Moving can be an overwhelming task, especially when you realize just how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. It’s easy for items to pile up in the corners of our homes, forgotten and untouched for years. Despite this, we often hesitate to let go, insisting that we will need it ‘someday’.
However, decluttering before a move can save you time, energy, and even money. Let’s dive in and uncover 15 items that you can get rid of before packing, to make your move smoother and your new home clutter-free.
1. Old Clothes
Clothing is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to household clutter. We tend to hold on to old clothes for sentimental reasons or with the hope that they may come back into fashion. However, if you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in the last year, it’s time to let it go.
Consider donating your old clothes to charity shops or recycling them if they’re beyond repair. Not only will this free up valuable space in your moving boxes, but it could also provide someone in need with a new outfit. As a rule of thumb, if it doesn’t fit, you don’t love it, or you don’t wear it – it’s time to say goodbye.
2. Outdated Electronics
With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, we often find ourselves with a collection of outdated electronics. From old mobile phones and chargers to outdated laptops and cameras, these items quickly become redundant and take up unnecessary space.
Before you move, take the time to sort through your electronics. If they’re still in working order, consider selling them or donating them to a school or charity. For items that no longer work, make sure to dispose of them responsibly at a local recycling center.
3. Unused Kitchenware
The kitchen is another place where clutter tends to accumulate. From unused appliances to excess cutlery, crockery, and glassware, these items can take up a lot of space when packing.
Take a close look at your kitchen items. If you haven’t used a particular appliance or dish in the past year, chances are you don’t need it. Donate these items to a charity shop or sell them online.
4. Unread Books
Books are wonderful, but they can also take up a lot of space. If your bookshelves are overflowing with books you’ve already read or have no intention of reading, it’s time to declutter.
Consider donating your books to a local library, school, or charity shop. Alternatively, you could sell them online or at a second-hand bookstore. Not only will this free up space, but it will also give your books a new lease on life with someone else.
5. Old Magazines and Newspapers
While they can be enjoyable to read, old magazines and newspapers can quickly pile up and become clutter. Unless they hold significant sentimental value or contain important information, there’s no need to pack them for your move.
Recycle your old magazines and newspapers, or donate them to a local library, school, or waiting room. This will not only free up space but also help the environment by reducing waste.
6. Broken Items
We often hold onto broken items with the intention of fixing them ‘someday’. However, more often than not, these items end up gathering dust in a corner.
If an item has been broken for more than six months, it’s time to let it go. Either fix it before your move or dispose of it responsibly. Your new home should be a place for things that are functional and bring you joy.
7. Expired Medicines
Expired medicines can be dangerous and should not be kept. Before you move, take the time to sort through your medicine cabinet and properly dispose of any expired or unused medicines.
Most pharmacies offer a medicine disposal service, which ensures that these items are disposed of safely. Never throw medicines in the trash or flush them down the toilet, as this can harm the environment.
8. Old Makeup and Cosmetics
Just like medicines, makeup and cosmetics also have an expiry date. Using expired products can lead to skin irritation or infections. Plus, these items can quickly clutter up your bathroom or bedroom.
Before packing, go through your makeup and cosmetics and get rid of anything that is expired, you no longer use, or you don’t like. This will free up space and ensure that you’re only using products that are safe for your skin.
9. Old Bedding and Towels
Old bedding and towels can take up a lot of space in your moving boxes, and they’re often items that we forget to replace regularly.
Consider donating your old bedding and towels to an animal shelter, where they can be used for bedding. Then, treat yourself to new ones for your new home.
10. Unused Toys
If you have children, you’re likely to have an abundance of toys in your home. However, children often outgrow toys quickly, and they can easily become clutter.
Donate the toys your child no longer plays with to a local charity or sell them online. This will not only free up space but also provide other children with new play opportunities.
11. Unwanted Gifts
We all receive gifts that we don’t want or need. Instead of packing these items and taking them to your new home, consider re-gifting them or donating them to charity.
Remember, it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gifts, not whether you keep the item forever. Don’t hold onto something out of guilt – let it go and let it bring joy to someone else.
12. Old Schoolwork and Artwork
Schoolwork and artwork from your children can quickly pile up. While it’s nice to keep a few pieces for memories, you don’t need to hold onto everything.
Consider digitizing your child’s schoolwork and artwork by taking photos or scanning them. This way, you can keep the memories without the physical clutter.
13. Old Greeting Cards
Greeting cards can hold sentimental value, but they can also become clutter if you keep every single one. Unless a card holds significant sentimental value, consider recycling it.
Take a photo of the cards you want to remember, then recycle the rest. This will free up space and reduce paper waste.
14. Unnecessary Paperwork
We all accumulate paperwork – bills, receipts, manuals, warranties, etc. However, much of this paperwork can be digitized or isn’t necessary to keep.
Before you move, go through your paperwork and shred anything that isn’t necessary. For important documents, consider scanning them and storing them digitally. This will free up space and ensure that your important documents are safely stored and easily accessible.
15. Unused Furniture
Finally, consider whether all your furniture will fit or suit your new home. Moving large items can be expensive and time-consuming, and it’s not worth it if the furniture isn’t going to be used or doesn’t fit your new space.
Sell or donate any furniture that you don’t need or want in your new home. This will save you time and effort when moving and give your new home a fresh start.