A divorce or separation is always a challenging moment – emotionally, logistically, and often financially. Things become even more complicated when the shared home must be cleared. Who keeps what? What happens to the furniture, memories, and personal items – and to the space that once felt like “home”?
In this guide, you’ll learn how to handle a household clearance after separation in a structured, fair, and low-stress way. You’ll also discover how SaveSpace can support you with flexible temporary storage, on-site pickup, and the time and space you need to make the right decisions when you’re ready.
💔 1. Separation & the Home – An Emotional Challenge
Most separations don’t just mark the end of a relationship – they signal major changes to your everyday life. Suddenly, you need to figure out what to do with everything that used to be shared: your home, your belongings, your routines.
In moments like these, one thing helps most: distance. And sometimes the best way to create that distance is to not throw everything away right away, but instead, put it safely in storage for now.
⚖️ 2. Divide, Don’t Fight: Who Keeps What?
After a breakup, it can be hard to decide who gets what. If possible, have a calm and honest discussion – or seek a neutral mediator. Especially when it comes to shared purchases, furniture, and everyday items, fairness and clarity go a long way.
A simple sorting system can help you:
- 🟩 Mark in green: I’m keeping this
- 🟥 Mark in red: This belongs to you
- 🟨 Mark in yellow: Undecided – we’ll deal with it later
This system helps you stay organized and avoid drawn-out conflicts. The “yellow” category is especially useful – it gives you space to delay decisions, without having your home overwhelmed by clutter. That’s where SaveSpace comes in: we pick things up and store them securely until you’re ready to make the call.
Especially helpful when:
- You’re moving to separate apartments but haven’t fully furnished yours yet
- There are children involved and certain items might still be needed
- You need emotional distance before making final decisions
🏠 3. Rented or Owned Home – What Now?
Whether it’s a rented flat or jointly owned property, the home itself often becomes a key question in separation. Will it be sold? Will one of you stay? Will it be terminated?
Every separation is different – whether handled with lawyers, mediation, or mutual agreement. But one thing remains the same: the household needs to be reorganized, both practically and emotionally.
🗂️ 4. Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing the Home
Get a clear overview
- Which rooms need to be cleared?
- Who’s moving out?
- Who’s staying?
Sort with a system
Separation is also a chance to let go. Sort your belongings into:
- Keep
- Donate or sell (e.g. to a local second-hand shop)
- Dispose of (via recycling centers or special waste pickup)
- Store temporarily
Tip: Label your boxes clearly or use colored stickers – it makes everything easier and faster.
Plan disposal and transport
- Check municipal waste pickup options
- Contact professional clearing services
- Use SaveSpace’s transport and storage solution
📦 5. Temporary Storage After Divorce – For When You’re Not Ready to Decide
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed with decisions during a separation. Many people regret getting rid of things too quickly – out of frustration, sadness, or just because they had no other option.
SaveSpace’s flexible storage solution gives you:
- 🕰️ Time to think things through, without pressure
- 🧸 Neutral space for items with emotional weight
- 🚛 Zero moving stress – we pick everything up for you
- 🔒 Safe and secure storage – climate-controlled and monitored
- 🎛️ Full control – get things back whenever you’re ready
Whether it’s personal keepsakes, furniture, or documents – what feels heavy today might feel meaningful again tomorrow. Give yourself the freedom to decide later.
💰 6. What Does a Household Clearance Cost After Separation?
The cost depends on many factors: the size of the home, whether you do it yourself or hire help, the number of items, and any transport required.
Price estimates (Europe):
| Living situation | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| One-room partial clearance | €600–900 |
| Full clearance (2–3 rooms) | €1,200–2,800 |
| SaveSpace storage | From €15/week |
Compared to rushed removals or chaotic moves, temporary storage is often the calmer, safer – and even more affordable – option.
🤝 7. SaveSpace – Your Partner During Life’s Transitions
Not everything has to be decided right away. Sometimes you need a bit of space before you can bring order to your new life. That’s exactly what SaveSpace offers.
Our advantages:
- No deposit
- No fixed-term contracts
- No pressure to dispose of things before you’re ready