Top 10 Things People Forget to Toss Before Moving

Movers loading boxes into a van, illustrating the process of sorting through items to toss before moving.

Planning a move in the DC area? Don’t waste time packing clutter you’ll never use. Most people don’t realize how much junk they’ve collected until it’s time to move. From tangled cords to expired pantry items, it’s easy to forget what’s hiding in drawers, closets, and basements.

In this post, we’ll cover the top 10 things people forget to toss before moving, and how junk removal in DC can make your move faster, easier, and stress-free.


Why You Should Declutter Before Moving

Packing is stressful — but packing stuff you don’t need is even worse. Decluttering before you move saves time, reduces moving costs, and gives you a fresh start in your new home. It also keeps junk from piling up in your new space.

If you’re planning a move in Washington, DC, now is the perfect time to book DC junk removal services and clear out the clutter the right way.


Top 10 Items to Toss Before Moving

1. Old Cords and Electronics

That mystery charger you haven’t used in 3 years? Toss it. Old cables, broken electronics, and unused devices are common clutter items.

2. Expired Pantry Items

Check those shelves — you probably have expired sauces, old canned goods, and stale snacks. Don’t waste time packing them.

3. Broken or Duplicate Tools

Moving is your chance to ditch that rusty wrench or extra screwdriver set you never touch. If it’s broken or unused, it’s junk.

4. Worn-Out Linens and Towels

Old sheets and towels take up space. If they’re stained, ripped, or faded, donate or discard them before moving day.

5. Unused Cleaning Supplies and Paints

Most moving companies won’t transport hazardous materials. Safely dispose of old paint, chemicals, and expired cleaning products. Check out the EPA guide on hazardous waste for safe disposal tips.

6. Unused Kitchen Gadgets

Do you really need that popcorn machine or fondue set? If it hasn’t been used in a year, leave it behind.

7. Outgrown or Unused Clothing

Closets are full of clothes that don’t fit or haven’t been worn in years. Donate what you can and toss what’s worn out.

8. Old Paperwork

Shred and recycle old bills, manuals, or receipts you no longer need. Don’t bring paper clutter into your new home.

9. Expired Bathroom Products

From dried-up makeup to expired meds and old lotions, your bathroom likely has items that don’t need to move with you.

10. Damaged or Outdated Furniture

Broken chairs, wobbly tables, or furniture that doesn’t suit your new home should be hauled away. Let a DC junk removal team handle the heavy lifting.


How Junk Removal in DC Makes Moving Easier

Hiring a junk removal service in Washington, DC saves you time and effort during one of life’s most stressful events. At DC Junky Removal, we handle everything from unwanted furniture and old appliances to garage clutter and more.

We offer:

  • Residential junk removal

  • Pre-move cleanouts

  • Eco-friendly disposal (we recycle, donate, and reduce landfill waste)

  • Fast, local service in the DC metro area

Instead of wasting time sorting, hauling, and disposing of unwanted items, let us do it for you.


Get Your Free Moving Purge Checklist

Need help staying organized while packing? We’ve created a free printable purge checklist that breaks down what to toss room by room.

👉 Coming soon right here on dcjunkyremoval.com


Final Moving Tips

  • Start decluttering at least two weeks before your move

  • Don’t pack “just in case” items — be realistic

  • Schedule junk removal early to avoid delays

  • Label donation and junk boxes clearly


Ready to Declutter Before Your Move?

Moving should be a fresh start — not a chance to move old junk from one place to another.

If you’re planning a move in Washington, DC, trust DC Junky Removal for fast, affordable, and eco-conscious service.

Contact us today to schedule reliable junk removal in DC and make your move lighter and easier.

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