Items You Should Leave Behind When Moving (2024)

When you are relocating, last-minute loose ends can fray nerves and take you off schedule. Deciding what and what not to pack is often a factor in this. It can be hard to let go of items you have owned for a long time, but by making choices ahead of time, you will save yourself a lot of hassle in the run-up to the move. What’s more, by selling unwanted items you can earn a bit of money to contribute to the cost of moving.

How To Get Rid of Clutter When Moving

At some point, you may just want to simplify moving and sell everything, but with a few tips for prioritization you can offset moving costs, reduce clutter, and make moving easier before and after arrival. If you have expensive heirlooms and antiques that you won’t be able to move with you, now is the perfect time to bestow a gift to your family members or friends.

For everything that can be sold, plan a yard sale or garage sale. Wait for great weather and try to hold your sale for multiple days. Remember that most families are free to visit on the weekends, and the welcome of your home is important to attract more customers. If you’re a member of a homeowner’s association or neighborhood, work within your community for the best results.

Another option is to sell your items online. You can use the popular site eBay, post on Facebook Marketplace, create your own Facebook posts for friends and family, or even create ads on Craigslist. Great photography and detailed descriptions of your items will make a huge difference, and you can always choose to mail the items or offer in-person pickup.

Finally, donate the items that you don’t wish to sell. Coats, blankets, gently used clothing, furniture, office equipment, and kitchen appliances can often find a new home. These types of donations can serve a family for years, and they can even offer take advantages at the end of the year.

What Not To Pack When Moving

It can be difficult to choose which items to keep, but you can create a list based on how easy it is to replace an item, how often you use it, and how much it is worth for other people. For items that will be unusable to others, it may be worthwhile to rent a dumpster if you know you will be throwing stuff away when moving. Here are some suggestions of things to cut down on:

1. Clothing – It is easy to overdo it when it comes to packing clothes. Take time to assess what items you wear regularly or are particularly fond of, and then donate or sell the rest. Consider the season or the weather in the location you’re moving to help you cut back.
2. Bulky Items – DVDs and books take up a lot of space when packing, as do large electronic items like unused laptops/desktop computers, or DVD players. These are great things to donate or try to get rid of in a garage sale.
3. Papers – Obviously, you’ll want to keep important documents with you when moving, such as your marriage license, family birth certificates, and financial records. However, less important papers are an unnecessary source of extra weight – consider storing or scanning them into your computer.
4. Bathroom Items – Half of what is currently in your bathroom cabinets is most likely out of date, unimportant or easily replaceable. If you have expired medications, make sure you dispose of them in the safest manner possible.
5. Old Furniture – Furniture is often bulky and heavy to transport. Moving to a new home may be the perfect opportunity to let some old pieces go. There are plenty of charitable organizations that could give your old furniture a new home, as long as it is still in usable condition.
6. Garage Junk – Just like your bathroom cabinet, there are probably a lot of items sitting in your garage that you will never need. If these items include insect killer, fertilizer, and other potentially dangerous chemicals, make sure you dispose of them safely.
7. Appliances – It’s quite possible that a new home means an update of your current refrigerator or washer/dryer combination. If this is the case, but you need to do something with your old appliances, a local charity would more than likely be happy to pick them up – provided they are operational, of course. This will also help your mover get you loaded and ready to go quite a bit faster.
8. Household Items – Take a look around your home and make a note of what you use and what has just been gathering dust. Household items are perfect things to sell at a garage sale.
9. Bedding – You probably have some old mattresses and blankets that need to be switched to new ones. Not only will the new bedding be more comfortable, but you will have a lot more room in the moving truck.
10. Vehicles – If appropriate, you may want to consider selling the extra car or truck that has been sitting on your property. This would help lower some of the expenses associated with the move.

What to Keep When Moving

Your “keep list” is even more important than the items you leave behind, but this list is usually easier to create (and harder to trim). Still, it can be helpful to think about the future value of your possessions when deciding what to keep when moving. Here’s a list of some common (and uncommon) items that you’ll want to have with you when moving:

1. Your First Night Bag – Take the time to pack your first night bag for the new house and you’ll be so happy you did. Not only does this allow you to quickly find a change of clothes, but it also means you don’t have to go digging through boxes to find your toothbrush, blanket, or any other first-night necessities.
2. Your Precious Memories – Heirlooms, presents, and special gifts with sentimental value are always worth consideration. If possible, try to convert analog pictures and film to digital equivalents. If you have questions about large, fragile, or expensive items, reach out to your mover to ask about specialty moving services.
3. Personal Records – Obviously, you’ll want to keep important documents with you when moving, such as your marriage license, family birth certificates and financial records. However, less important papers are an unnecessary source of extra weight – consider storing or scanning them into your computer.
4. Difficult to Replace Items – Do you have expensive artwork that would be difficult to auction and replace? One-of-a-kind or discontinued pieces of furniture? If it’s crucial for you to own and irreplaceable, consider taking it with you.
5. Pet Favorites – Moving can be stressful for pets, and making your new home as familiar as possible can help. Favorite toys, leashes, and beds can make a huge difference and help with the adjustment. Check out our moving guide to learn more about how to move cross-country with pets!

Get in Touch to Find Out More

If you have any questions regarding how to make your relocation easier, get in touch with National Van Lines. From moving checklists to packing materials, we’ve been helping families move memories for over 88 years. Contact us online or call 877-590-2810, and we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you have about moving and provide a free quote!