Moving is exciting, right? But let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming, especially when faced with packing everything you’ve collected over the years. One way to simplify your move significantly is by decluttering before moving. By tossing unnecessary items, you’ll save time, reduce moving costs, and feel lighter when settling into your new home.


Let’s dive into the most common things you can safely leave behind!

Why Decluttering Before Moving Matters

Have you ever moved and found yourself unpacking boxes months (or years!) later, realizing you didn’t miss anything inside them? That’s a clear sign you moved unnecessary clutter. Experts say decluttering can reduce moving costs by up to 40% because fewer belongings mean fewer packing materials and less time spent packing and unpacking.


As professional movers at All Ways Moving & Storage, we’ve witnessed firsthand how decluttering transforms a stressful move into a smooth, stress-free transition.

Items You Can Confidently Toss Before Movin

1. Old Clothing and Shoes


Most of us have closets full of clothes we haven’t worn in years. According to a study by ClosetMaid, the average American hasn’t worn approximately 80% of their clothes in the last year. If you haven’t worn it in over a year, it’s time to donate or recycle those garments.

2. Expired Pantry Items and Food


Check your pantry—odds are good you’ll find expired spices, canned goods, and boxes of cereal long past their prime. Food banks and shelters often welcome unopened, non-perishable food donations. Not only are you decluttering, but you’re also helping others—a clear win-win.

3. Outdated Electronics


You don’t need those broken earbuds or the phone charger for a phone you no longer own. Recycle outdated electronics responsibly through local recycling centers or electronics stores like Best Buy, which offers recycling programs.

4. Broken or Unused Furniture


Moving broken furniture is costly and unnecessary. If it’s damaged or outdated, consider recycling, donating, or responsibly disposing of it. Often, donating to a charity like Habitat for Humanity Restore will provide a new life for your unwanted furniture.

5. Old Documents and Paper Clutter


Stacks of old bills, receipts, and manuals contribute to unnecessary clutter. Digitize essential documents and shred the rest. According to Marie Kondo, author and decluttering guru, keeping only what brings joy or essential practicality vastly improves our living spaces.

Decluttering Sentimental Items

This can be challenging, but it’s essential to approach sentimental items realistically. Consider digitizing photographs and keeping digital backups. If an item holds emotional value but isn’t practical, take a picture and keep that instead.

Personal Story: Learning to Let Go


When our team helped Sarah, a client who moved from Pittsburgh to Tampa, she struggled with boxes of childhood toys. She decided to keep a few meaningful items, photographed the rest, and donated the bulk to a children’s charity. This thoughtful approach helped her move forward with ease and purpose.

Expert Tips for Decluttering Before Moving

We asked moving professionals their best decluttering tips:



  • Start early: Give yourself enough time, ideally several weeks or months before moving day.

  • Tackle one area at a time: Begin with small spaces like drawers or closets, then move onto bigger areas like basements or garages.

  • Use the 12-month rule: If you haven’t used it in the past year, you likely won’t use it again.

  • Stay decisive: Once you decide to let something go, don’t second-guess yourself.

Common Counterarguments

You might think, “But what if I need it later?” It’s natural to worry about future regrets. However, the cost of moving, storing, and managing unnecessary items often outweighs potential future use. Statistically, 90% of items kept “just in case” remain unused after moving.


Real-Life Example: The Anderson Family


The Andersons downsized from a five-bedroom house to a three-bedroom condo. They were looking for movers in  Bethel Park and initially resisted decluttering, fearing regret. After careful consideration and following a clear plan, they donated furniture, reduced clothing by 50%, and digitized countless photos and documents. After their move, they felt liberated and relieved to have fewer items crowding their space.

Benefits Beyond the Move


Decluttering isn’t just about making moving easier—it’s about improving your lifestyle. According to psychology research, living in an uncluttered space boosts productivity, reduces stress, and promotes overall happiness.

Final Thoughts on Decluttering Before Moving

Decluttering before moving is one of the best ways to streamline your transition into your new home. By removing unnecessary items, you save money, reduce stress, and start fresh in your new space.


Ready to declutter and simplify your move? All Ways Moving & Storage is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our moving services and how we can help you move smarter, not harder!

All Ways Moving & Storage® has been one of the oldest and most trusted moving companies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia since 1913.
Our main service areas are:


If you find yourself in any of these cities, reach out to us for a free moving quote!