Moving is expensive enough without paying to pack, load, and transport things you don’t actually use. Before you start filling boxes, take the opportunity to declutter and get rid of items that will only add weight, cost, and stress to your move.
A good rule of thumb is simple: if you wouldn’t buy it again today, it’s probably not worth paying to move it. Here are some of the most common items people regret bringing to their new home.
Mystery Cords and Unidentified Keys
Most of us have a drawer filled with random charging cables, adapters, and keys that no longer belong to anything. If you haven’t identified what they go to by now, chances are you never will.
Unfinished Projects
That half-finished knitting project, abandoned scrapbook, or DIY kit you’ve ignored for years probably isn’t coming back to life after the move. If it hasn’t been touched in six months to a year, consider letting it go.
Related: The “Lazy Moving” Trend Is Helping People Relocate With Far Less Stress
Reusable Tote Bags
Reusable shopping bags seem to multiply every year, often taking over closets and cabinets. Save your favorites and pass along the extras you never reach for.
Related: New Home Essentials Checklist Printable PDF – Moving House Planner & Home Setup Organizer
Duplicate Kitchen Gadgets
You probably don’t need three wine openers, four spatulas, or multiple can openers. Moving is the perfect time to keep the best one and get rid of the duplicates.
Related: New Home Checklist Printable PDF – Moving Essentials Planner for First-Time Homeowners
Clothes You Never Wear
If you forgot you owned it until you started packing, that’s usually a sign it can go. Donate clothing that no longer fits, no longer suits your style, or hasn’t been worn in over a year.
Worn-Out Shoes
Shoes with worn soles, broken straps, or uncomfortable fits aren’t worth the space in your moving truck. If you won’t wear them tomorrow, don’t bring them to your next home.
Expired Medications and Vitamins
Old medications can be ineffective and may even be unsafe. Dispose of them properly before moving rather than carrying them from one medicine cabinet to another.
Nearly Empty Toiletries
Half-used bottles of shampoo, dried-up makeup, and expired beauty products create unnecessary clutter. Use them up before moving or toss them if they’re past their prime.
Broken Household Items
If something has been sitting around waiting to be fixed for years, be honest about whether it’s ever going to happen. There’s no reason to pay movers to transport broken items you’ll likely discard later.
Expired Pantry Food
Moving is a great excuse to clean out your pantry and freezer. Toss expired items and use up perishable foods before moving day arrives.
Mismatched Mugs and Cups
Most kitchens have a collection of random mugs collected over the years. Keep the ones you love and donate the extras that simply take up cabinet space.
Plastic Containers Without Matching Lids
Every kitchen seems to have a pile of containers missing their lids—or lids missing their containers. Recycle the mismatched pieces and start fresh with an organized set.
Junk Drawer Clutter
Old takeout menus, dead batteries, broken pens, and random scraps of paper don’t deserve a moving box. Emptying the junk drawer before a move can be surprisingly satisfying.
Old Toys
Children quickly outgrow toys, games, and stuffed animals. Donate items they no longer play with to make room for the things they truly enjoy.
Broken Toys
Toys with missing pieces or that no longer work rarely become useful again after a move. Save yourself the hassle and get rid of them now.
Furniture You Don’t Like
Moving large furniture is expensive, especially if it’s outdated, damaged, or doesn’t fit your new space. In some cases, replacing it later is cheaper than transporting it.
Unused Small Appliances
Bread makers, ice cream machines, and specialty gadgets often spend more time collecting dust than being used. If it hasn’t left the cabinet in years, consider letting it go.
Excess Linens and Towels
Most households own far more sheets and towels than they actually use. Keep enough for your needs and donate the extras before packing.
Books You’ll Never Read Again
Books are heavy and can significantly increase moving costs. Keep your favorites and consider donating the ones that have been sitting untouched on your shelves for years.
Related: Say What? People are Freezing their thrifted books
Hobby Supplies From Abandoned Hobbies
Craft supplies, sports equipment, and hobby materials can take up a surprising amount of space. If the hobby is long gone, it’s probably time for the supplies to go too.
Old Paint Cans
Paint colors chosen for your current home often won’t match your next one. Dispose of old paint properly instead of hauling heavy cans to a new address.
Outdated Electronics and Media
Old phones, DVD players, VHS tapes, and obsolete gadgets often survive multiple moves without ever being used. If you no longer have a way to use them, it’s time to recycle them.
Old Cleaning Supplies
Worn-out brooms, mops, sponges, and cleaning brushes are inexpensive to replace. Moving day is a great opportunity to start fresh with new supplies in your new home.
Garage Clutter
Unused sporting equipment, spare parts, and forgotten storage items can quietly accumulate for years. If you haven’t used it recently and forgot you owned it, you probably won’t miss it after the move.
