12 Things People Always Regret Keeping, According to Pro Movers

Old Paperwork

According to Jamie Andrieu and Hillary Forst, co-owners of Sorted and Styled, moving is a great excuse to declutter those old papers. “Paperwork that’s no longer relevant to your life is a major stress reduction to do before you move,” they say. “Taxes from 2012? You don’t need those anymore.”

If you’re concerned about getting access to old account records, remember most of this information is available online.

Unworn Clothing

We all have old clothing we no longer wear—or even should wear. “If it doesn’t fit, doesn’t make you feel good, is out of style, or has holes in it, your new life doesn’t need it,” explain Andrieu and Forst. “Our rule is that if you haven’t used it in a year, you likely won’t miss it.”

They add that you should bring only what you will actually use to your new house, and moving is the perfect time to donate old and unworn clothes.

Old Furniture

If you are moving to a new home and buying new furniture, is there a reason to bring your old furniture with you? It might not seem like a big deal, but if you plan to throw it out once you get there, why not toss that old scratched-up desk before it’s loaded onto the truck?

Mike Simek, owner of UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Indianapolis, also notes it’s a smart idea to measure your new home, so you don’t bring along any furniture that won’t fit. “You probably have an idea of what will work in your new space,” Simek says. “If you are downsizing, the oversized couch that worked perfectly in your old living room might overwhelm your new space.

Try and get rid of these items before you move so you don’t have to pay for moving something you will end up getting rid of once you move to your new place, he advises.

Anything That’s Expired

According to Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method co-founder and COO, and author of The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book, it’s crucial to toss anything in your home that’s expired.

“Expired food and toiletries can make you sick and damage your skin, so look for the jar symbol on toiletry bottles,” Hagmeyer recommends. “This indicates how long an item is good for from the date it was opened. Toss those spices too—once expired, they lose their flavor.”

Don’t forget to check your medicine cabinet. That expired bottle of Advil is unlikely to help your back when it hurts from unpacking all of those boxes.

Leftover Paint

While you loved that hunter green paint in your old place so much that you plan to use it in your new bathroom, it’s probably a smart idea to order a fresh can.

“Moving companies typically will not transport toxic items like cans of paint,” notes Hagmeyer. “Make a plan to drop old cans off at a local hazardous waste center before moving day.” (Line your car with plastic first, in case there’s a spill.)

Baby and Kids Items

Whether it’s sports gear or clothing, when it comes to kids, nothing lasts forever. “If it is no longer size or age appropriate for anyone in your family, you can safely give it to a friend or donate it,” says Hagmeyer. “This also includes craft supplies or repelling equipment you haven’t touched in years.”

If your family is complete, consider donating those big items like cribs, changing tables, and strollers to someone in need.

Unnecessary Duplicates

Do you really need more than one veggie spiralizer? Probably not. “Identify any duplicate items that are never used simultaneously,” notes Hagmeyer. “Things like pizza cutters, vegetable peelers, muffin tins, and staplers are common culprits.” Pick your favorite and donate the rest.

Old Linens

Jennifer Q. Williams, founder of Saint Louis Closet Co., shares that those old and stained towels need to go. “We always hang onto more than we need, and after a while, it’s time for an upgrade anyway,” she adds.

While you’re in the linen closet, check out your old sheets and bedding. Anything that’s ripped, no longer your style, or stained doesn’t need to come to your new home with you.

Extra Cookware

How many frying pans and food containers do you actually use? All of those old but still functional pieces should probably be donated, says Ben Steinsholt, owner of Steinsholt Delivery. “They take up a lot of space in your cabinets and in moving boxes,” he adds.

Old Electronics

When was the last time you actually watched a DVD? If you’re struggling to remember, then there’s no need to keep that big old DVD or Blu-ray player. “Check your electronics,” says Steinsholt. “If you have old cell phones, computers, or radios, there are many outlets that accept electronics, refurbish them, and donate them to organizations in need.”

Decor That Doesn’t Reflect Who You Are Now

While Aunt Jenny’s vase still means a lot to you, that Live, Laugh, Love sign you bought at a garage sale probably doesn’t. So think carefully about how you plan to decorate your new home and give away old decor that doesn’t feel like you anymore.

“If your style has evolved (and let’s be honest, it probably has), don’t bring the past into your fresh start,” says Darrell Gardner, director of product development at CORT Furniture Rental.

The “Just in Case” Pile

Gardner says we all have miscellaneous items like chargers we no longer use, broken decor that will never get fixed, or a bunch of vases that came with flower deliveries. If it won’t be fixed or used, let it go.