Moving to a new home is the perfect time to declutter. Letting go of unnecessary items can make the process smoother and more efficient. Many household objects take up space without serving much purpose. By discarding them before your move, you’ll save time and reduce stress. Here are some common items you can part with for a more streamlined transition.
Old Magazines and Newspapers
Old magazines and newspapers pile up quickly, and most of the time, they’re never revisited. They add unnecessary weight to your move and can take up valuable space. Instead of holding onto them, recycle or donate them to schools for crafts. If you love keeping articles, consider scanning your favorites and storing them digitally. This will free up physical space without losing what you value.
Expired Pantry Items
Pantry goods, especially spices and canned items, often expire without us noticing. Packing these expired items only adds clutter to your new kitchen. Check the expiration dates and toss anything that’s no longer fresh. You can replace these with fresh ingredients once you settle in. This way, you avoid transporting unnecessary food and start fresh in your new pantry.
Worn-Out Towels and Linens
Over time, towels and linens can become frayed, stained, or worn out. Instead of moving them to a new place, discard or donate those you no longer use. Newer, more absorbent towels will serve you better and take up less space. You can also repurpose old towels as cleaning rags. This allows you to declutter while still getting some final use out of them.
Unmatched Wares
We all have that cabinet filled with mismatched plasticware lids and containers. Trying to find a matching set during a move is frustrating and pointless. Instead of packing those mismatched items, recycle them and invest in a few high-quality, stackable containers. These will save you space and keep your new kitchen more organized. Plus, fewer pieces mean less chaos in your cupboards.
Broken Electronics
Old electronics that no longer work or are outdated often collect dust in storage. Moving them is impractical and adds unnecessary weight. Instead, look into local e-waste recycling programs to discard these responsibly. Replacing them with newer, multi-functional devices can help minimize the amount of technology you need to pack. Streamlining your gadgets will simplify your move and make unpacking easier.
Unused Kitchen Gadgets
If you haven’t used that bread maker or ice cream machine in the last year, chances are you won’t use it after the move. These bulky gadgets take up precious cabinet space and add to your moving load. Donate or sell them before moving, so you can focus on packing essentials you actually use. Consider multifunctional appliances to replace them. This will save space and reduce the clutter in your new kitchen.
Expired Medications
Keeping expired medications poses safety risks and takes up space in your medicine cabinet. Moving is the perfect time to go through your medicine stash and discard anything that’s expired. Dispose of them responsibly at a local pharmacy or a community disposal event. Replace these with fresh medications as needed in your new home. It’s a simple way to streamline your health care items while staying safe.
Outdated Décor
That old vase or picture frame may have been stylish a decade ago, but styles and tastes change. Moving outdated décor items takes up space you could use for fresh, modern pieces that match your new space. Donate or sell old décor to make room for updated alternatives. Opt for a minimalist approach to keep your new home feeling open and fresh. This way, your new place reflects your current style.
Old Paint Cans
Most homes have a stash of partially used paint cans that are never touched again. These cans can be bulky and hazardous to move, not to mention often dried out or expired. Dispose of them properly at a local hazardous waste facility. You can always buy fresh paint in small quantities for touch-ups at your new home. This way, you avoid lugging around unnecessary and potentially toxic items.
Worn Shoes
Old shoes that are worn out or rarely worn anymore don’t need to make the move with you. These shoes take up closet space and often never get used after moving. Donate pairs in good condition and toss those that are beyond repair. Replace them with a few quality pairs that are versatile and comfortable. This will help you maintain a clutter-free shoe rack in your new home.
Excess Bedding
Extra bedding that hasn’t been used in years takes up valuable storage space. Moving old, unused sheets and blankets only adds to the bulk of your moving boxes. Donate or discard these items before moving to lighten your load. Replace them with a few high-quality sets that will serve you well in your new home. This way, your linen closet stays organized and clutter-free.
Old Cords and Chargers
Most people have a drawer filled with outdated cords and chargers that no longer serve a purpose. Moving these tangled, mismatched cords is a waste of space. Go through your collection and discard anything that no longer works or is for a device you no longer own. Invest in a universal charging station or a few high-quality cords to replace them. This keeps your new workspace tidy and efficient.
Unused Furniture
Moving is a great opportunity to rethink your furniture needs. Large pieces that no longer serve a purpose or won’t fit in your new space should be sold or donated. This will reduce the amount of heavy lifting on moving day and allow you to furnish your new home thoughtfully. Replace unnecessary furniture with versatile, space-saving options. This will create a more functional living space without clutter.
Outgrown Baby Items
If your kids have outgrown certain toys, clothes, or baby gear, it’s time to let those items go. Packing these unused baby items just adds bulk to your moving load. Donate or sell them to families who can use them. Keep a few sentimental items if needed, but replace them with practical gear suited to your child’s current age. This will help you streamline your kid’s room while creating space for what’s needed.
Old Bath Products
It’s easy to collect bath products that never get used, like half-empty bottles of shampoo or expired lotions. These items take up bathroom space and add unnecessary weight to your move. Toss anything that’s expired or no longer gets used. Replace them with a few essential products you actually enjoy. This will keep your new bathroom more organized and easier to maintain.
Excess Kitchen Utensils
Kitchen drawers tend to overflow with utensils, many of which are never used. Moving all these extras only clutters your new kitchen. Go through your utensils and keep only the essentials you actually use. Donate or discard the rest to save space. You can replace them with high-quality, multifunctional utensils that take up less room but offer more convenience.
Old Makeup and Toiletries
Expired makeup and toiletries not only take up space but can also harbor bacteria. Before packing, check expiration dates and toss anything that’s too old to use. Replace these items with fresh products that suit your current needs. This way, you avoid transporting unnecessary beauty products and start with a clean, organized vanity. Your skin will thank you for it too.
Unused Books
Books can be heavy and take up a lot of space, especially if they’re ones you haven’t read in years. Moving books you’re no longer interested in only makes the process more difficult. Donate them to libraries, schools, or local charities. You can always replace them with digital copies to save space. This will lighten your load while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite reads in your new home.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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