5 Things a Pro Organizer Wished They Got Rid of Before They Moved

When we think of professional organizers, it’s easy to imagine flawless moving days—every box perfectly labeled, every item accounted for, and not a single thing out of place. But in reality, even the pros are just regular people who’ve learned how to tackle the chaos of moving through years of hands-on experience.

We recently spoke with a seasoned organizer who shared the advice she gives clients looking to downsize and declutter before a move. Her practical, real-world tips might be just what you need to lighten the load—literally—before your next big move.

Outdated and Nearly Empty Toiletries

Megan Golightly, the founder of Go Simplified, says expired and half-used beauty products are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to unnecessary clutter during a move.

“It’s amazing how many half-empty shampoo bottles and expired sunscreens end up wrapped in boxes,” she says.

Not only do they take up valuable space, but they’re also notorious for leaking in transit. Golightly says if you never reached for that emergency shampoo hiding in the back of your cabinet, you’re not likely to start using it in your new place.

Her advice? Skip the clutter and get a head start by tossing anything expired, nearly empty, or long forgotten before you pack.

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Decor You’ve Grown Out Of

According to Golightly, home decor is one of the most overlooked sources of clutter during a move.

“Everything from wall art, inherited furniture, and accents from years ago are big culprits in taking up space in your moving truck,” she says.

Many people hang on to pieces simply because they were expensive or gifted, not because they still love them. Golightly’s take? If an item doesn’t reflect the style you want in your new space, it’s only going to add visual clutter.

As you pack, she suggests holding each piece and asking yourself, “do I want to see this in my next home?” If the answer is no, it’s time to donate.

The Clothes You Never Wear

If you’re dreading packing up your closet, Golightly has a simple rule: don’t bring what you don’t wear. “Most people only wear 20% of what’s in their closet,” she says.

Since clothing can be deceptively heavy in boxes, it makes sense to lighten the load before moving day. Golightly recommends asking yourself if you want to pack, carry, and unpack an item before bringing it with you. Letting go of pieces that no longer fit or haven’t been worn in years not only cuts down on moving costs—it also gives you a cleaner, more intentional start in your new space.

Kitchen Gadgets You Rarely Reach For

Kitchen moving boxes are notoriously heavy and packed with items we don’t always use. That panini press you bought on a whim or the bagel slicer you bought solely for Christmas brunch three years ago? These gadgets and dishes can add unnecessary weight to your move.

Golightly recommends pausing before boxing up anything in your kitchen and asking yourself:

• Will I use this to cook right away in the new house?
• Is this gadget something I reach for regularly, or just once in a blue moon?
• If I let it go now and really need it later, is it easy to replace?

If your honest answer is “just in case,” Golightly says it’s probably safe to donate. Clearing out unused kitchen items leaves room for essentials you’ll use every week. Plus, it’s easier to unpack a kitchen that’s ready to cook in, rather than sift through piles of gadgets that gather dust.

Unwanted Family Heirlooms and Gifts

From grandma’s lace tablecloth to those bar stools your brother gifted you, a move is a great time to survey the hand-me-down items you’ve been carrying around out of obligation.

Golightly points out that parting with family heirlooms or unwanted gifts can be especially challenging because of guilt or sentimental ties.

“Time and again, I hear people say it feels ungrateful or even wrong to let go,” she explains.

But dragging these items to your new home often means carrying emotional baggage along with your boxes. Golightly recommends that if you’re feeling stuck, try discussing it with family or simply snap a photo to preserve the memory. After all, the memories live in you—not in the things.