Start early, not the week before
Begin at least a month before your move. Tackling a whole house in a weekend is where most people give up. Give yourself short, focused sessions, one wardrobe or one room at a time, and the job stays manageable.
Set up three piles as you go: keep, donate, and recycle. The donate and recycle piles can go straight into bags ready for collection.
Go room by room
Bedrooms and wardrobes usually hold the most. Work through clothes by season: if you didn’t wear it last winter, you probably won’t this one. Children’s outgrown clothes, old workwear and spare bedding are all common finds.
Don’t forget the linen cupboard, the under-stairs cupboard and the loft. These are where forgotten textiles tend to hide.
The keep / donate / recycle rule
A simple test for each item: Have I worn or used it in the last year? Does it fit? Would I buy it again today? If the answer to two of these is no, it goes in the donate or recycle bag.
Remember that worn-out items are still worth collecting. They’re recycled rather than landfilled, so don’t bin them.
Book your collection before moving day
Schedule your free doorstep collection for a few days before you move, while you’re still in the property and the bags are easy to leave by the door. It’s one less thing to deal with on the day.
If you’re clearing a property after a relative’s move or a house clearance, mention the rough volume when booking so we send the right vehicle.