Moving houses can be stressful sorting, packing, cleaning, organising removalists, and handling endless tasks before the big day arrives. One of the most overlooked (yet essential) steps is rubbish removal.
Clearing out unwanted items before moving not only saves space and money but also makes your move faster and more organised.
Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide on how to proceed with rubbish removal before moving houses in Australia.
Start Early: Create a Rubbish Removal Checklist
Leaving rubbish removal to the last minute often leads to chaos. Start your planning at least 2–4 weeks before moving day.
Your checklist should include:
- Household furniture to dispose of
- Old electronics (e-waste)
- Broken appliances
- Garden waste
- Mattresses & bulky items
- General rubbish
- Donatable items
A simple checklist helps you stay organised and avoid last-minute rush.
Sort Your Belongings Into Categories
Use a simple four-pile sorting method:
- Keep
- Sell
- Donate
- Throw away
Go room by room: kitchen, bedrooms, garage, backyard, wardrobes.
This system prevents emotional overwhelm and helps you visualise what needs removal.
Sell or Donate Items in Good Condition
Before sending everything to landfill, see what can be reused.
Good options include:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Gumtree
- Local op shops (Vinnies, Lifeline, Salvos)
- Community Buy/Sell groups
This reduces rubbish volume and can even earn you money before the move.
Book a Professional Rubbish Removal Service
Hiring a professional rubbish removal company is the fastest and easiest way to clear unwanted items before moving. They handle heavy lifting, disposal, recycling, and legally compliant waste management.
If you want an efficient, same-day or scheduled service, check out shayes rubbish removals for reliable residential clean-up solutions.
Professional rubbish removal is perfect for:
- Old furniture
- Whitegoods
- Construction debris
- Garden waste
- General household rubbish
- End-of-lease clean-ups
Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly
Certain items cannot be thrown in household bins or general rubbish.
You must follow council guidelines for safe disposal.
These include:
- Paint
- Oils
- Fuel
- Batteries
- Chemicals
- Gas bottles
- Car parts
- Medical waste
Contact your local council or waste transfer station for drop-off points.
Clear Out the Garage, Shed & Backyard Last
These areas usually contain the most hidden rubbish, such as:
- Old tools
- Rusted equipment
- Green waste
- Damaged furniture
- Broken toys
- Leftover building materials
Leave these zones for the final stage — you’ll remove more efficiently once everything inside the home is sorted.
Order a Skip Bin (Optional)
If you have renovation waste, large volumes of rubbish, or mixed materials, hiring a skip bin might help.
Skip bins are ideal for:
- Renovation debris
- Timber
- Tiles
- Bricks
- Soil
- Bulk household waste
Just keep in mind:
- You must load it yourself
- There are strict rules around what can go inside
- Bin permits may be needed on public property
For most home moves, professional rubbish removal is easier because everything is lifted and handled for you.
Schedule Rubbish Removal at the Right Time
The best timing is:
- 1 week before moving for general rubbish
- 48 hours before moving for final clean-up
- End-of-lease removal if you’re renting
This ensures the home is clean, tidy, and ready for handover.
Leave the Property Clean and Compliant
Especially for renters, real estate agents expect:
- No leftover rubbish
- No garden waste
- No broken items
- A fully emptied property
Failing this can lead to forfeited bonds or cleaning charges.
By organising rubbish removal early, you ensure your move is smooth, stress-free, and compliant.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a move is a big job, and rubbish removal is an essential part of the process. Starting early, sorting efficiently, and using a professional rubbish removal service can save you time, money, and stress.
For fast, affordable, and dependable rubbish removal before moving houses, visit:
shayes rubbish removals