What to Discard Before a Move, and How to Do It
- adriana
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Open any closet a month before moving and you will find things that have not been touched in years. Old cords, chipped plates, a stack of mystery lids, all take up space and add weight to the move.
Sorting now saves time, money, and stress later. If you are working with Bethesda local movers, or any trusted crew, it also makes loading day safer and faster because only the right items reach the truck.
Image by RDNE Stock Project / Pexels
Start With a Simple Sort
Begin one room at a time. Grab four containers or corners of the room and label them keep, donate, sell, discard. Do not overthink it. Pick up each item and ask two questions. Did I use this in the last year. Would I buy it again today. If the answer is no twice, it moves out.
Work from the bulkier zones first. Garage, attic, basement, shed, and the space under beds hold the largest and heaviest items. Clearing those early gives you quick wins and frees up floor space for packing.
Set a small daily target. Twenty minutes after dinner, one cabinet per morning, or ten items each day. Small, steady progress beats a weekend rush.
What To Toss, Recycle, or Hazard Bin
Some items cannot go on the moving truck or into a household bin. Check local rules for paint, solvents, propane, fertilizers, and pool chemicals. Many cities run drop off days for household hazardous waste.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency summarizes what counts as hazardous waste and how to dispose of it safely, including batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and certain cleaners. See the EPA guidance for details, then follow your local program’s instructions for drop off or pick up.
Electronics and appliances deserve care too. If the device is dead or very old, look for an e waste event or a city collection site. If it still works and holds personal data, wipe it before donation or sale.
Recycling is a good path for metal shelving, broken aluminum lawn chairs, and some plastics. Avoid “wishcycling.” If your hauler does not list an item, it likely belongs in the trash or special collection.
What To Donate or Sell
Lightly used items help others and reduce trash volume. Think cookware sets with all parts, clean bedding, unexpired unopened pantry goods, baby gear in good condition, and furniture that is sturdy and safe.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore often accepts furniture, appliances, fixtures, and building materials. Many locations offer pickup for large items, which is a big help during a move. Check your nearest ReStore’s accept list and schedule window. Link below.
Hold a short sell phase for items with clear value. Limit it to one weekend so the process does not drag on. Use one app or site to keep messages in one place. Take clear photos in daylight, state pickup only, and price to move. If it does not sell by Sunday night, move it to donation.
Create a “maybe” box for sentimental items. Seal it, date it, and open it six months after you settle in. If you never missed the contents, you can let them go with a calm mind.
What To Shred or Wipe
Before you toss paper, pull out anything with personal data. Shred old bank statements, medical bills, tax forms past the retention period, and junk mail with your name and barcode. Many office supply stores and community events offer drop off shredding by the pound.
Wipe data from phones, tablets, laptops, and smart home hubs. Log out of accounts, remove SIM cards, and do a factory reset. For external drives, use a simple disk wipe tool or remove and physically destroy the drive if you prefer a hard stop.
How a Dumpster Helps a Pre-Move Cleanout
If you are clearing out a garage, basement, or a full house, renting a roll off dumpster can keep the process smooth. A 10 yard container fits small cleanouts and dense loads like tile or plaster.
A 15 to 20 yard container suits most home decluttering before a move, especially when you are tossing mixed household junk and small furniture. Reserve a larger 30 or 40 yard bin only for big projects such as whole home renovations or major estate cleanouts.
Place the dumpster on a flat surface near your entry, then load in layers. Put flat items on the bottom, break down boxes, and fill gaps with smaller pieces. Keep prohibited items out.
Common no go items include tires, paint, fuel, and chemicals. Ask the rental company for its allowed list and weight limits, since overloading leads to extra fees or a refused pickup.
Schedule delivery for the start of your purge week and pickup for the end. Many companies offer flexible terms, so you are not racing the clock. If on street placement is required, call the city about a short permit. A quick call avoids tickets and delays.
Time Your Purge To Your Move
Work backward from move day. Six weeks out, book your mover and your dumpster if you plan to use one. Five weeks out, clear storage spaces. Four weeks out, sell and donate furniture, sports gear, and decor.
Three weeks out, tackle kitchen extras, linens, and books. Two weeks out, decide on the “maybe” items and deal with hazardous waste. One week out, pack the last rooms and arrange donation pickups for anything that did not sell.
As you pack, measure large items and doorways in your new place. If a couch or cabinet will not fit, list it now rather than paying to move it. Movers can help with measurements and path planning, which saves you from stair surprises.
Tell your mover about any items that need special handling, like a piano or a safe. This helps them bring the right crew and tools. It also keeps you from holding on to something that is better sold or rehomed before the move.
Image by RDNE Stock Project / Pexels
Make Choices, Then Move
Good moves start with clear choices. Decide what stays, what helps someone else, and what needs safe disposal. Use donation for items with life left, shredding and data wipes for privacy, special collection for hazardous waste, and a well sized dumpster for the junk pile.
Keep the calendar tight, and lean on professionals for advice on weight, access, and timing. You will arrive lighter, spend less on transport, and set up your new place with room to breathe.