

There will be things you might be tempted to sling, but give yourself time to sort through sentimental items like photos and keepsakes. By giving yourself enough time before the move you will also be able to categorise and perhaps save them electronically or arrange a new display for your new home.

6. Make it fun by inviting friends round

You might need the incentive of food and drink, but going through your things, particularly if you’re going to have a clear out of a wardrobe, can be a great opportunity to get friends round to get that second opinion and have a laugh over those ‘what were you thinking?’ items!

7. Pack with care

There will be some things you stumble across – or even find when you’d considered them long gone – which will need some special packing or perhaps mending. Make sure you have enough packing materials particularly for those fragile items.


8. Digitise!

Long gone are the days when we need huge document folders. Set aside time specifically for paperwork including shredding, scanners and recycling old paper. Only keep those essential documents in hard copy.

9. Get labelling

As well as boxes and bubble wrap, get proper labels so you can organise things you will be keeping. It will help maintain order during the decluttering and packing process but also save you time in the future if you’re not moving to your ‘forever home’.

10. Research recycling and waste options

There are rules for what you can and can’t throw away, particularly electronics, batteries and hazardous materials so check with your local household recycling and council for collection days and any items which may need to be disposed of carefully.