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Things Youll Regret Packing When You Move

ByStan S.

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Decluttering and moving go hand-in-hand. While adding one more step to your packing-up process might sound unappealing, a fresh start in a new-to-you home is the perfect opportunity to say goodbye to items you no longer need.

Going through all of your items at the beginning of the moving process eliminates the need to unload, unpack, and unwrap items you no longer need, which can save you time and money, particularly if your moving company charges by weight. Whether it’s broken, a duplicate, or simply an item you haven’t used in over a year, it’s probably time to part ways. To simplify this process, we tapped expert movers and organizers to unpack which types of items are better left behind.

6 Types of Items that Aren’t Worth Moving

“Moving is a stressful time, but it can be made so much calmer with thoughtful preparation,” says Marissa Hagmeyer, NEAT Method cofounder. She advises beginning the decluttering process as soon as you know you are moving and becoming a regular at donation and recycling drop-off centers over the coming weeks. Below are the top six items that you should consider leaving behind.

1. Consumable Items

Try to use up as many of your perishable and consumable items as you can before you move, as these items typically don’t fare well traveling long distances. “Assorted food and cleaning products are easy to give away to someone who can use them by posting a porch or corner pickup on NextDoor or Facebook,” suggests Lucy Milligan Wahl, owner of LMW Edits.

2. Clothes That Don’t Fit

Take inventory of the clothes that don’t fit anyone in your home. Libby Wood, certified senior move manager at Senior Settlers, recommends following the rule of 33, which asserts that most of us wear only 33 items of clothing (excluding basics like underwear and socks) and the rest largely go unused. “Consider letting someone who needs clothes enjoy those languishing items and take only your favorite 33 items to the new home,”.

Make an exception for hand-me-downs that will soon fit younger children, but everything else can go.

3. Hazardous Items

Paint and batteries are two items that are safer to buy at your new location. Hagmeyer says many moving companies won’t even transport paint, while batteries can be a safety hazard when moving in the warmer months. Be sure to plan ahead so you can drop paint cans at the hazardous waste center before moving day.

4. Items Your Family Has Outgrown

If you’re still hanging onto toddler bikes, strollers, and baby toys, but your kids are in college, it’s time to make some edits.

“Don’t waste resources moving things that aren’t useful to you,” says Hagmeyer. The same goes for any items you haven’t touched in recent years. “Don’t keep things that you don’t use anymore: that specialty kitchen gadget that hasn’t been used since 1986, the outdated electronics sitting in a drawer, the book with the collected works of Albert Camus that hasn’t been opened since your college philosophy course,”.

5. Junk Drawer Contents

Appliance manuals, broken items you never got around to fixing, empty cell phone boxes—no matter what’s in it, your junk drawer should not be moving with you.

“It’s so tempting to just sweep the contents of miscellaneous drawers and bins into boxes without looking at them,” says Wahl. “This is where you’re going to want to think ahead—how is it going to feel to unpack boxes in your new home and be faced with all these surprise boxes of junk?” Consider this your chance to clear out these odds and ends and start fresh in your new home.

6. Useful Items You Don’t Use

If you don’t use it, it shouldn’t come with you. Wahl says it’s as simple as that. “If you weren’t making smoothies or sawing wood or steaming carpets before, you’re probably not going to start now, and you can free up space during your move and in your new home by getting rid of bulky equipment you never use,”.

How to Let Go of Items Responsibly

Don’t just throw everything in the trash. Follow Hagmeyer’s pro tips for letting your items go responsibly.

  • Bulk items. Schedule a large pickup with your local thrift store after you’ve completed your clean out.
  • Items donation centers won’t take. Post these items on your local neighborhood groups. Even if you don’t make a profit, you’ll have the benefit of ensuring they’ll be put to use elsewhere.
  • Hazardous items. Research recycling centers that accept these items and create a plan to drop them off before moving day.
  • Paper, cardboard boxes, and manuals. Recycle all your paper items, including your post-move cardboard boxes.
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    Unspoken Fence Etiquette Rules You Should Follow to Be a Good Neighbour

    ByStan S.

