Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
Every item that stays behind saves working time and space in the van. Decluttering therefore pays twice.
In short
Sort room by room into four groups: keep, sell, give away, dispose of. Whatever you have not used for twelve months can usually go. Return electrical appliances free of charge to retailers; bulky and hazardous waste go through the municipality.
Start with a method
Go room by room and start with the cellar, attic and storeroom. Split everything into four groups: keep, sell, give away, dispose of.
Selling and giving away
- Online marketplaces for furniture and electronics
- Second-hand shops for well-kept household goods
- Neighbourhood groups for quick collection
- Libraries and schools for books – ask first
Disposing of things correctly
Municipalities accept bulky waste on collection days or at the recycling centre; rules vary by municipality. Electrical appliances can be returned free of charge to retailers that sell such devices. Paint, batteries and chemicals belong in the hazardous waste collection.
When time is short
If time is short, junk removal takes care of removal and disposal in a single appointment.
If only a few pieces of furniture are left, we take them with us during the move: furniture disposal.
Where does what go?
| Category | Route |
|---|---|
| Electrical appliances | Free return to retailers or collection points |
| Bulky waste, furniture | Municipal collection day or recycling centre, often with a fee stamp |
| Clothes, shoes | Textile collection or second-hand |
| Books, crockery | Second-hand shop or give away |
| Paint, chemicals, batteries | Hazardous waste collection or points of sale |
| Metal, wood | Recycling centre |
The 12-month rule
A simple rule of thumb: whatever you have not used in the last twelve months and has no special sentimental value, you probably will not need in the new flat either. Exceptions are seasonal items such as ski equipment or tools.
Decluttering saves moving costs
Every cubic metre less shortens packing, carrying and loading. Declutter before the survey and your quote will be smaller. Typical prices for clearances: How much does a clearance cost?
Frequently asked questions
Do you also collect just a few pieces of furniture?
Yes, even single items. Combining the collection with the move often pays off.
What do I do with things I cannot sell?
Second-hand shops and charities often gladly take items in good condition. We dispose of the rest properly.
Related services
- Junk removal – Cellar, attic, garage – emptied fast and disposed of properly.
- Clearance & disposal – All types of clearance with process and price factors.
- Budget move – For small budgets: you help carry, we provide the van and the pros.