Moving with your family can be exciting but also overwhelming. There’s a lot to organize, pack, and plan, especially when juggling everyone’s needs. Knowing what to toss before your move helps lighten your load and saves time and effort during packing and unpacking.
Getting rid of unnecessary items can make your transition smoother and prevent clutter in your new home. This guide will help you focus on the essentials and clear out things that no longer serve you or your family.
Clothes that no longer fit
Before you pack, take a moment to sort through your wardrobe. Clothes that don’t fit anymore are perfect candidates to let go of.
Keeping these only adds weight to your move and takes up valuable space. Donate or sell them so someone else can use them.
This helps you start fresh in your new home with a closet full of pieces that actually work for you.
Shoes worn once and forgotten
You probably have shoes tucked away that you wore only once or twice. These shoes take up space and add unnecessary weight to your move.
Holding onto them “just in case” often means clutter. If they don’t fit well or feel uncomfortable, it’s okay to let them go.
Focus on keeping shoes you use regularly and feel good in. This makes packing lighter and your new home less crowded.
Expired pantry items
Before moving, check your pantry for any expired food. Toss anything past its date to avoid carrying unwanted clutter.
Expired spices and condiments lose flavor and can take up valuable space. Clearing them out helps you pack smarter.
This is a simple step that makes unpacking easier. Plus, it keeps your new kitchen fresh and organized right from the start.
Old takeout containers with no lids
You might be holding onto takeout containers without lids, thinking they’ll come in handy. Without lids, these containers lose their purpose and can create clutter.
If they’re damaged or don’t stack well, it’s a good idea to toss them before your move. Clearing them out frees up space and lightens your load.
Broken kitchen utensils
If you find spoons, spatulas, or knives with cracks or chips, it’s time to let them go. Broken utensils can be unsafe to use and may cause injury.
Keeping only functional tools helps you pack smarter and cook easier at your new place. Don’t hold on to those items hoping to fix them later. Tossing broken utensils now clears space and cuts down moving weight.
Unused small appliances like waffle makers
You might have small appliances tucked away that rarely see the light of day. Waffle makers, quesadilla makers, and similar gadgets often take up valuable space.
Before your move, consider if you really use these items. Tossing them can lighten your load and free up room in your new kitchen. Keeping only what you use makes unpacking easier and saves space for essentials.
Old mugs with chips
You probably have some mugs with chips or cracks hiding in your cabinets. These can be unsafe to use and might cause spills or injuries.
Now is a good time to toss those damaged mugs. Keep only the ones you love and use regularly.
If you have extra mugs with sentimental value but are chipped, consider repurposing them as small planters or organizers. This reduces clutter while keeping memories.
Torn or stained bedding
Before you pack your bedding, check for any tears or stains. These items can weigh down your move and don’t add value to your new space.
If your sheets or blankets are worn out, it’s better to toss them. You can replace them with fresh bedding that feels good in your new home.
Getting rid of damaged bedding also frees up space and keeps your linen closet organized. It’s one less thing to worry about during the move.
Expired makeup and skincare products
Before your move, check the expiration dates on your makeup and skincare. Expired products can cause skin irritation or infections.
If you’re unsure, toss anything that looks or smells off. Old mascara, foundation, and creams usually don’t last more than a year once opened.
Keeping only fresh items helps reduce clutter and keeps your routine safe and simple during the move.
Empty or half-used cleaning supplies
Before you pack, check your cleaning supplies. Empty bottles and nearly finished containers just take up space. You can toss old or dried-out products safely. This lightens your load and makes unpacking easier.
Keep only what you use regularly. It’s easier to buy fresh supplies once you’ve settled into your new home.
Toys your kids have outgrown
You’ll want to start by sorting through toys your kids no longer use. These often just take up space during a move.
Focus on toys that don’t invite creativity or active play anymore.
Keep only those that have multiple uses or encourage imagination. Let go of baby toys and small items from goody bags to lighten your load.
Extra hangers you never use
You probably have more hangers than you actually need. Keeping extras can take up space and add unnecessary weight when you move.
Consider donating or recycling the hangers you rarely use. This simple step helps lighten your load and declutter your closet.
If you want, keep just enough hangers for your current wardrobe. This way, your move will be easier and more organized.
Worn-out towels
You’ll want to toss any towels that look threadbare or feel rough. Moving is a great time to upgrade to fresh, soft towels that make your new space feel cozy.
Old towels often take up unnecessary space and don’t dry well. Letting them go means less weight and clutter in your moving boxes.
If you’re attached, consider cutting worn towels into cleaning rags before recycling. This way, you still get some use without packing extra bulk.
Old magazines and newspapers
You probably have stacks of old magazines and newspapers taking up space. These items rarely hold much value after a while and can add unnecessary weight to your move.
Recycling them frees up room and makes packing easier. If you want to keep articles or photos, consider scanning or photographing them before tossing.
Letting go of old papers helps reduce clutter and keeps your new home feeling fresh and organized from the start.
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