Argomenti trattati
Have you ever packed up your home only to realize you have accumulated more stuff than you could ever need? It’s like unearthing a treasure trove of forgotten items, each with its own story, yet most of them ending up as clutter. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the prospect of moving, you’re not alone! Fortunately, this is the perfect opportunity to clear out the unnecessary and start fresh in your new space. To help you take that leap, we consulted professional organizers and a closet designer to share their top recommendations on what to toss before the moving truck rolls up.
Mindset matters
“Moving can be one of life’s biggest stressors, but I see it as a chance for a clean slate,” says professional organizer Laura Cattano. This perspective is key! By viewing your current belongings through the lens of your new life, you can easily identify what no longer serves you. Think of it as a chance to streamline your belongings and, consequently, your life. To kick off your decluttering journey, here’s a handy cheat sheet that outlines 12 items to consider letting go.
Worn-out clothing staples
Let’s start with those stretched-out camisoles, faded leggings, and pilled sweaters. You know the ones—they linger in your wardrobe long after their prime. Moving is a fantastic excuse to say goodbye to these tired pieces and replace them with fresh, well-fitting alternatives. After all, who doesn’t want to strut into their new home in style?
Shoes that have seen better days
Next up are shoes. These often take up considerable space in both closets and moving trucks. Before you pack, sift through your collection and part ways with any uncomfortable or outdated pairs. This can also be a great moment to invest in shoes you’ll actually wear and love in your new life.
Duplicate tools and gadgets
Ever find yourself with more than one pizza cutter or stapler? It happens! Before you pack up, take a good look at your kitchen gadgets, garden tools, and small appliances. If you have multiples of something that you never use at the same time, keep just your favorite and donate the rest. You might be amazed at how much space you free up with this simple approach.
Expired food items
Here’s a no-brainer: expired food! The last thing you want to do is lug outdated spices or moldy bread to your new home. A thorough pantry purge before you pack can save you from the hassle of moving unnecessary items. Only take along what you genuinely use. Your new kitchen will thank you!
Revamping your linen closet
When it comes to linens, now is the time for a thorough edit. Toss any stained or torn towels and mismatched sheet sets. Yes, even those crib sheets from when your kids were tiny! Trust us, they won’t want them once they have their own kids.
Declutter your tech
Don’t forget about that random jumble of chargers, remotes, and cables. It’s probably just taking up space without serving any purpose. Go through them ruthlessly—only keep what’s currently in use or holds value. And if you have old USB cords lying around? You likely don’t need them anymore!
Aspirational clutter
Now let’s tackle those half-finished craft projects or unused workout gear. We like to call these ‘aspirational clutter’—they carry emotional weight and often guilt. If you haven’t touched them in a year, consider this your permission slip to let them go.
Letting go of old storage solutions
You might be surprised to hear this, but mismatched plastic bins often don’t belong in your new, polished space. Moving gives you the chance to curate better and more intentional organization systems. So why bring along old clutter-containers that will just perpetuate disarray?
Furniture that doesn’t fit
Another common mistake is moving furniture that simply doesn’t work in your new home. Too many clients have found themselves stuck with pieces that can’t fit through the door or don’t match their new aesthetic. Now is a great time to let go of those items that you’ve been clinging to out of nostalgia. Smaller pieces like side tables or chests of drawers are typically more flexible and can often find a new purpose.
Creating a space that inspires
Your home should be a sanctuary filled with items that inspire or move you. The moment you step out of your home, you relinquish control over many aspects—weather, traffic, you name it. But within your walls, you have complete authority over how things look and feel. So, take that control seriously! The days are too long to be surrounded by mediocre decor.
Childhood treasures
Now is also the time to bid farewell to baby gear, toddler toys, and anything else that no longer serves anyone in your household. These items often get packed away and forgotten, so why waste resources moving them to a new home only to hide them away again?
Broken or mismatched items
Tupperware without lids, socks that lost their mates—if it’s not functional, it should go! Use this opportunity to replace these with proper versions in your new home, remembering that for something to be useful, it must be used.