Storage or Skip? What to Do with Unwanted Items When You Move

Moving house doesn’t just test your patience, it tests your cupboards, your loft, and your ability to part with things you forgot you even owned.

It’s only when you start packing that it hits you: Where did all this stuff come from? And more importantly… What on earth are you going to do with it all?

That’s where we come in.

At Wilsons of Edinburgh, we know moving can be overwhelming—especially when you're trying to decide what to take, store, donate, or chuck. As a local, family-run company that offers house removals and clearances across Edinburgh and the Lothians, we've helped hundreds of customers make these decisions with less stress and more confidence.

This blog will walk you through your options and help you figure out which route is right for you. Whether you're downsizing, clearing a family home, or just can’t bear to throw out your gran’s sideboard yet, we’re here to help.

Why Decluttering Before a Move Matters

There’s a simple truth about moving: the less you take, the easier it is. And not just easier—but cheaper, quicker, and far less stressful.

Clearing out before the move means:

Lower removal costs – Fewer items = less time, fewer trips, and a smaller van
More breathing room in your new place – Especially if you’re downsizing
A proper fresh start – Nothing like unpacking a house that’s actually full of things you love and use

Decluttering is especially helpful when:

You’re downsizing from a larger home
You’re clearing a property after a bereavement
You’re moving from a long-term home full of old belongings and memories

But knowing what to keep and what to let go of isn’t always straightforward. That’s why it helps to understand your options first.

What Are Your Options?

Below are some of the best options for getting rid of your items:

A. Skip It (Dispose)

Some things are past saving—broken appliances, worn-out furniture, half-used paint tins from 2006. These aren’t worth packing or storing. They need to go.

But here’s the important bit: you can’t just dump it.

Fly-tipping is illegal, and using unlicensed waste collectors could land you with a fine. That’s why we only work with licensed waste partners, ensuring everything is removed responsibly and in line with local regulations.

So if you’ve got rubbish to get rid of, ask our team about rubbish removals in Edinburgh. We’ll take care of it properly, with no mess and no hidden costs.

B. Clear It (Full or Partial House Clearance)

Sometimes, you need more than just a quick declutter—you need a full house clearance.

This is often the case when:

You’re clearing a loved one’s home
You’re moving out of a rental or inherited property
You’re simply overwhelmed by the scale of what needs to go

Our Edinburgh house clearance service is ideal for full or partial clear-outs. We handle everything with care and compassion, from sorting and lifting to responsible disposal.

We’re known for being:

Discreet and respectful during difficult moves
Efficient and thorough, whether you need to clear one room or an entire property
Transparent about costs, so there are no surprises

We also do part-clearances, which can be a great option if you’re holding onto the essentials but letting go of the rest.

C. Donate or Sell

Not everything has to end up in cleared or skipped. If your unwanted items are still in good condition, donating or selling them is a great way to give them a second life.

Donate to local Edinburgh charity shops (many will collect larger items too)
Sell on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Vinted or local buy/sell groups
Pass down to friends or family who might need a hand furnishing a home

This route not only cuts down your moving load—it also reduces waste, saves money, and does someone else a good turn. Win-win.

When is a House Clearance the Best Option?

There are times when sorting everything out yourself just isn’t feasible.

A house clearance can be the right choice when:

You’re downsizing and pressed for time
You’ve inherited a property and need it cleared for sale
You’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and don’t know where to start
You’ve lived in the same home for decades and have years of belongings to go through

A professional clearance saves you time, energy, and stress—and ensures everything’s handled properly.

What’s Included in a Wilsons House Clearance?

When you choose us to clear your home you'll benefit from:

A free assessment of your needs and items
Labelling, lifting, and sorting by trained staff
Responsible disposal or donation of unwanted items
Cleaning support available as an add-on
A team that treats your property with respect and professionalism

Eco-Friendly and Responsible Disposal

We care about where your items end up. That’s why we prioritise reuse, recycling, and proper disposal. We partner with licensed waste carriers and donate what we can—minimising landfill and doing our bit for the environment.

Looking for rubbish removals in Edinburgh that won’t cost the earth (literally)? That’s us.

Understanding the Cost of a House Clearance

So, what does a clearance actually cost?

It depends on a few factors:

Volume and type of items being cleared (furniture, general waste, appliances)
Labour required – how long it’ll take, number of team members needed
Property access – stairs, parking, or narrow hallways can increase the time
Distance – especially for properties outside the city or rural areas

At Wilsons, we keep things clear and fair. You’ll receive a no-obligation quote based on your needs, with no hidden fees.

If you’re budgeting for a move and wondering about the cost of a house clearance, just give us a ring. We’ll walk you through it.

Keep vs Clear: How to Decide

Still not sure whether to keep or clear? Here are questions you can ask yourself:

Will I need this in six months?
Is it worth the cost to move or store?
Am I keeping this because I love it—or just out of habit?
Am I emotionally ready to let go of it?

If YES...	If NO...
It’s valuable or sentimental	It’s broken or unusable
You’ll use it again soon	You haven’t touched it in years
You’re moving temporarily	You’re starting fresh in a new space
You can’t let go yet—and that’s okay	You’re only keeping it because you feel guilty

There’s no wrong answer. Sometimes you just need time and sometimes, you just need someone to help you sort it out. Our team at Wilsons is happy to support you either way.

Final Thoughts and How We Can Help

Moving should feel like a fresh start. And clearing out what no longer serves you is part of the process.

At Wilsons of Edinburgh, we’re here to help you make that transition with ease, offering honest advice, fair pricing, and a service that’s rooted in local trust and experience.

Whether you need: