Moving cross country is a massive life change. Whether you're heading to a new city for work, family, or just a fresh start, there's one truth every cross-country mover learns: you don't need to bring everything with you.
It's tempting to pack every drawer, closet, and box like you're never coming back. But shipping your entire life coast-to-coast can be expensive, time-consuming, and, frankly, exhausting. So before the moving trucks show up, or you book that long-haul drive, it’s time to downsize.
Let’s walk through what you should really get rid of when moving cross country and why letting go might be the best move you make.
Clothes You Haven’t Worn in a Year
We all have them: the “maybe someday” jeans, the worn-out t-shirts with nostalgic value, and that winter coat that hasn’t seen the light of day since 2018. If it’s been sitting in your closet untouched for over a year, it’s time to say goodbye.
Moving is the perfect excuse to reassess your wardrobe. Ask yourself:
Does it fit?
Is it in good condition?
Would I wear this tomorrow?
If the answer is no to any of the above, donate it, sell it, or toss it. Your new closet will thank you.
Broken or Unused Electronics
From that old printer collecting dust to the drawer full of tangled charging cords, electronics can easily clutter your space, and weigh down your move.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: if it hasn’t been plugged in for over 6 months, it probably doesn’t need to come with you.
Be sure to recycle electronics responsibly. Most cities have designated e-waste programs or drop-off points. You’ll lighten your load and help the environment at the same time.
Bulky Furniture That’s Not Worth the Cost
Let’s talk about the big stuff. That couch you got from your cousin in college? The particle board bookshelf that’s been moved three times already? They may not survive another move, and they might cost more to ship than they’re actually worth.
Before you commit to moving any large furniture, ask:
Is this high-quality or sentimental?
Will it fit in the new space?
Is it worth the furniture shipping cost?
Sometimes, it makes more sense to sell or donate bulky items and buy new (or second-hand) furniture once you arrive. Not only will your move be cheaper, but you’ll also have the chance to redesign your new space with intention.
Expired or Unused Pantry Items
You’d be surprised how many people box up entire pantries of food, cans, spices, and half-used bags of flour, and move them across the country. Don’t be one of them.
Sort through your kitchen:
Toss expired or stale items.
Donate unopened, non-perishable goods to a local food bank.
Use up what you can in the weeks before the move.
It’s food, not furniture. Unless it's a specialty item or has sentimental value (we're looking at you, grandma’s jam), leave it behind.
Old Paperwork and Documents
Filing cabinets are heavy. Most of what we file, bills, old tax returns, warranties, can be digitized. Share what you don’t need, scan what you do, and keep only the essentials (birth certificates, passports, titles, etc.) in a clearly labeled folder.
Bonus tip: Back everything up to the cloud and an external hard drive for extra peace of mind.
Duplicates and “Just in Case” Items
We all have them. Two toasters. Three sets of measuring cups. Five extra towels “just in case.”
Moving cross country is the time to let go of redundancies. Evaluate your household items and ask yourself:
Do I need more than one of these?
Is it easy to replace later?
Have I used this in the past 6 months?
Remember: every box adds up in cost, space, and energy.
Unused Hobby Equipment
That yoga mat you swore you’d use every morning? The camping gear still in the box? The bread machine that was a Black Friday impulse buy?
It’s okay to admit when a hobby didn’t stick.
Letting go of unused gear clears space (physically and mentally) for what really matters. Sell or donate items to someone who will use and appreciate them. You’re not giving up, you’re just being real.
Outdated Décor
Your home tells a story, but sometimes, that story is ten years old and includes a lava lamp.
Decor items are especially tricky because they’re emotional. But before you pack that picture frame or wall art, ask:
Does this reflect who I am today?
Will this work in my new space?
Is it worth shipping?
Letting go of décor doesn’t mean erasing memories. Take photos of pieces you’re fond of, then pass them along. Your new home is a blank canvas, you get to start fresh.
Toiletries and Cleaning Supplies
Let’s be honest: you don’t need to move that half-used bottle of shampoo. Nor do you need to pack up old sponges, mop heads, or leaky containers of cleaner.
Use up what you can before the move and toss the rest. Many products are either not allowed in moving trucks or can leak and damage your belongings.
You’ll need to restock on arrival anyway, why not start fresh?
Sentimental Items You’re Ready to Release
This one’s the hardest, and the most freeing.
We all hold onto things for emotional reasons. Old birthday cards, childhood toys, letters from people we’ve lost touch with. Some of these are treasures. Others are emotional clutter.
As you go through these items, ask:
Why am I keeping this?
How do I feel when I look at it?
Would a photo of this item suffice?
Moving is symbolic. It’s a turning of the page. Allow yourself to let go of the things whose chapters have closed.
Sell, Donate, or Recycle, Don’t Just Trash It
Now that you’ve identified what to get rid of, the next step is deciding how to responsibly offload it.
Sell it: Use Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or a yard sale. Even a few bucks can help offset moving costs.
Donate it: Goodwill, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or local shelters are great places to donate gently used items.
Recycle it: Electronics, metals, certain plastics, and paper can often be recycled instead of tossed.
Clearing out responsibly not only helps your wallet, it supports your community and keeps usable items out of landfills.
A Quick Word on Furniture Shipping
Shipping furniture cross country can be a big expense. Before you load up the moving truck or hire a specialty mover, ask yourself:
Is the furniture worth the cost of shipping?
Could I replace it for less?
Will it even fit in my new space?
There are times when furniture shipping is absolutely worth it, like for heirlooms, high-quality pieces, or anything custom-made. But for mass-produced or worn items? It may be better to sell them locally and shop once you're settled.
Compare quotes from movers and research what’s truly worth hauling. Sometimes the emotional value outweighs the price, but it’s a call only you can make.
