Know your new space

Before you start, measure the new home and work out what will fit. Keep a piece of furniture only if it will work in the new layout, not because it fits where it is now.

Use three piles

For each item, choose one:

• Keep: it earns its place in the new home.

• Sell or donate: it is in good condition but no longer needed.

• Discard: it is broken, expired, incomplete or unusable.

Avoid a "maybe" pile. It tends to move house with you.

Tip: Avoid a "maybe" pile. It tends to move house with you.

Work room by room

Start with the places that will take longest, such as the loft, garage or shed, and finish with the rooms you use every day. The kitchen is a good place to check for expired food and duplicates. In bedrooms, look at clothes you have not worn in a long time.

Give yourself time

A suggested approach is to begin about eight weeks before the move. That leaves time to sell items and arrange charity collections, and to make final decisions about two weeks before the day.

Be honest about sentimental items

Keep what you love and take photos of the rest. Ask family members if they want something before you give it away.

Tell us what is going

The less you move, the more accurate your quote. Let us know at the survey about anything you have not decided on yet, and about anything that needs to go to charity or a tip. If you want to keep some items but not use them yet, storage is an option.

For more on getting ready, see Preparing for Your Move.