Moving out? Get ahead by decluttering early

Over the academic year you will have bought plenty of fun items - such as themed decorations or things you purchased but haven't used all year.

If this is you - sorting it out now will help to ensure when you begin to pack, you only take what you want to keep and you don't leave any items behind the accommodation site teams to discover after you have handed you key in and left. 

What can you do with items you no longer need? 

Donate it

There are plenty of places to donate in Leeds, including the British Heart Foundation drop-off points.

Donated items are sold or recycled, which has helped prevent 57,000 tonnes of items from going to waste and saved 13,0000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. That’s the equivalent of about 1000 blue whales!

Outside of halls, there are plenty of other donation banks all across Leeds so find one that works for you, it's super easy to use - simply bag up any items you want to donate, visit the donation bank where you can hand it over and that's it - super simple! 

Host a donation swap with friends! 

Want to make it more fun? Why not host a donation swap party with friends where you bring along items you don't want to bring with you once you move to see if someone else wants it instead.

Upcycle

Have a pair of jeans that you love but don't sit right or a slightly broken appliance? Why not take the time to upcycle it by getting creative and making fixes or adjustments!

If you are unsure of how to start, you can attend a repair café where a team of volunteers are available to support you. 

Sell it

Reselling is already very popular, and for good reason! One person's junk is another persons treasure as the saying goes, so why not get some money on items you no longer need? Some great places to sell include: 

• Vinted
• webuybooks

• Facebook Marketplace 

• Leeds Student Group page

Here are some top tips: 

• Consider sorting things out now. This doesn't mean that you need to begin packing, but maybe you could start to bag up things you don't plan to keep when you move. 

• Have a conversation with your housemates - did you all pool in some money to buy a Christmas tree or a new baking tray for a group dinner?
  
  Decide who will be taking things if you aren't moving in together next year so you know exactly what will be going with you. 

• Bring items to donate with you anytime you head outside. Planning to go past a British Heart Foundation drop off?
  
  Consider bringing items to drop off now rather than at the end of your tenancy. We experience a lot of students bringing items at the same time, meaning the drop off becomes too full!
  
  By going in drips and drabs, you will be able to ensure that we don't get too overwhelmed with the amount of items being delivered.