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What to Get Rid of When Moving? Time to Declutter!

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When you’re packing up, what to get rid of when moving is the perfect chance to cut out the clutter and lighten your load. Here’s a guide on the most common items people get rid of, some creative ideas for what to let go of, and how to decide what makes the cut. Let’s make this as personal and fun as possible—because letting go doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Here’s the checklist to get you started!

What to Get Rid of When Moving

1. Clothes You Don’t Wear Anymore

  • Keep if: You’ve worn it in the last year, it fits well, or it has significant sentimental value.
  • Let go if: It hasn’t seen daylight in over a year, or if it’s outdated or damaged.
  • Creative idea: Host a “Clothes Farewell Party” with friends. Everyone brings clothes they want to give away, and you swap or donate the leftovers.
  • Checklist Tip: Go section by section. Start with your closet and then work through drawers, off-season storage, etc.

2. Kitchen Gadgets & Appliances

  • Keep if: You use it regularly or it serves multiple purposes.
  • Let go if: You forgot you had it, or it only serves one function you barely use (like the banana slicer you used once).
  • Creative idea: Find a local cooking class or food bank to donate extra tools and gadgets.
  • Checklist Tip: Group items by frequency of use. Anything you don’t grab weekly might be worth parting with.

3. Books You’ve Never Read or Won’t Read Again

  • Keep if: You re-read it often, it has sentimental value, or you’re genuinely planning to read it.
  • Let go if: You’ve had it for over a year without touching it, or it’s an “aspirational” book you know you won’t read.
  • Creative idea: Host a book exchange or donate to a Little Free Library.
  • Checklist Tip: Make two piles: one for “keepers” and one for “donations.”

4. Expired Pantry Items

  • Keep if: It’s within expiration and you use it regularly.
  • Let go if: It’s expired, or it’s a spice that’s sat untouched for years.
  • Creative idea: Use expired (non-perishable) items for DIY art projects with kids, or use the spice jars as mini plant pots.
  • Checklist Tip: Go shelf by shelf and check dates as you pack.

5. Old Electronics and Cords

  • Keep if: It’s a core device you use or plan to use again soon.
  • Let go if: You don’t know what it connects to, or it’s obsolete (like that stack of old DVDs you don’t have a player for).
  • Creative idea: Drop electronics off at an e-waste recycling center, or make “mystery gift” tech boxes for friends.
  • Checklist Tip: Have a “mystery bag” of random cords? Label the essentials, toss the rest.

6. Furniture That Won’t Fit or Doesn’t Serve a Purpose

  • Keep if: It’s high-quality, fits your style, or serves a purpose.
  • Let go if: It’s been broken forever, or it’s just taking up space.
  • Creative idea: Upcycle small pieces as “goodbye” gifts to friends, or sell and put funds toward your moving expenses.
  • Checklist Tip: Measure pieces to check their fit in your new space.

7. Decorative Items

  • Keep if: It brings you joy or has special meaning.
  • Let go if: It’s just been collecting dust or doesn’t fit your style anymore.
  • Creative idea: Take photos to remember them, then gift or sell.
  • Checklist Tip: Only keep decor items that align with your current style.

8. Extra Linens and Towels

  • Keep if: It’s part of a matching set, in great shape, or used regularly.
  • Let go if: It’s mismatched, old, or stained.
  • Creative idea: Animal shelters often need old towels and blankets.
  • Checklist Tip: One or two sets of sheets per bed, two towels per person, and one extra blanket should cover your needs.

9. Toiletries and Makeup

  • Keep if: It’s a current favorite or used regularly.
  • Let go if: It’s expired or you haven’t touched it in ages.
  • Creative idea: Reuse containers or recycle what you can.
  • Checklist Tip: Check dates, especially for beauty products. Use a “keep,” “toss,” or “donate” system.

10. Unused Hobby Supplies

  • Keep if: You’re genuinely still invested in that hobby.
  • Let go if: It’s been gathering dust, or your interests have changed.
  • Creative idea: Donate to a school or community center or sell in a craft market.
  • Checklist Tip: Keep what fits in a small bin or drawer.

Ultimate List for What to Get Rid of When Moving

  1. Clothes: Make 3 piles – Keep, Donate, Toss.
  2. Kitchen: Sort by frequency of use; keep essentials.
  3. Books: Only keep what you’ve read or truly love.
  4. Pantry: Check expiration dates, donate non-perishables.
  5. Electronics: Keep only what’s functional and essential.
  6. Furniture: Keep what fits and is functional.
  7. Decor: Only what brings you joy or matches your style.
  8. Linens & Towels: Essentials only, donate the rest.
  9. Toiletries: Check dates, keep daily use items.
  10. Hobby Supplies: Be realistic; keep only what you’ll use.

What to Get Rid of When Moving – Time to Declutter!

This what to get rid of when moving checklist and creative process can help you pare down without stress—keeping only what matters most and making your new home feel fresh and uncluttered!