Tips & Tricks for Reloadvisor Expats
Moving abroad is the start of an exciting chapter—but paying to ship things you no longer need? Not so thrilling. Strategic decluttering can shave hundreds (sometimes thousands) off your international-moving quote, streamline customs, and give you a fresh, clutter-free start in your new home. Grab some sticky notes, crank up your favorite playlist, and let’s lighten that load.
1 | Why Decluttering Drops Your Shipping Quote
- Weight & Volume = Cost
Movers charge by cubic meter (air/sea freight) or by weight (road freight). Every sweater you never wear adds real money to the bill. - Packing Supplies & Labor
Fewer items mean fewer boxes, less bubble wrap, and shorter packing times. - Storage Fees
Many expats keep belongings in temporary storage. Cutting 20 %–30 % of volume can translate into months of savings. - Greener Footprint
A lighter shipment uses less fuel—kinder on the planet and your wallet.
2 | Room-by-Room Purge Plan
(Use the “Keep / Donate / Sell / Recycle” sticky-note method.)
| Room | Keep | Donate | Sell | Recycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | Capsule wardrobe, quality linens | Extra bedding | Designer clothes | Wire hangers |
| Kitchen | Daily cookware | Duplicate utensils | Unused small appliances | Chipped mugs |
| Living Room | Multi-use furniture | Old throw pillows | Collectible décor | Broken electronics |
| Bathroom | Current toiletries | Unopened extras | Luxury beauty items | Expired meds |
| Home Office | Essential documents | Spare stationery | Working gadgets | Dead cables |
Checklist:
- 🌟 Anything untouched in 12 months? Out it goes.
- 🌟 Sentimental but bulky? Photograph, then gift or store digitally (e.g., scan kids’ artwork).
- 🌟 Duplicates? Keep the best one.
3 | Digital Selling Hacks for Expats
- Local Expat Facebook Groups
Instant audience, no shipping. Post clear photos, set fair prices in local currency. - Vinted & Depop
Great for clothes, shoes, accessories. Use tracked shipping and honest descriptions. - eBay & Marktplaats (NL)
Ideal for electronics, collectibles, and small furniture—schedule pickups to save time. - PayPal & Wise
Receive multi-currency payments with lower fees.
Pro Tip: Batch-list items on Sunday evenings—peak browsing time for eager buyers.
4 | Eco-Friendly Disposal Options Abroad
- Donation Centers & Charities
Verify accepted items; many offer free pick-up of furniture and appliances. - Municipal Recycling Points
Separate e-waste, textiles, glass, and paper—avoid fines at departure. - Give-Away Apps (Too Good To Go, Olio)
Post surplus pantry items and partially used household products. - Upcycle & Repair Cafés
Local hobbyists will rescue bikes, electronics, even worn-out jeans.
5 | How Lighter Loads Speed Up Customs
- Simpler Inventory
Fewer line items mean faster paperwork checks. - Lower Duty Thresholds
Some countries waive duties under a certain shipment value—trimming the load keeps you below that cap. - Less Inspection Risk
Compact shipments can be X-rayed quickly, reducing chances of random unpacking. - Quicker Delivery
Carriers can consolidate small loads into earlier sailings or flights.
6 | Ready to Move? Compare Quotes in Minutes
You’ve purged, packed, and feel ten kilos lighter—now lock in the savings. Reloadvisor Expats lets you fill out one form and compare up to 5 free, no-obligation international-moving quotes side by side. See exact costs, services, and transit times, then book the best fit with confidence.
Jump-start your price comparison now → https://reloadvisor-expats.com/
Final Thought
Decluttering isn’t just a money-saving tactic—it’s a reset button. Every item you leave behind is one less thing to worry about unpacking, storing, or maintaining abroad. Happy light-traveling, and see you on moving day!
