Moving house: clearing out before you go
A simple plan for sorting, selling, donating and disposing of things before a move, without leaving rubbish behind.
Start a few weeks out
Go room by room. Sorting early means you are not paying to move things you do not want, and you have time to sell or donate good items.
Sell or donate first
Local charities, reuse shops and online marketplaces will often take furniture and household items in good condition, and some collect. Check fire safety labels on upholstered furniture before offering it.
Book collections early
Council bulky collections can have waiting times, especially at month ends. If you need a collector, get quotes early and send photos so the price is accurate.
If you pay someone to take it, check they are a registered waste carrier first and keep the receipt.
Do not leave it behind
Leaving rubbish in the property or the street can cause problems with your buyer, landlord or deposit, and dumping it is fly-tipping. See end of tenancy rubbish if you rent.
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More guides
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Check who arranges a skip permit, where a skip can stand and why a parking space does not automatically give permission for a skip.
Clearing a home after someone has died
A gentle, practical guide to clearing a loved one’s home: what to do first, what to keep, and choosing a clearance service.
Taking a van or trailer to the recycling centre
Permits, bookings and limits: what to check before taking household waste to the tip in a van, pick-up or trailer.
Getting rid of bulky items: your options
Sofas, mattresses, fridges and old furniture: the legal ways to get rid of bulky household items in the UK, from council collections to registered carriers.