7 Things You Should Toss Before Moving

Barbara Bellesi Zito
Getty Images

Getty Images

The excitement of moving can all too quickly transform into the overwhelm of packing. While filling up box after box might seem the obvious thing to do, there’s one important task that comes first on your moving to-do list.

“I always encourage my clients to declutter and donate items before packing for a move. “Packing supplies aren't cheap, so if you declutter before a move, you save more on packing supplies,” says Aaron Traub, Owner & Lead Organizer at My Professional Organizer. “Plus, packing an entire home is challenging. The fewer items you have, the fewer items you have to pack.”

We asked Traub and several other home organizing pros which items should be first on your declutter, donate, and sell lists. Here’s what they had to say.



Meet the Experts




Furniture You Can’t Use

Unless it’s sentimental—and maybe even then—most experts agree that you should sell or donate any unnecessary or bulky furniture that you won’t use or can’t fit in the new place.

If you plan to donate, Traub says to look for charities that offer free pick-up services. But even if you decide to sell instead, start as early as you can. “Getting rid of these items before your move will make your life easier,” he says.

Related: 4 Ways To Get Rid Of Old Furniture To Give It A Meaningful Second Life



Tip

Measure rooms, doorways, stairways, and other points of entry in your new space to ensure furniture can fit.



Kitchen and Pantry Items

Common sense says to get rid of any broken kitchenware before a move. Briana and Erica Spruille, sisters, professional organizers, and founders of Just BE LLC., encourage clients to do the same when there are multiple of the same item. This also goes for any containers or lids that no longer have mates.

Want a quick win when packing up your kitchen and pantry? Check labels and toss what’s expired. As for the rest, make time for meal planning to use up any food that’s left; otherwise, donate to your local food pantry. “This helps reduce waste and makes unpacking your new kitchen easier,” says Julie Peak, a professional organizer and declutter expert who owns The Precise Place.

Unwanted Clothing and Accessories

Decluttering is key to avoid simply shifting items you don’t use often from your old home to your new one, say the Spruilles. This is especially important to remember when going through your closets.

If you’re moving to a home in a different climate, you’ll have to make wardrobe edits accordingly. But even if you’re moving within the same region, that’s no reason to take along everything in your closet, say the Spruilles. It’s time to part ways with items you don’t wear (like a professional wardrobe if you now work from home), worn-out shoes, or anything that no longer fits. If you’ve been holding onto an item of clothing needing repair/alteration for six months or more, let it go,



Tip

For easier packing, the Spruille sisters recommend filling up suitcases with clothing and accessories.



Too Many Books and Magazines

Avid readers (including yours truly) will feel attacked by this recommendation, but books especially are heavy and can drive up moving costs. “Take this as an opportunity to curate a smaller, more meaningful collection by donating or selling books you no longer read or need,” says Peak.



Tip

Inquire with your local library and school about donating books, says Peak.



Bulky Exercise Equipment

Huge treadmills, stationary bikes, dumbbells, and other bulky exercise equipment are not only difficult and costly to move, but there might not be room for them in your new space, says Peak.

But don’t use moving as an excuse for shrugging off your exercise routine. Peak recommends researching local fitness centers and outdoor activities in your new area that will keep you moving and sweating without taking up room in your home.

Unfinished Craft Projects

Staring at an unfinished quilting project? Think about whether you should leave your sewing machine and supplies behind. You may want to instead embrace your move as a fresh start, says Peak, which includes only packing craft supplies you truly intend to use in the future.

Seasonal Decor

Peak says to leave bulky holiday decorations—especially outdoor ones—behind so as not to weigh down your moving truck. Unless you’ve got one-of-a-kind items you’re not willing to part with, you can always score new decor on sale later.

Be smart about just how much you can deck the halls of your new place. For example, if you’re downsizing from a house to a condo, you’ll likely need to leave the lawn ornaments behind. Also, if your new place is part of an HOA, make sure you understand the rules about decorating the exterior of your home.

Related: 7 Christmas Decorations You Need To Get Rid Of Before Decorating This Year

How to Declutter Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Hurrying is part of the reason for overpacking, as is leaving it in the hands of a moving company—the latter is not a bad option, of course, but even the pros don’t know what you really want to keep unless you tell them.

That’s why Diane N. Quintana, Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization and owner of DNQ Solutions, recommends several whole-house purging sessions. Here’s her method:

  • Work on one room at a time, taking breaks in between rooms so you don’t get overwhelmed.

  • Open every shelf, drawer, and closet. Examine the contents with a critical eye.

  • Donate anything you don’t like or no longer need/use

  • Donate anything that’s been “hiding” or you simply forgot you had.

  • Start packing whatever’s left while considering this question: “Will I be happy to see this when I unpack the box?"

Quintana says, “The things that move with you to your new home should be things you are happy to see again, not things that prompt you to think, ‘Why did I pack this?’”

Read the original article on Southern Living

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