Items You Should Get Rid of Before Moving

Published: June 01, 2024

Moving can feel like an overwhelming endeavor, but it’s also an opportunity for a fresh start. Before you start packing up boxes, take some time to declutter and streamline your belongings. Letting go of items you no longer need or use will not only make your move easier but also help you start anew in your new space. Here’s a guide to help you identify items you should toss before moving:

Expired Items: Begin decluttering by tackling your pantry, medicine cabinet, and cleaning supplies. Dispose of any expired food, medications, or household products. These items are no longer safe or effective to use, and moving with them will only take up unnecessary space.

Worn-Out Clothing and Shoes: Take a critical look at your wardrobe and footwear collection. Donate or discard any clothing that is torn, stained, or no longer fits. The same goes for shoes that are beyond repair or uncomfortable to wear. Moving is the perfect opportunity to refresh your style and make room for new, functional pieces.

Outdated Electronics: Evaluate your electronics and gadgets. If you have old phones, chargers, or cables lying around unused, it’s time to bid them farewell. Consider recycling or donating electronics that are still in working condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life.

Unused Kitchen Appliances: Kitchen appliances can accumulate over the years, taking up valuable counter and storage space. Before you move, assess which appliances you genuinely use on a regular basis and let go of the ones collecting dust. 

Obsolete Paperwork: Dive into your paperwork pile and shred documents that are outdated or no longer needed, such as old bills, receipts, or statements. Keep essential documents like tax records and insurance policies organized and securely stored in a file box for easy access.

Broken or Unused Furniture: Broken furniture that cannot be salvaged should be disposed of responsibly before moving. Consider whether your furniture is essential for your new space. Donate or sell pieces that no longer serve a purpose or fit your vision for your new home.

Half-Empty Toiletries and Cosmetics: Your bathroom cabinets may be harboring half-empty bottles of shampoo, lotion, or makeup that you’ve long forgotten about. Dispose of any expired or rarely used toiletries and cosmetics to avoid unnecessary clutter in your new bathroom.

Dried-Up Art Supplies: If you have a collection of dried-up markers, pens, or paints gathering dust in your art supplies drawer, it’s time to let them go. Holding onto unusable art supplies only adds clutter to your new space. Dispose of them and make room for fresh supplies.

Unused Exercise Equipment: Exercise equipment can be bulky and challenging to move, especially if it’s rarely used. Evaluate your fitness gear and consider selling or donating items that have been gathering dust. Simplifying your exercise equipment will make your move more manageable and free up space in your new home.

Unread Books and Magazines: Books and magazines can quickly accumulate, taking up valuable shelf space. Before you move, go through your collection and donate or sell any books or magazines that you no longer need or intend to read. Consider passing them on to friends or donating them to your local library to give them new life.

Excessive Home Decor: While home decor adds personality to your space, too many knick-knacks and decorative items can make your home feel cluttered. Before your move, streamline your home decor collection to items that hold sentimental value or serve a specific purpose in your new home. Consider donating or selling excess decor to simplify your move and create a more harmonious living environment.

Unused Outdoor Gear: Evaluate your outdoor gear, including camping equipment, sports gear, and gardening tools. If you have items that rarely see the light of day, consider selling or donating them before your move. Simplifying your outdoor gear will make packing and unpacking easier and leave you with more space to enjoy outdoor activities in your new surroundings.

By taking the time to declutter and toss out items you no longer need before moving, you’ll make the packing process easier, and your new space feel more organized and inviting. Embrace this opportunity to let go of the past and welcome a fresh start in your new home. 

For more information and help with moving, visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Northern Virginia or call us at (540) 369-4595.