There’s nothing quite like moving house to make you question why you own half the things in your home. As you start packing, it’s easy to fall into two extremes—either you throw everything in boxes without sorting, or you get rid of too much and regret it later.

Our advice? Keep what you need and regularly use. Moving is expensive, so if an item is still in good condition and will be useful in your new home, it’s worth taking with you. But there are plenty of things that aren’t worth the effort of packing, transporting, and unpacking. Here’s a list of seven things you should leave behind when you move:

1. Mismatched Crockery and Glassware

Most households have a mix of plates, bowls, and glasses collected over the years—some matching, some not. If your cupboards are full of odd bits and pieces that never really get used, now’s the time to let them go. Stick to the sets you actually use and donate the rest. This will make your new kitchen easier to organise, and you won’t be unpacking clutter you didn’t really need.

2. Excess Mugs

Mugs seem to multiply over time—gifts from family, promotional freebies, and impulse buys. Even if you drink tea or coffee every day, you probably don’t need as many as you’ve got. Keep your favourite ones and donate the rest. Your new kitchen cupboards will thank you.

3. Unused Small Kitchen Appliances

Blenders, toastie makers, old kettles—if you haven’t used an appliance in the last year, it’s unlikely you’ll start now. Unless it’s something you rely on, it’s better to sell, donate, or give away before the move. There’s no point hauling a bulky item to your new home just for it to sit in a cupboard again.

4. Expired or Unused Food

It’s tempting to pack up everything in the kitchen, but this is the perfect time for a clear-out. Check your cupboards for expired tins, spices that lost their flavour years ago, and bottles of sauce you’ve used once and never touched again. Moving is a fresh start, so take only what you’ll actually use. If you have unopened, in-date food, consider donating it to a food bank.

5. Old or Worn-Out Bedding and Towels

Every home has a stash of old towels, sheets, or pillowcases that rarely get used. Instead of dragging them to your new home, donate them to a local pet shelter, where they can be put to good use. If you’re unsure about your pillows, here’s a simple test: fold them in half—if they stay folded, it’s time to replace them.

6. Items That Have Been in Storage for Years

If you’ve had something packed away in storage for over a year and haven’t needed it, do you really need it now? Old decorations, unused sports equipment, and forgotten-about clothes are prime candidates for donation or selling. If you haven’t used it in your current home, chances are you won’t use it in the next one either.

7. Half-Used or Outdated Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning products don’t always travel well, and they can leak during the move. Take what you regularly use, but safely dispose of half-empty bottles of old or rarely used products. Your local recycling centre may have a safe disposal scheme for chemicals. One thing you should always leave behind? Your toilet brush. Buy a new one for your new home—it’s a fresh start, after all!

What About Clothes?

It’s tempting to declutter your wardrobe before moving, but doing a major clothes purge during a house move can be overwhelming. Instead, pack everything up and sort through it once you’ve settled into your new home. When the seasons change, it will be much easier to decide what you actually wear and what can go.

Final Thoughts

Decluttering before you move saves time, effort, and space in your new home. Not only will you have fewer boxes to pack, but you’ll also avoid the frustration of unpacking things you don’t really need. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Would I buy this again today? If the answer is no, it’s probably time to let it go.

If you need professional removals, packing, or storage services, Callum’s Removals is here to help. Get in touch for an stress-free move!