7 Things to Toss Before Moving for a Clutter-Free Start
A quick purge now can make your move feel so much better.
Packing up your life and moving into a new home is one of those experiences in life that comes with reflection and, more often than not, a lot of pressure and stress. But one thing that can help alleviate some of that tension is knowing exactly what’s going and what’s staying.
Organizing expert Shira Gill says decluttering before a move comes down to taking inventory of your space. “I always ask clients the question: ‘Is it worth the time and resources to find a place for it?,’” she told Good Housekeeping. Should you find yourself realizing that you won’t have space for all of your things we have a few suggestions for how you can narrow them down.
However, if many of your items are still in good condition, it’s always a great idea to donate and recycle, too.
Mystery cords or keys
That drawer filled with random cords or keys doesn’t need to go with you to your next place. “For things like mystery cords or mystery keys; things that you really can't match them to something, it's a good time to rip off the bandage,” Gill says.
Unfinished projects
Whether you’ve started learning to knit and it never really stuck or have an unfinished LEGO set that’s beginning to collect dust, Gill advises letting those projects go. “I would say anything that really hasn't been touched or visited within six months to a year or that you have no plans to use.”
Gift wrap
If you’re someone who tends to hold on to wrapping paper and gift bags, Gill says you may be better off throwing them out before a move. “Really reckon with how often you are giving gifts or needing to wrap gifts,” she says.
Reusable tote bags
Every single tote bag you’ve ever gotten doesn’t have to clutter the area under your sink. Gill suggests picking a few to use for grocery runs and other errands, then discarding the rest.
Office supplies
Chances are you’re holding on to more post-its, pens, and paper than you actually need. “Most people can get by with one stack of personalized stationery or even just like one stack of thank you cards instead of having every type of stationary imaginable,” Gill says.
Duplicates
Preparing for a move is also a great time to purge any duplicate items you may have around your house. “Maybe you just need one or two really good wine openers, Gill says. “It's also a good chance to look at your single use kitchen gadgets and then let go of the ones that were impulse buys or just don't get any use.”
Tupperware
“I would say the number one item that I see cluttering of people's kitchens is tea and tupperware,” Gill says. If you have tupperware with missing lids or that’s been badly stained, it might be time to toss it.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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