12 Things to Get Rid of Before Moving

Every item you pack and move involves labor and expense — not just the labor of packing and hauling but also the work of unpacking and storing at the destination.

Unless you live in a tiny house, it’s a good bet you’ve accumulated too much stuff over the years.

Do you need a dozen jackets? 16 pairs of tennis shoes? 6 frying pans? Your old textbooks from college?

One of the easiest ways to make moving more manageable is by decluttering. Why pack and transport items you don’t need or use?

By paring down to the essentials, you’ll save time, reduce moving costs, and create a fresh start in your new home.

Let’s examine some everyday household items you can do without.

1. Expired or Unused Pantry Items

What to do with them

• Throw out anything expired, stale, or unidentifiable.
• Donate canned goods and unopened non-perishables to a local food bank.

Moving is a prime time to purge your pantry. Check for that cereal box from 2018 or those spices you haven’t touched in years.

2. Old Clothes & Shoes

Tackle your wardrobe by asking yourself, “Have I worn this in the past year? Does it still fit?” If not, it’s time to say goodbye.

Tips for decluttering clothing

• Donate wearable items to thrift stores or shelters.
• Recycle old or unwearable fabric at designated textile recycling bins.

3. Broken or Outdated Electronics

That drawer full of tangled cords and forgotten gadgets? Time to deal with it. This includes old phones, chargers you don’t recognize, and printers that haven’t worked in years.

Dispose responsibly

• Drop off at electronics recycling centers.
• Sell working devices online to recoup some cash.

4. Books You Won’t Revisit

Books are surprisingly heavy and take up a lot of space. If you won’t read or use them again, they don’t need to be brought along.

Options for downsizing books

• Donate to libraries, schools, or second-hand bookstores.
• Sell rarer or valuable ones online.

Pro Tip: Purchasing e-books can save you a world of hurt at moving time. A single electronic device can hold thousands of titles.

5. Outgrown Toys & Games

Your kids may have a collection of toys they’ve outgrown or forgotten about. Get the whole family involved in sorting these out.

Good practices

• Donate gently used toys.
• Recycle or discard broken items.

6. Duplicate Kitchen Items

Do you need three bottle openers or that extra set of pots you haven’t touched since 2015? Pare down to the essentials.

High candidates for donation or disposal

• Unmatching cups or plates
• Small appliances collecting dust

7. Old Paperwork & Documents

Moving is the perfect time to sift through that mountain of paperwork and decide what needs to stay.

Securely dispose

• Shred any documents containing personal information.
• Digitize essential files you don’t need physical copies of anymore.

8. Unused Decorative Items

Are there knick-knacks collecting dust because they don’t match your current style or space? If you’d never want to display them in your new home, they don’t need to move with you.

Decluttering advice

• Donate items in good condition.
• Recycle or responsibly dispose of broken decorations.

9. Expired Beauty Products

Makeup, skincare products, and hair products have expiration dates. If you can’t remember when you bought it, toss it.

What to toss

• Past-prime makeup and lotions.
• Nail polishes that have separated.

10. Unused Furniture

Be realistic about what fits your new space and leave the rest behind.

Plan ahead

• Sell items through platforms like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
• Donate small furniture items to thrift stores.

11. Exercise Equipment You Don’t Use

If that treadmill has become a glorified coat rack, or you haven’t touched those weights in two years, don’t waste the effort moving them.

Options

• Sell to fitness enthusiasts in your area.
• Donate to gyms or community centers.

12. Miscellaneous Junk Drawer Items

We all have a junk drawer filled with random screws, pens that no longer work, and keychains from two vacations ago. Before moving, sort through and decide what’s worth keeping.

How to declutter

• Toss anything broken or unusable.
• Organize and keep only essential items.

FAQs: Decluttering Before a Move

Q: When should I start decluttering before my move?

Start at least 6 weeks before your moving date. This gives you plenty of time to sort through items without feeling rushed.

Q: What should I do with items I can’t sell or donate?

Recycle or responsibly dispose of unusable items. Research local recycling programs or waste disposal facilities in your area.

Q: What’s the best way to donate items?

Goodwill, the Salvation Army, local shelters, and online free-cycle communities are good options. Call ahead to confirm they’re accepting donations.

Q: How do I declutter sentimental items?

Take your time. Only keep items that have deep meaning or still serve a purpose. If it’s hard to part with things, consider taking photos to preserve memories.

Q: Should I declutter before getting a moving quote?

Movers typically price based on shipment weight or volume, so decluttering beforehand can help reduce your moving costs.

Q: Is decluttering worth it for small moves?

Absolutely. Even if your move is small, reducing clutter can make unpacking easier and faster.

Q: What should I do if I don’t have time to declutter?

Focus on high-impact areas like your closet, pantry, and junk drawers.

Q: How can I stay motivated during the decluttering process?

Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself after completing each task. Remind yourself that a less cluttered home makes for a more peaceful move.