7 Things to Lose When You Declutter for a Move

Most people dread the process of moving. But that’s mostly due to the decluttering, organizing and packing more than anything else. If you approach a move with an open mind and use the opportunity as a chance to declutter and organize, you will lower your stress level and even get some enjoyment out of it.

Take these steps to declutter before you move, particularly if you’re someone who likes to accumulate stuff over time. Here are seven things you should do away with when decluttering.

1. Books You’ll Never Read Again

Aside from the classics, signed editions, or beloved children’s series you hope to pass down to your kids or grandkids (think Harry Potter), you don’t have to keep every single book you’ve ever read. Go through all your books and put them into two piles: one to bring with you on the move, and one to donate to a local library or sell to a used bookstore.

2. Kitchen Gadgets You Don’t Use

We all have that junk drawer full of tiny gadgets we will never use. You don’t need 10 wine stoppers or the lids to every water bottle you’ve ever owned. Throw them out or give them away. Same goes for the waffle iron, pasta maker or ice cream maker you have never once cracked open. List appliances and kitchen accessories in good condition online.

3. Old Cell Phones

Many of us hold on to our old cell phones because we just don’t know what to do with them. It seems wasteful to just throw them out, right? But an old, non-working cell phone is just taking up valuable space in your home. You don’t need to bring them with you on the move. Donate your old cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, an organization that uses the proceeds from donated phones to send international calling cards to soldiers overseas.

4. Arts and Crafts

We all have a few bins bursting with crafting supplies we haven’t used in an age. Give those paints and ribbons to someone who could use them. Donate usable art supplies to local schools or senior centers.

5. Clothes That Don’t Fit

It’s tempting to hold onto clothing because you may think you’ll fit into them again someday or maybe they’ll eventually come back into style. Add to that the emotional attachment we have to our clothes, and it can be downright scary getting rid of your size 2 jeans or your college son’s baby clothes. Sell clothes in good condition online to earn extra money for your move.

6. Expired Items

From makeup and sunscreen to over-the-counter medication and prescriptions, there is no place in your new home for expired items of any kind – especially when it comes to canned goods and condiments. Clean out containers and recycle them, and dispose of prescription medications properly.