Stress-Free Moving in Sydney: Declutter Before You Move
Moving house can be one of life’s most exciting milestones — but it’s also one of the most stressful. At Palmers Relocations, we’ve seen clients overwhelmed by clutter on moving day, and we know it doesn’t have to be that way. A little preparation, especially decluttering before your move, can save time, reduce costs, and make settling into your new home far more enjoyable.
Why Decluttering Matters
Clutter doesn’t just take up space — it impacts your entire move. The more you bring, the higher your moving costs, the longer it takes to pack and unpack, and the greater the chance of damage during transit.
Decluttering early gives you a clear picture of what truly matters, letting you make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, donate, or store. Imagine walking into your new home with boxes filled only with things you actually use and love — that’s what a smart move feels like.
How to Declutter Effectively Before Moving
Start with the spaces that stress you most
Garages, attics, and storage rooms are clutter hotspots. Look for things you haven’t touched in months — old gym equipment, outdated electronics, broken furniture — and decide whether to donate, sell, or recycle them.
Ask yourself: “Will I realistically use this in my new home?” If the answer is no, it’s time to let it go.
Tackle paperwork and magazines
Receipts, tax forms, and bills pile up quickly. A good rule: discard anything older than seven years. Store the rest in a single, easy-to-access folder so you’re not scrambling on moving day.
And those stacks of magazines or old recipes? If you haven’t looked at them in years, chances are you won’t. Donate or recycle them to lighten the load.
Sort toys and sentimental items
Kids’ toys can be tricky. If they’ve outgrown them, donate to charity or a hospital — it’s a great way to give those items a second life. For truly sentimental pieces, consider secure storage rather than dragging them to your new home.
When Letting Go Is Hard: Consider Storage
Some items carry sentimental value or are simply too big to part with right now. A vintage armchair from your grandmother, for example, might not fit in your new living room — but you’re not ready to say goodbye.
| Storage Type | Average 2025 Cost (Sydney) |
|---|---|
| Small (1–3 m²) | $145–$155/month |
| Medium (4–6 m²) | $170–$235/month |
| Large (7–12 m²) | $240–$325/month |
At Palmers Relocations, we don’t just move your belongings — we can take the items you’re not ready to part with straight to our secure storage facility, so you can decide later without slowing down your move.
Enlist Help and Stay Motivated
Decluttering can be emotional and time-consuming. Invite a friend or family member to help you stay focused. They’ll give you a fresh perspective — and remind you that if something has been sitting in the garage untouched for years, you probably don’t need it.
How Decluttering Transforms Moving Day
When you’ve decluttered, boxes are lighter, rooms are easier to pack, and the whole process takes less time. You’ll also save money — our fixed-rate pricing at Palmers Relocations is based on the volume of items moved, so less clutter means lower costs and no hidden surprises.
Fewer items also mean less risk of scratches, damage, or lost belongings during the move. And when you arrive at your new home, you’ll enjoy a fresh, organised start.
Ready to Get Started?
Start small, but start today. A few minutes a day spent decluttering can transform your moving experience. Pair it with smart packing strategies, and let Palmers Relocations handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling in. Give us a call 1300 363 916 or send us a quick email and we will be able to help.