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Everyone has their cupboard of shame – the place where all those unnecessary items end up, often still wrapped in original packaging. Moving house is your chance for redemption.
Between the packing and the unpacking, consider a pre-move cleanout. You want your new home to look its best, so now is the perfect time to think about getting rid of the old and unused, and upgrading the items in your home. Whether you leave it for the next occupants, sell it or take it to your local charity shop, here are five things to consider leaving behind when moving house.
Old mattresses and bed frames
A good quality mattress should last approximately seven to 10 years but signs of wear and tear mean that it's time for an upgrade. If you're not getting the support you need from your mattress or the frame’s timber slats have broken or slid out of place, you may want to think about offering the pieces to charity or taking it to the tip.
Mounted shelves
There are times when you should ask yourself, ‘is it easier for me to leave that where it is?’ Removing mounted shelves from walls is one of those instances and, if you rent, will require you to patch up any damage that has been made to the wall.
Appliances
If your dishwasher, washing machine or dryer is outdated, won't fit in your new place or the size of your family is changing, consider getting rid of it. You can instead buy a shiny new appliance and have it delivered to your new place, meaning there’s one less thing to move.
Also, be ruthless with all your novelty appliances – waffle makers, ice-cream makers, popcorn makers and the like. Do you really need them or will they just clog up the cupboards in your new place? If you’re not going to use them, get rid of them.
Fixtures and fittings
You can spend a lot of money on chandeliers, tapware, door handles and even light switches. However, depending on the agreement made with your landlord or the next owners of the house, most fixtures and fittings need to be, well, fitted. If you do take one or two special pieces with you, be sure to replace it – even if it's with a generic model.
Garden decor
The backyard plays a large part in the Australian lifestyle and a lot of effort goes into creating the outdoor entertainers’ dream. Plants and trees that are in the ground are classed as being part of the property. However, anything that is potted, as well as garden art and sculptures can be taken with you. Weigh up how much outdoor space you have at your new place and whether the feature will suit the style of your new home.
Now that you have decluttered your home, check out our printable moving house checklist to get you prepared for the big day, including connecting the electricity or gas at your new home. Good luck.
