Moving out at the end of term can feel chaotic – packing up your room, figuring out what to do with leftover food, and deciding what’s worth taking home. The good news? A few simple choices can save you time, reduce waste, and even help others in the local community. Here’s how to move out sustainably:
1. Pack smart (and skip the waste)
Before you grab a stack of cardboard boxes, check what you already have:
- Use suitcases, duffle bags, and storage boxes you already own
- Ask local shops or supermarkets for spare boxes instead of buying new ones
- Wrap fragile items in clothes, towels, or paper – no need for bubble wrap
- Choose recyclable packing materials like paper or honeycomb wrap
2. Got food left? Don’t let it go to waste
It’s easy to end up with random cupboard items at the end of term – but they don’t need to go in the bin:
- Donate in-date, unopened food to local foodbanks
- Share extras with housemates or neighbours
- Plan a few meals to use up what you already have
3. Recycling and waste: get it right
A lot of waste at move-out time ends up in the wrong place – so here’s how to avoid that:
- Make sure your bin lid is fully closed or it may not be collected
- Take extra waste to the re3 Household Waste and Recycling Centre (book a free slot in advance)
- Keep your front garden clear and don’t leave bins on the pavement
- Red bins are for clean recycling only – no bags, and items must be loose
- Glass isn’t collected in household bins – use local recycling banks
- Batteries and vapes must go in a clear bag on top of your bin
Important: Please don’t bring waste from your accommodation onto campus to use University bins or skips. These are not designed for household move-out waste, and it can lead to overflow and contamination.
4. Don’t dump it – pass it on
From kitchen gear to clothes, lots of items can be reused instead of thrown away:
- Donate to charity shops
- Sell items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Vinted or Gumtree
- Offer things to your housemates, friends, or neighbours
5. Get involved: Hello Neighbour move-out support
There are some great ways to make your move-out even more sustainable:
- Donation Day – bring along unwanted items on Tuesday 2nd June, 11am-3pm at St Luke’s Church (Erleigh Road)
- Food donations – drop off in-date, unopened food at the SU Welcome Desk for the local foodbank
- Move-out support – keep an eye out for Hello Neighbour activities and updates to help you recycle and move out responsibly
Every item donated or reused makes a real difference – reducing waste and supporting the local community.
Before you go…
Do a quick final check before you leave:
- Turn off lights, heating, and appliances
- Empty bins and recycling
- Take anything reusable or donatable with you
It only takes a few minutes, but it helps cut energy use and waste.
Moving out doesn’t have to mean throwing everything away. With a bit of planning, you can clear your space, reduce your impact, help others, and move out sustainably at the same time.
If you would like some more move out tips regarding bills, utilities and admin tasks then read the ‘Moving Out Checklist’ on Essentials.
