Posted on March 20th, 2024.

Moving to a new home can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with the daunting task of sorting through all your belongings. To make your move smoother and more efficient, it's crucial to declutter and get rid of items you no longer need.

In this blog post, we'll share expert tips on what to get rid of when moving, helping you streamline the process and lighten your load.

What to Get Rid of When Moving

1. Clothes: Out with the Old, In with the New

When preparing for a move, take the opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. Donate or sell clothes that no longer fit or suit your style. This not only reduces the number of items you need to pack but also gives you a fresh start in your new home.

2. Furniture: Assess Your Needs

Evaluate your furniture pieces and determine if they're worth transporting to your new home. Consider the layout and size of your new space to decide which pieces will fit and serve a purpose. Donate or sell furniture that no longer fits your lifestyle.

3. Kitchen Items: Pare Down the Excess

The kitchen is often filled with items that accumulate over time. Weed out duplicate utensils, expired pantry items, and gadgets you rarely use. Keep only the essentials to streamline your kitchen setup in your new home.

4. Books and Magazines: Lighten the Load

Books and magazines can quickly take up valuable space during a move. Go through your collection and donate or recycle items you no longer need or plan to read. Consider switching to digital formats to save space in your new home.

5. Electronics: Upgrade or Dispose

Technology advances rapidly, making it easy to accumulate outdated electronics. Dispose of broken or obsolete devices responsibly through recycling programs. Donate or sell functioning electronics that you no longer use to declutter before your move.

6. Decor and Knickknacks: Curate Your Collection

Decorative items and knickknacks add personality to your home but can also contribute to clutter. Select your favorite pieces to bring to your new space and consider parting with items that no longer hold sentimental value or serve a purpose.

7. Toys and Games: Streamline Playtime

If you have children, you're likely familiar with the abundance of toys and games that accumulate over time. Before moving, involve your kids in the process of selecting items to donate or pass on to others. This not only reduces clutter but also teaches valuable lessons about giving back.

8. Outdoor Gear: Assess Your Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts often accumulate a variety of gear for different activities. Before your move, assess your outdoor equipment and prioritize items based on your current interests and lifestyle. Donate or sell gear that no longer aligns with your recreational pursuits.

9. Sentimental Items: Preserve What Matters

While sentimentality plays a significant role in the items we keep, it's essential to prioritize and preserve what truly matters. Select a few meaningful keepsakes to bring to your new home and consider alternative ways to honor memories, such as digital photo albums or creative displays.

10. Paperwork and Documents: Organize and Shred

Paper clutter can accumulate quickly, especially with important documents and paperwork. Take the time to organize your files and shred any unnecessary documents before your move. Digitize essential papers to save space and ensure easy access in your new home.

11. Cleaning Supplies: Use Them Up or Give Away

Cleaning supplies can be bulky and cumbersome to transport during a move. Use up remaining supplies before your move or give them away to friends or neighbors. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products in your new home to reduce environmental impact.

12. Old Linens and Towels: Donate or Recycle

Linens and towels tend to wear out over time, leading to an accumulation of old and mismatched items. Donate gently used linens to shelters or animal rescues and recycle worn-out textiles responsibly. Streamline your linen closet for a fresh start in your new home.

13. Unused Hobby Supplies: Pare Down Your Projects

Hobbies are a great way to unwind and explore new interests, but they can also result in a surplus of supplies. Before moving, assess your hobby materials and prioritize projects that bring you joy. Donate or sell unused supplies to declutter your space.

14. Excess Toiletries: Use Them or Share

Toiletries often accumulate in bathroom cabinets, taking up valuable storage space. Use up remaining products before your move or donate unopened items to local shelters or organizations in need. Simplify your toiletry collection for a clutter-free bathroom in your new home.

15. Extra Furniture Parts and Accessories: Rehome or Recycle

Over time, furniture pieces may come with extra parts and accessories that clutter up storage spaces. Sort through these items and dispose of any duplicates or parts you no longer need. Recycle metal or plastic parts responsibly to minimize waste.

16. Holiday Decorations: Organize and Downsize

Holiday decorations add festive cheer to your home but can become overwhelming to store and transport. Before your move, organize your holiday decor and downsize where possible. Donate excess decorations to friends or community organizations to spread holiday joy.

17. Excess Paper and Stationery: Digitize and Declutter

Paper clutter, including old notebooks and stationery, can accumulate in drawers and desks. Digitize important notes and documents to reduce paper clutter and create a more streamlined workspace. Recycle or repurpose old paper items to minimize waste during your move.

18. Miscellaneous Items: Evaluate and Edit

Finally, take a comprehensive look around your home and identify any miscellaneous items that no longer serve a purpose. Whether it's random knickknacks or forgotten items in storage bins, evaluate each item and edit ruthlessly to simplify your move.

We can help

Moving to a new home is an opportunity for a fresh start, and decluttering is the first step toward creating a space that feels organized and inviting. By following these tips on what to get rid of when moving, you can streamline the process and make your transition smoother. Remember, less clutter means less to pack, unpack, and organize in your new home, allowing you to focus on settling in and creating new memories.

Ready to simplify your move? Reach out to BDR Blessed Dumpster Rentals at 614-961-9965 or via email at [email protected] to learn how we can help you dispose of unwanted items and streamline your moving process.