Need to Declutter or Spring Clean before moving – but not sure what to do with it all? Turn your Clutter into Kindness

Need to Declutter or Spring Clean before moving – but not sure what to do with it all? Turn your Clutter into Kindness

One of the biggest challenges when faced with a house move is decluttering. Whether it is getting the house looking at its best for house viewings or ahead of the actual move. No one wants to spend money paying for a removals service to move items that will end up being recycled or thrown away.

However, there’s something incredibly freeing about decluttering your home as clearing unused items create more space — both physically and mentally.

Decluttering doesn’t have to mean throwing everything away. In fact, many of the things you no longer need could make a real difference to someone else.

But faced with the enormity of the task where do you start? And also, can others benefit from your spring clean? Here’s how to declutter responsibly — and where you can donate your unwanted items.

Chiltern Relocation’s handy guide to decluttering with a conscience!

First step is to declutter with Intention. As you declutter each area have four set sections:

• Keep
• Donate
• Sell
• Recycle/Dispose

Ask yourself:

• Have I used this in the last year?
• Would I buy this again today?
• Is it in good, usable condition?
• If it’s still functional but no longer serves you, it’s probably perfect for donation.

Turn your Clutter into Kindness

Droppoint.org helps to connect you to various verified charities – not resellers – all across the UK. They want to: ‘help you keep landfill down and lift communities up.’ The site seeks items from a wide range of areas from furniture to toys and games to electronics.  Simply browse the content on the directory to find item donation opportunities – people’s generosity and donations will contribute to the social and mental wellbeing of others.

British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation offers free furniture collection in many areas for larger items. You can book a free collection to donate furniture and electrical items that the BHF can sell in their shops.

They collect all sorts of items including:

• Sofas, suites, armchairs
• Tables, chairs, desks, cabinets
• Beds, mattresses and other bedroom furniture
• TVs, Hi-Fis, washing machines, small electricals
• Valuable or specialist items – the dedicated team of experts will ensure that they receive the best resale value possible

The BHF can also collect bags of clothes, books, DVDs, toys and more at the same time. Click on their website to book your free collection.

High Street Charity Shops

This is the ‘go-to’ place for many of us who are keen to declutter and ensure that others are benefitting.  Most high streets have charity shops that accept:

• Good quality clothes
• Shoes
• Handbags
• Jewellery
• Books and puzzles
• Belts and accessories

And if they can’t sell it in their shop then they will get money for recycling the items with onward charities.

Freegle or Freecycle your items to those who want them. Freegle is a UK based specialist who: ‘help people give and get things for free in their local community’.  Simply post an item on the site and the people interested will respond and collect. Posting on this website gives your unwanted items a new home for free. By using either one of these free services you are helping others and the environment as fewer items are ending up in landfill.

Facebook Marketplace

Whilst items can be sold via this platform you can also donate items for free and someone (usually) in the local area will collect. This method reaches many interested people quickly meaning that the clear out can be quite rapid as you hear from interested parties.

If you are keen to sell your items

The UK’s most popular options include Ebay, GumTree and Facebook Marketplace. The selling guides are easy and the high turnover of items on these platforms means that there is plenty of interested parties.

Decluttering Specialists

If it all seems too overwhelming and you don’t know where to start then a professional Declutter specialist might be the ticket! The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO) have a website which will link you to an expert in your location. This service can also help you prepare your home to go in the market in addition to helping you streamline ahead of a move.

For example, Halo (Home and Lifestyle Organising) based in Seer Green will: ‘help you understand what is important in your life and which possessions will support your goals.’

With so many options to ‘declutter and do good’ then your clear out will leave you with a clear conscience.

If you need help to find your ideal home then we can help. With over 20 years’ experience in sourcing property and unrivalled local knowledge, Chiltern Relocation can take on the stress of the search and guide you through the all the steps to finding exactly what you are looking for. Speak to Chiltern Relocation to find out more about our home finding and relocation service. Please do contact us on 01494 672086 or email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com