Moving into a new home is exciting—but packing up your entire life can also feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to make your move smoother is to declutter before the big day. Not only will it reduce stress, but it will also lower your moving costs.

If you’re relocating to or from Wilmington, Dover, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna, or anywhere in Delaware, here are the top 5 items to get rid of before you move—and why.

1. Old Clothes You Don’t Wear

If it’s been sitting in your closet for a year or more, it’s time to let it go.

Why to get rid of them: Clothes take up space and add unnecessary weight to your move.

What to do instead: Donate to organizations like Goodwill Delaware or sell them on Facebook Marketplace.

2. Bulky or Worn-Out Furniture

That old recliner or chipped dining table may not be worth the effort.

Why to get rid of them: Large, heavy furniture is expensive to move and may not fit your new space.

What to do instead: Donate through Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Delaware or schedule a local pick-up service.

3. Outdated Electronics & Appliances

Old TVs, microwaves, and outdated gadgets often end up sitting unused in the new house.

Why to get rid of them: Electronics are heavy, take up space, and may not even work properly anymore.

What to do instead: Recycle responsibly via Delaware Solid Waste Authority E-Cycles .

4. Expired or Unused Pantry & Cleaning Items

Check your cabinets and garage for expired food, half-empty cleaning bottles, or old paint.

Why to get rid of them: Liquids and chemicals can spill during transport and expired food is not worth the space.

What to do instead: Dispose of household hazardous waste safely through DSWA drop-off locations.


5. Excess Paper & Books

Stacks of old magazines, outdated tax documents, and unused books can get heavy fast.

Why to get rid of them: Paper adds weight, which increases moving costs.

What to do instead: Shred unneeded documents using local services like Shred-it Delaware and donate books to Delaware Libraries.

Why Decluttering Before Moving Matters

Every extra box means more time, more effort, and higher moving costs. By decluttering first, you’ll:

• Save money on your move
• Make unpacking easier
• Start fresh in your new Delaware home

A happy family sitting in their new home with minimal boxes, symbolizing a fresh start.

At InspireUrMove, we’ve helped families across Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Middletown, and beyond simplify their relocations by planning smarter—not harder.

Ready to Move Stress-Free in Delaware?

Don’t let unwanted clutter slow you down. Whether you’re moving across town or across the state, trust InspireUrMove, your reliable Delaware moving company, to make the process smooth and affordable.

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Because moving should be the start of a fresh chapter—not extra baggage.