What to Sell, Donate or Dump Before Moving House in Australia

Moving house sounds exciting—new place, new beginnings, maybe even better coffee nearby.

But before you get there, there’s one stage almost everyone underestimates: deciding what actually deserves to move with you.

If you’ve ever opened a cupboard and thought, “Why do I still have this?”—this blog is for you.

After helping households move across Australia for years, we at Melbourne Cheap Movers have seen it all—especially how much unnecessary stuff people end up moving. And one thing is always clear: “The less you move, the easier (and cheaper) your move becomes.”

Let’s break it down simply—what to sell, what to donate, and what to dump before moving house in Australia.

Why decluttering before moving makes a bigger difference than you think

Think of moving like paying for airline luggage. If you pack only essentials, the journey feels smooth. If you carry everything “just in case,” you pay more, move slower, and regret it halfway through.

Moving works the same way.

Every extra box:

• costs money
• takes time to pack
• needs space in the truck
• ends up needing storage in your new home

Decluttering before moving isn’t about being ruthless. It’s about being realistic.

What you should sell before moving house

Selling items before a move does two things:

• Puts cash in your pocket
• Reduces your moving load

Furniture you don’t truly love anymore

If you’re already thinking, “I might replace this after moving,” that’s your answer.

Consider selling:

• old sofas with sagging cushions
• spare beds rarely used
• bulky entertainment units
• dining tables that won’t fit the new space

Platforms Australians commonly use:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Local buy/sell groups

If it hasn’t earned its spot in your new home, let it earn you some cash instead.

Appliances that still work but don’t suit your next home

Ask yourself:

• Will this fit?
• Is it energy efficient?
• Is it worth the moving cost?

Sell items like:

• old washing machines
• extra fridges
• microwaves you barely use

Often, buyers are happy to collect—saving you effort and space.

Baby items and kids’ gear no longer in use

Australian households hold onto baby items “just in case.” But if that stage has passed, it’s time.

Sell:

• prams
• cots
• high chairs
• baby monitors
• unused toys in good condition

These sell fast because families are always looking for affordable options.

What you should donate before moving

Not everything needs to be sold. Some items are better donated—and appreciated by someone who needs them.

According to a Gumtree report in 2022, about 86 % of Australian households have unused or unwanted items they could sell, with an average of 21 such items per home — meaning most people are moving far more than they actually need to. (source)

Clothes You Haven’t Worn in Over a Year

If it didn’t make it out last summer or winter, it probably won’t suddenly become useful after the move.

Donate:

• everyday clothing
• jackets
• workwear
• shoes in wearable condition

Australian donation options include:

• Vinnies
• Salvos
• Red Cross
• local op shops

Just make sure items are clean and usable.

Kitchen items:

• Most homes have:
• duplicate utensils
• unused appliances
• extra plates and mugs

Donate:

• spare cutlery
• extra pots and pans
• sandwich makers or toasters you never use

Keep what you actually reach for—not what’s collecting dust.

Books, DVDs, and old electronics

Be honest—are you going to re-read that book you’ve carried through three houses already?

Donate:

• books in good condition
• DVDs
• old speakers
• working electronics

Many libraries, charities, and schools accept these.

What you should dump before moving

Some things don’t belong in your new home—and definitely don’t belong in a moving truck.

Broken or damaged furniture

If it’s:

• wobbling
• cracked
• missing parts
• unsafe

It’s not worth moving.

Dump:

• broken chairs
• unstable shelves
• damaged drawers

Moving broken furniture often costs more than replacing it later.

Expired, leaking, or unsafe items

Go through:

• cleaning supplies
• paint tins
• chemicals
• old batteries

Many councils in Australia offer safe disposal days or drop-off points for hazardous waste. Use them.

Old paperwork and cluttered files

You don’t need:

• outdated bills
• old manuals
• expired warranties

Shred what’s unnecessary and keep only important documents.

The “maybe box” trick that actually works

If you’re stuck on certain items, try this:

Create one box labelled “Maybe.”

Rules:

• It must fit in one box only
• If it doesn’t fit, something else has to go

This keeps you from overthinking while still staying in control.

How Decluttering before moving saves you money

In Australia, moving costs are often based on:

• number of items
• truck size
• time taken

By selling, donating, and dumping beforehand:

• You may need a smaller truck
• Packing time reduces
• Unloading is faster

That can mean hundreds of dollars saved—not just a cleaner home.

Move what adds value, not weight

Moving house is already a big life moment. Dragging unnecessary stuff along only makes it heavier—physically and mentally.

That’s why experienced House Movers Melbourne often recommend selling, donating, or dumping items before moving—because fewer items almost always lead to a smoother, cheaper move.

If an item:

• doesn’t serve you
• doesn’t fit your future
• doesn’t bring value 

It doesn’t deserve space in your new home.

• Sell what’s useful.
• Donate what’s helpful.
• Dump what’s done.

Your future self, standing in a calmer, cleaner new house, will thank you for it.