5 Things Professional Organizers Say to Ditch After the Kids Move Out
From old trophies to forgotten gear, here’s how to finally deal with the stuff they left behind.
Entering into your empty-nester stage of life can feel bittersweet. While you’re proud that your children are responsible enough to be out in the world on their own, you’ll also miss them being in your home from day to day. That could tempt you to hold on to all of the items they may have left behind, but according to Missi Mills, owner of Clear Spaces Organizing in Minneapolis, MN, that would be a mistake.
“The goal is to create space for this next season of life, while keeping the memories from old one,” Mills told Good Housekeeping via email. “And, from one sentimental gal to another, keep the things that make you say, ‘awwww.’ Your future self will thank you (and maybe your kids if you're lucky).”
In an effort to help you create more space, and with a little help from Mills, we’ve rounded up the top things to toss after your children move out. But don’t forget, items that have minimal wear can also be donated and given a new life.
Items in their room they no longer use
“Start with the kids’ rooms and remove anything they’ve outgrown or no longer use,” Mills says. “If you're able to go through things with your kids before they move out, this can make the process easier on both of you! Ask what they'd like to keep. Look at your own storage capacity and set a limit.”
Too many sentimental items
Those kindergarten projects and early artwork will always have a place in your heart, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they need to take up space in your home. “Keep sentimental items to an intentional amount and consider taking photos of artwork you've saved over the years,” Mills suggests. And those super special pieces you can’t bear to get rid of? “Consider framing it!” she adds. “My mom has one piece of school age art from every kid and grandkid framed in the kitchen and she gets comments on it all the time.”
Sports gear they’ve outgrown
While taking inventory of the things your child won’t be taking with them in this next phase of their lives, “you may find sports equipment that has been outgrown that another child could use,” Mills says. This would be a great opportunity to donate, if the gear is still in good condition.
Items cluttering forgotten places
It’s easy to accumulate everything from bikes to toys and instruments as your child grows over the years. “Go through closets, basement, and garage storage, and any ‘just in case’ bins,” Mills says. You may be surprised by the no-longer-loved items you discover.
Memorabilia
“Sentimental things like medals, certificates, etc. could either be photographed or scanned,” Mills says. “Though if it fits in a small bin, put a label on it (masking tape or a post it note works great) with the child's name on it to save for when they're ready to decide if they want to keep it or not.”
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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