Here are 10 areas where you can evaluate items and declutter before your next move. You’ll lighten your load and set up your future home for success in the process.
Expired and unwanted foods
There’s a good chance that some of the food you’ve been keeping is expired, which makes now a great time to clear out your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Challenge yourself to make the most of what’s still good before you leave, and avoid waste by gifting any surplus items to a local food bank.
Cookware and appliances
While you’re in the kitchen, take stock of dinnerware, pots and pans and other kitchen gadgets. Try to recycle items that are no longer of value, such as mismatched food containers or broken appliances, and consider donating or selling any new or gently used extras. One person’s dust-covered teapot could be another person’s treasure.
Cleaning and care products
The products we use to maintain ourselves and our homes have a tendency to pile up over time and can be a breeding ground for germs.
What’s actually serving you? If it’s been shoved in the back of your cabinet or you don’t plan to use it soon, lose it. Some beauty brands will even offer rewards for recycling old containers.
Worn bath mats and towels
Keeping a few spare towels around can pay off (laundry day, pool season and unexpected guests come to mind), but once they’re tattered, torn or no longer absorbent, it’s time to part ways. The same goes with distressed bath mats that can’t be saved with a good cleaning.
Clothing and accessories
Take command of your closets, dressers and seasonal bins by evaluating clothing and accessories based on condition, fit, practicality and wearability. Think of how well an item goes with your current lifestyle and aesthetic.
As a general rule, consider donating or consigning items you haven’t worn in the past year and filling in any gaps with staples that will stand the test of time.
Furniture and decor
Moving bigger pieces of furniture can require additional resources, so you’ll want to weigh them more heavily when deciding what to keep.
We suggest replacing worn, uncomfortable and ill-fitting furnishings, along with anything that could cause a potential safety risk, such as broken or recalled fixtures.
Office supplies and paperwork
Ah, the dreaded document stack. Toss, recycle or shred anything you’re unlikely to read or need down the line. Streamline important documents and mementos by sorting them into labeled folders or binders.
Breathe new life into old books and extra supplies by selling or donating them to a secondhand store or nearby school.
Outdated electronics
Now is an ideal time to cull through that electronics or tools drawer. Set aside any essentials — you can always use a backup screwdriver or charging cable — and look into wiping your personal data off smart devices you’re going to recycle or donate.
Some electronics companies offer recycling options. Your unwanted tools that safely operate and are useful may be welcomed at some secondhand stores or your local branch of Habitat for Humanity.
Old sports gear
Have an honest look at sports and recreational gear. When is the last time you threw or kicked around a ball? Will you be as likely to use that jet ski or kayak when you no longer live close to the water?
If you don’t have imminent plans to put old hobbies back into practice, look into donating equipment to local sports teams or summer camps to put a smile on someone else’s face.
