A move is the perfect opportunity to to free yourself from unnecessary ballast. If you clear out your home in good time, you not only save Space & moving costs, but also starts more organized & relaxed in your new homeIn this article you will learn How to effectively declutter and what to do with old furniture, clothes, etc.
1. Why is it important to declutter before moving?
📦 1. Fewer boxes, less stress
✅ The less you take with you, the less you have to pack and transport.
✅ It is especially worthwhile to clear out your belongings when moving to a smaller apartment.
💰 2. Reduce moving costs
✅ Decluttering means less furniture and boxes – this saves space in the van.
✅ Less moving volume often means lower costs for shipping companies.
🏡 3. Start fresh & organized in your new home
✅ New apartment = A new beginning without unnecessary ballast.
✅ No unnecessary furniture & objects that just take up space.
💡 Tip: Start early! Start decluttering at least four weeks before your move.
2. Step-by-step guide to decluttering
📌 Step 1: Sort according to the “4-box principle”
Create four boxes or stacks for each room:
🟢 Keep – Everything that is useful & necessary.
🔵 Sell/Donate – Things in good condition that others can still use.
🟡 Recycling/Disposal – Broken or unusable items.
🟠 Undecided – If you are unsure, check again after 2 weeks.
📌 Step 2: Declutter room by room
🚪 1. Basement, attic & storage room first
✅ These rooms often collect things that have been unused for years.
✅ If something hasn’t been used for 1-2 years: Get rid of it!
👕 2. Clean out your wardrobe
✅ Sort out everything that hasn’t been worn in the last year.
✅ Donate or sell good clothes.
📚 3. Check books, DVDs & decorative items
✅ Books that are no longer read can be donated.
✅ Reduce decoration – fewer dust collectors = more space in your new home.
🛋 4. Check furniture & large items
✅ Will your old sofa fit in your new apartment? If not, sell it or donate it!
✅ Test electrical appliances: If they are defective or outdated, dispose of them in an environmentally friendly manner.
💡 Tip: A decluttering plan helps you stay organized – one room per day!
3. What to do with discarded items?
❤️ 1. Donate instead of throwing away
✅ Clothes & furniture can be Diakonie, Caritas or refugee shelters donated become.
✅ Local social department stores accept well-preserved household goods.
💰 2. Sell & earn money
✅ Online platforms: eBay Classifieds, Vinted, Facebook Marketplace.
✅ Flea markets: Ideal for smaller household items & decorations.
♻ 3. Dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner
✅ Dispose of electronic waste at recycling centers or collection points.
✅ Dispose of furniture via recycling centers or bulky waste services.
💡 Tip: Many organizations pick up donations free of charge – call ahead and make an appointment!
4. Avoid common decluttering mistakes
❌ Starting too late & getting under time pressure → Solution: Start at least 4 weeks before the move.
❌ Keep everything “in case you need it again” → Solution: If it hasn't been used for 1-2 years, throw it away!
❌ Simply leaving garbage on the street (illegal disposal!) → Solution: Use official recycling centers or bulky waste disposal.
❌ Giving away valuable items too quickly → Solution: First check whether a sale is worthwhile.
💡 Tip: Proper decluttering not only saves space, but can also save money!
5. Checklist for successful decluttering before moving
📌 Before the move:
✅ Sort rooms according to the “4-box principle”.
✅ Sort out unnecessary furniture and large items first.
✅ Donate, sell or dispose of in an environmentally friendly way.
📦 During the move:
✅ Only take what you really need.
✅ If necessary, organize moving helpers or a clearance service.
🏡 After the move:
✅ Unpack immediately & avoid unnecessary things accumulating again.
✅ If there are still boxes with “undecided” items: sort them out again after 2 weeks.
💡 Tip: A minimalist move is less stressful and saves time!
Conclusion: Decluttering saves space, time & money
✔ Sort out early & don’t take everything with you
✔ Donate, sell or recycle instead of throwing away
✔ Declutter room by room with a clear strategy
✔ Keep things tidy after moving & avoid unnecessary things
🚛 Are you planning a move and don't want to take everything with you? Praktik Transport helps you with the clearing out & a stress-free move! Get a non-binding offer now! 📦✨♻
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