What to Do With All the Junk After a Big Move (And How to Keep It From Coming Back)

Moving into a new home is exciting, but let’s be honest — it usually leaves behind one big headache: junk. Whether it’s packing materials, leftover furniture, or boxes of things you swear you’ll deal with later, moving generates more clutter than most people expect.

Here’s a practical guide on what to do with your post-move junk, how to stay organized, and what you need to know about decluttering after a move.

Why Moving Creates So Much Junk

Even if you think you’re moving light, the truth is this: most moves reveal just how much stuff you don’t need. You might find:

• Old electronics that no longer work (and can’t go in the trash)

• Furniture that doesn’t fit your new space

• Boxes of mystery items you haven’t opened since your last move

• Stacks of cardboard, plastic wrap, and Styrofoam from packing

And once everything is unpacked, that junk tends to sit there. It clutters your garage, fills your basement, or piles up in the spare room.

1.

Sort First, Don’t Dump

Before you haul everything to the dump or let it take over your space, take a minute to sort through your junk:

• Donate items that are still in good condition to your local Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul.

• Recycle electronics, cardboard, and plastics properly. Visit Earth911’s recycling locator to find a drop-off near you.

• Throw away broken items or hazardous waste at your municipal drop-off center. Check with your city’s public works department (or your local equivalent) to follow guidelines.

2.

Create a “Declutter Zone”

Instead of letting junk spread across your home, set up a declutter zone in your garage or basement. As you unpack, toss anything you don’t need there. Once you’ve gone through every room, you’ll have one consolidated pile to deal with — instead of ten.

3.

Give Yourself a Deadline

This part is crucial. If you don’t set a junk removal deadline, that clutter might still be there six months later. Whether it’s a weekend haul or a call to a professional (like Junk Jumpers), mark your calendar and get it out.

4.

Prevent Future Junk Build-Up

After the move is done and the junk is gone, keep your space clean by:

• Implementing a “one in, one out” rule — for every new item you bring in, remove an old one.

• Doing a 15-minute weekly reset to return items to their place.

• Keeping a “donate” bin near your entryway or garage for things you no longer need.

5.

Items to Always Be Careful With

Some junk items need special disposal — either because they’re hazardous, illegal to dump, or recyclable:

• Paint cans and chemicals: Check your city’s hazardous waste guidelines.

• TVs and computers: Look for certified e-waste recycling programs.

• Large furniture: Donate to organizations that offer pickup, or schedule a curbside pickup with your city.

In Summary

Moving can create a huge amount of clutter — but if you plan ahead and take the time to sort, schedule, and simplify, you can start fresh without junk dragging you down.

Want more free tips like this? Check out our blog at junkjumpers.com/blog or follow us on Facebook for weekly guides on organizing, decluttering, and disposal best practices.