Whether you’re shacking up with your significant other, upgrading to a bigger space, or relocating to a new city, moving is a fun and exciting milestone. However, the logistics of moving is a lot easier said than done. From finding an apartment to changing the mailing address for all of your bills and important paperwork, the entire process is really, really stressful. In fact, it’s probably why so many of us avoid moving at all costs.
But while everyone talks a lot about the agony that comes with finding a new place, we rarely discuss picking up and physically moving all our stuff. Simply put, it’s tough work, too.
“The idea of packing up everything in our lives will always be super stressful,” says Lauren Cox, Havenly ‘s design program manager. “It’s challenging to adapt existing pieces into a blank slate that may be an entirely different size or style.”
While you’d love to transport every last vase, throw pillow, or frame to your new space, the truth is not everything will work in your new home. Maybe that amazing armchair won’t fit in your new home’s layout or you’re almost positive at least two of those wine glasses will break in transit, but whatever the reason, it’s best to part ways with some things before you make the move.
To help make your move as stress-free as possible, we’re sharing four pieces you should always replace once you’re in your new space.
1. Most Rugs
It’s no secret that rugs are crucial to any good design scheme. Not only do they literally warm up cold, hardwood floors in the winter, but they have the power to give any space an inviting, cozy feeling. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should schlep them over to your new space. Your existing rug might not fit in with your new layout, either.
“They get so much wear and tear that it’s likely you’re up for a new one anyway, but a rug that is too small can look super awkward,” Cox explains. “Conversely, a rug that is too large can make your room feel super cramped.”
Bath and welcome mats are typically a one-size-fits all situation, and can easily have a second life in your new home. But anything larger? It may be best to part ways, unless of course, it’s a vintage piece with purposeful wear and tear.
2. Mattress
Now’s the time to think about how long you’ve had your mattress and if it’s time to get a new one. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should always ditch your mattress for every move. The average mattress lasts seven to 15 years , so there’s a good chance yours is still in great condition.
But if you’re experiencing some lumps and bumps and you’re about to move, now’s a better time than ever to hit the refresh button on your space.
3. Worn-Down Dining Table Sets
For many families, the dining room is the heart of the home. It’s where the kids complete their homework, parents catch up over a glass of wine, and where the entire family retreats for a mouth-watering dinner. You use your dining table set a lot, which is exactly why you shouldn’t feel so bad if you have to get rid of it when you move.
“Kitchen and dining room setups vary so much between homes, so you’ll want to make sure you have one that works for your space,” she says. “It’s probably one of your most-used items, after all!”
Speaking of dining table sets, Cox also recommends measuring your new countertop before adding those bar stools to your moving truck.
“No one wants to sit too low for their counter, or tower over it,” she explains.
4. Inexpensive Dinnerware
Let’s make on thing clear: We’re not suggesting you should discard grandma’s old wedding China or those coupe glasses you spent an arm and a leg on. However, if you have a bunch of inexpensive plates and glasses laying around, you might want to consider donating ’em. Got a bunch of mismatched plates and glasses from different sets throughout the years (and moves)? It’s the perfect time to take stock of all of them and see which ones to toss and keep.
But above all else, it’s important to consider the scale of your new place when determining what to toss (and keep!).
“The biggest mistake I see is trying to force furniture into a space that’s just too small or too big,” Cox warns. “Scale is really important for making your home feel well-designed and complete, so attempting to keep that huge furniture set when you downsize can be really difficult.”
If your old pieces don’t fit with your new home’s scale, you can always sell them and put that money toward your new furniture. Fortunately, we already scoured the app store for marketplaces that make selling your old pieces super easy. Check ’em out here !