Moving can be stressful, but going through your belongings and getting rid of what you don’t need will simplify the packing process. While what you decide to take is a personal choice, there are many types of objects that we tend to accumulate that may not always serve us well. To help you get started with your cleanup, here are a few suggestions for what to consider ditching.

4 Types of Items to Get Rid of Before Moving

1. Books & DVDs

Do you still have college textbooks on your shelves? Or airport reads and paperbacks you know you’ll never pick up again? You’ll save yourself money and effort by donating them to used bookstores, where they’ll find new readers. The same goes for DVDs, which may be unnecessary if you subscribe to a streaming service. You can even try to sell these online for a small sum.

2. Expired Medications & Toiletries  

Bringing old and ineffective medications, toiletries, and cosmetics to your new home may be an unnecessary hassle. Before moving, go through your bathroom cabinets and throw out all of the prescription and over-the-counter drugs that have expired. In addition, toss old bottles of shampoo, conditioners, body wash, and other personal care products that you can easily replace.

3. Old or Rarely Worn Clothing

An upcoming move is a great excuse to go through your wardrobe and purge items that you never wear, no longer fit, have gone out of style, or were simply an unfortunate impulse purchase. Pieces that are in good shape can be donated to a thrift store or shelter. You can also use apps to sell them to people in your neighborhood or give them away to friends who’ll wear them.

4. Damaged Kitchen Items

If you have any mugs with broken handles or a cabinet full of plastic food containers missing their lids, you may want to reconsider taking them with you. These items will take up space in your boxes and may not be usable anymore. For any extraneous kitchen items that can still be used, drop them off at your local thrift store to find them new homes.

To store belongings that you want to keep, get in touch with CJ's Storage in Columbia Falls, MO, before moving. One of the largest storage facilities in the valley, they’ve been offering a wide variety of storage solutions for Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Glacier counties for over 15 years. They even provide climate controlled, vehicle, and office storage. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, and call (406) 892-1272 to discuss your needs.