Streamlining your home and relocating are often interconnected tasks. Adding another phase to your packing process might seem unattractive, but it’s an excellent occasion to let go of belongings that no longer serve you in a new environment.
Sorting through all your belongings at the outset of your move can prevent the hassle of unpacking and disposing of items you no longer require, which can save you both time and money, especially if your moving costs are based on weight. Whether it’s a broken item, a duplicate, or something you haven’t used in over a year, it might be time to let it go. To make this easier, we’ve consulted with expert movers and organizers to identify which items should be left behind.
Libby Wood, a seasoned senior move manager and owner of Senior Settlers, Marissa Hagmeyer, cofounder of the NEAT Method and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book, and Lucy Milligan Wahl, owner of LMW Edits, a professional organizing firm, all offer their insights.
“Moving can be a stressful experience, but careful planning can significantly reduce that stress,” says Marissa Hagmeyer. She suggests starting the decluttering process as soon as you know you’re moving and becoming a frequent visitor to donation and recycling centers in the weeks that follow. Here are the top six items you should consider leaving behind.
Before you move, try to use up as many perishable and consumable items as possible, as they often don’t travel well over long distances. “Unwanted food and cleaning supplies can easily be given away by placing a notice for curbside pickup on NextDoor or Facebook,” suggests Lucy Milligan Wahl, owner of LMW Edits.
Assess the clothing in your home that no one wears. Libby Wood, a senior move manager at Senior Settlers, advises following the “rule of 33,” which suggests that most people only wear 33 items of clothing (excluding basics like underwear and socks) regularly. “Think about giving away the clothes that no one uses and taking only your favorites to your new home,” says Wood.
Make an exception for items that will soon fit younger children, but everything else can be discarded.
Items like paint and batteries are safer to purchase at your new location. Marissa Hagmeyer points out that many moving companies won’t transport paint, and batteries can pose a safety risk during warmer months. Plan ahead to dispose of paint at a hazardous waste center before moving day.
If you still have baby bikes, strollers, and toys but your children are in college, it’s time to reconsider what you’re taking with you.
“Moving isn’t worth the effort if you’re taking things that no longer serve you,” says Hagmeyer. This also applies to items you haven’t used in recent years. “Avoid keeping things you no longer use, like that rarely-used kitchen gadget, outdated electronics, or a book you haven’t opened since your philosophy class in college,” says Wood.
Leave behind items like appliance manuals, broken items you haven’t repaired, and empty cell phone boxes. Whatever is in them, they should stay put.
It can be tempting to toss everything from drawers and bins into boxes without looking, says Wahl. “Take this opportunity to think about how it will feel to unpack boxes of surprises in your new home and clear out the clutter.” This is a chance to clear away unnecessary items and begin anew in your new home.
If you don’t use it, there’s no need to take it with you. Wahl emphasizes, “If you didn’t use it before, you’re unlikely to start now. This can help you free up space during and after your move by disposing of oversized equipment you never use.”
Don’t just discard everything. Follow Hagmeyer’s expert advice for responsibly parting with your belongings.
For bulk items, arrange for a large pickup with your local thrift store once you’ve finished decluttering. Post items that donation centers won’t accept on local neighborhood groups. This ensures they’ll be used elsewhere.
For hazardous items, research recycling centers that will take them and plan to drop them off before moving day. Recycle paper, cardboard boxes, and manuals.
