5 min readYou don’t realize how much you own until it’s time to pack up your entire house and move somewhere new. Between the clothes buried in your closet, overflowing bookshelves packed with random items, and piles of boxes tucked away in the garage, there’s an overwhelming amount to sort through before you can load everything into a moving truck and head to your next home. And once you arrive, you still have to unpack it all and figure out where everything belongs.
This is easily one of the most frustrating parts of moving, which is why we turned to several professional organizers—along with a professional closet designer—to find out what they always get rid of before a move to make the experience a little less stressful.
“They say moving is one of the most stressful things you can do, but I see it as an opportunity for a clean slate,” says professional organizer Laura Cattano. “The most important part of the puzzle is your mindset; learning to see your current things through the lens of how you actually will and want to live in this new space and chapter in your life.” Once you shift your perspective that way, it becomes much easier to identify what no longer serves you and what should go before the move.
To help simplify the decluttering process, we created a handy guide to get you started. Read on to find out which 12 items these experts suggest tossing before you start your next chapter.
Worn-Out Basics
“Think stretched-out camisoles, faded leggings, pilled sweaters, or socks and underwear with holes. These staples often linger in our wardrobes and dresser drawers far past their prime. Moving is the perfect excuse to replenish your basics with fresh, better-fitting versions.” — Lisa Adams, professional closet designer with LA Closet Design
Unworn Shoes in Poor Condition
“Shoes take up serious real estate in a closet—and a moving truck. Before packing, sort through anything uncomfortable, out of style, or damaged beyond reasonable repair. It’s a great time to upgrade to pieces you’ll truly wear and love.” — Lisa Adams, professional closet designer with LA Closet Design
Unnecessary Duplicates
“Owning more than one pizza cutter or stapler isn’t that uncommon, but it is usually unnecessary. Access any categories with multiples of the same tool—kitchen gadgets, garden tools, and small appliances—and ask yourself whether those multiples are ever used simultaneously. If the answer is no, pick your favorite and donate the rest. You’d be surprised how much clutter you can clear with this approach." — Ashley Murphy, cofounder and CEO of NEAT Method
—LAURA CATTANO, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER
Expired Pantry Goods and Toiletries
“The last thing you want to do is pack up outdated spices, moldy bread, and stale crackers to just throw them away. I always suggest doing a complete pantry edit before packing, and only taking food items you use to the new house.” — Teresa Dinneen, founder of Lifestyled
Towels and Linens Past Their Prime
“Make sure to do a thorough linen closet edit before moving. Toss any stained or torn towels, as well as mismatched sheet sets. Yes, even those crib sheets your kids outgrew years ago (your kids will not want them when they have their own kids).” — Teresa Dinneen, founder of Lifestyled
Outdated Tech and Cords
“[Get rid of that] random tangle of chargers, remotes, and cables. It’s probably not being used and can be tossed. These items take up space without serving any purpose. We sort them ruthlessly, keeping only what’s currently in use or valuable.” — Jenna Haefelin, founder of SPIFF
Did you know? USB-C connectors are replacing most other cables, so you likely don't need to hold onto that super old USB cord.
Unfinished Projects or Hobbies
“Half-done craft projects, unused workout gear, and things along these lines—we call these ‘aspirational clutter,’ and they carry emotional weight and guilt. If it hasn’t been touched in a year, moving is your permission slip to let it go.” — Jenna Haefelin, founder of SPIFF
Cheap Storage Bins
“People are often surprised I recommend tossing these, but mismatched, flimsy plastic bins don’t belong in a new, elevated space. We always curate better, more intentional systems after a move, so bringing the old clutter-containers just perpetuates disorganization.” — Jenna Haefelin, founder of SPIFF
Ill-Fitting Furniture
“I’ve seen so many clients waste money on moving a piece that can’t fit through the door, or fit the rooms they intend it to, as they failed to measure properly. Then they have to pay to have it removed! I’ve also seen clients hold onto pieces that don’t fit their overall aesthetic, or don’t function well—like drawers that don't glide easily or open all the way—only because they’ve had them for years. It’s a good time to let these things go now, saving the trouble in the end. Smaller pieces like side tables or chests of drawers are more flexible, and you may find a new use for them in a way you didn’t think of at first. These are worth the trouble to bring along and see.” — Laura Cattano, Professional Organizer
Pro tip: A new place provides the best opportunity to rethink your existing decor choices. Consider how you actually live and only buy pieces that support that lifestyle.
Uninspiring Decor
“Your home should be a space filled with things that inspire or move you in some way. Once you leave your home, you have no control over anything: weather, traffic, other people... Your home is the one place you have total control of how things look, function, and feel, so take control! The days are too long to be staring at bad art.” — Laura Cattano, Professional Organizer
Things You’ve Outgrown
“Now is the time to finally say goodbye to baby gear, toddler toys, dress-up clothes, and anything else that is no longer age-appropriate for anyone in your household. These items often get stored away and forgotten about, but there is no reason to spend resources moving them to another home where they’ll be hidden away.” — Ashley Murphy, cofounder and CEO of NEAT Method
Anything Broken
“Tupperware without lids, socks without a mate, and anything else that is no longer functioning properly should go before you move. Give yourself the excuse to finally replace them with functioning versions in your new home with the reminder that in order for something to be useful, it must be used.”
—Ashley Murphy, cofounder and CEO of NEAT Method
