Dump or Donate?
How To Decide What Stays and What Goes During Packing
Getting ready to move is the perfect time to ditch the clutter you’ve been hauling around for years. Whether you’re moving across town or to a new state, taking fewer items makes the entire process easier.
You’ll save time packing, reduce moving costs, and enjoy a cleaner slate in your new home. Most of what we keep “just in case” ends up being dead weight. If something doesn’t serve a purpose, bring joy, or fit your lifestyle anymore, it probably doesn’t need to make the move.
Let’s break things down by category so you can start purging with confidence.
Clothes
Closets are often overloaded with items that no longer serve you. Whether it’s clothes that don’t fit, are out of style, or have been collecting dust for years, it’s time to get honest.
Keep: Stick to clothing that fits, flatters, and gets worn regularly. A few pieces with sentimental value are fine, but limit yourself. If you’re keeping clothes in the hope that they’ll fit again someday, choose only one or two and donate the rest.
Donate: Anything clean and in good condition that you haven’t worn in the last year should go. This includes jackets, shoes, handbags, and everyday basics. Local shelters and donation centers will gladly take them.
Toss: Get rid of anything stained, torn, stretched out, or missing buttons. If it looks like it belongs in the rag pile, that’s probably where it should go.
Kitchen Items
Kitchen drawers are a hotspot for clutter. Think about how many spatulas, broken appliances, or mismatched containers you’ve collected over time.
Keep: Essential tools you actually use should stay. This includes everyday pots, your go-to knife set, and appliances you use often, like a blender or air fryer.
Donate: If you have duplicates, older appliances that still work, or cooking gear you haven’t used in a year, someone else can put them to good use.
Toss: Throw out anything that’s cracked, rusted, or missing pieces. No one needs half a set of Tupperware or a coffee maker with a broken lid.
Kid’s Items
It’s tempting to keep every item your child has ever used or worn, but most of it will never be needed again. Be realistic about what has real value.
Keep: Hold onto a few special items like the coming-home outfit, a favorite toy, or a baby blanket. Keep only the gear that is still in great condition and could be reused safely.
Donate: Clothing, toys, and books that are clean and fully functional can be given to other families or charities.
Toss: Pacifiers, bottles, and anything chewed, broken, or heavily used should be discarded. Worn-out baby gear can pose safety risks.
Furniture
Large furniture pieces are the biggest hassle during a move. If you don’t love it or use it, don’t bring it.
Keep: Functional, high-quality pieces that will fit your new home and serve a daily purpose should come with you. This includes your bed, couch, and dining table.
Donate: Still-good furniture that you no longer need can be passed along to a college student, young family, or local shelter.
Toss: If it’s broken, sagging, or hasn’t been used in years, it doesn’t deserve space in the moving truck. Save yourself the trouble and get rid of it now.
Avoid Packing Regrets
Nothing slows down your move like packing things you don’t even want. Every item you take is one more thing to lift, load, and unpack. Use this opportunity to reset your space and start fresh. Decluttering before the move helps you walk into your new home with a clearer mind and fewer boxes.
Still can’t part with everything just yet? That’s completely fine. MACS Storage & Moving offers clean, secure storage units in Lake Geneva that are perfect for items you’re not ready to let go of. Whether it’s seasonal gear, sentimental boxes, or just overflow you don’t want underfoot during unpacking, we can help.
Ready for a Fresh Start? Move With Less, Live With More
Don’t let old stuff weigh you down. Moving is a fresh start, and the less you bring, the better it feels. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the state, use this opportunity to declutter your life and simplify your surroundings.
Let MACs Storage & Moving take the pressure off. From full-service moving support to flexible storage solutions, we’re here to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
Reach out today for a free quote and let’s get you moving in the right direction.