    If you share a backyard fence with neighbors, you know the rules around them can be a bit murky. Is it OK to paint your side of the fence, even if you aren’t the owner? Do you have to let your neighbors know if you plan to make changes to the fence? And, if the fence gets damaged, does the owner need to fix it within a certain timeframe? To provide you with answers to these questions and more, we turned to Kristi Spencer, an etiquette coach and founder of The Polite Company. Spencer stresses the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and being respectful and considerate at all times. When it comes to making any changes, getting permission from the fence owner is a must. Even if you are the owner of the fence, giving your neighbors a heads up about any coming changes is a courtesy they will appreciate and hopefully reciprocate. Below, Spencer shares six fence etiquette rules you need to follow to be respectful to your neighbors. 1. Keep Lines of Communication Open Being friendly when you see neighbors that you share a fence with can go a long way. “Look for ways to keep the lines of communication open with your neighbors, even if it’s just a friendly wave when you see them, ” Spencer says. This maintains pleasant relations and keeps the door open for any future conversations regarding the fence and other neighborhood-related topics. 2. Maintain the Fence and Surrounding Area No matter who the owner of the fence is, Spencer says it’s important to keep both sides well taken care of. This means ensuring it’s in good condition, looks nice and clean, and there is no evident damage to it, whether that’s a hole or a missing plank of wood. Additionally, the etiquette expert says you should take care of the area surrounding the fence, such as the ground underneath it. “Clear away leaves and make sure the weeds are mowed and don’t creep into your neighbor’s property,” she says. Related 3. Inform Neighbors About Any Planned Changes “Even if you are the owner of the fence, always let your neighbors know about any changes you plan to make to it,” Spencer says. Making changes to the fence doesn’t just affect your backyard, it affects your neighbors’ backyard, in both a practical and a visual sense. Make sure you give them a sufficient heads up about any planned changes such as fence repairs, updates, or replacements. Not only is it the considerate thing to do, not doing so can have consequences. For example, if your neighbor has a dog that spends a lot of time in the backyard, you will need to make them aware of any repairs that will be made, as the construction can affect the dog’s safety and ability to be outside. 4. Don’t Paint the Fence Without Permission When it comes to painting the fence, Spencer says any changes should only be made by the owner or with their permission. “I wouldn’t take on any fence improvement projects without the owner’s permission, even if you are stuck looking at an ugly fence,” she says. A fence can be a large investment and if you are not the one who paid for it, painting or staining your side a different color is something you should never do without getting consent first. 5. Have a Conversation About Repairs While ideally, a fence would be repaired as quickly as possible, especially if there is a safety concern with children or pets, Spencer says the owner is not obligated to fix it within a specific timeframe. The only exception is if there is a homeowner’s association or city code violation. If you are waiting for your neighbor to fix the fence, Spencer recommends starting with a friendly conversation. “Offer to help with the repair or a temporary fix if you can, even if it’s just something simple like holding boards or hammering a few nails,” she says. Spencer adds that your neighbor may just be waiting for a contractor or dealing with an insurance issue, so don’t immediately assume they are delaying the repair just to make life difficult for you. 6. Be Considerate and Respectful “No matter what you’ve heard, it’s good neighbors who make good neighbors,” Spencer says. She explains that when we lead with consideration, respect, and honesty, we can build precious relationships that last a lifetime. “When issues arise, approach the situation with an open mind, listen as much, if not more, than you speak, and be willing to compromise,” Spencer adds.

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    Can You Paint the Side of a Neighbors Fence That Faces Your Yard?

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / Vitalii Petrushenko Of all the costly outdoor groundskeeping on the to-do list, refreshing a fence might seem like light work. However, if it separates your property from the one next door, updating it with a fresh coat of paint or stain might not be so straightforward. Although changing the part that faces your house is tempting, you must determine who actually owns the fence and whether you have the legal or neighborly right to paint it. Altering a shared fence without permission can lead to legal disputes, homeowner association (HOA) penalties, and unpleasant interactions with neighbors. Luckily, fence ownership debates can be resolved amicably, but there’s an art to negotiating shared costs and exploring alternatives to maintain the peace. Determine Who Owns the Fence Determining who owns a fence that divides two properties isn’t always straightforward. Jeff Lichtenstein, CEO and broker at Echo Fine Properties, says it depends on each state and county’s rules as well as whether you belong to an HOA. A land surveyor or a legal agreement might resolve the issue. Not every fence is positioned exactly along property lines. If the fence is on just one owner’s land, then that owner owns it. What if you hate the way it looks facing your property? “Even if it’s facing your property, it’s no different than a neighbor’s blue house facing your property,” Lichtenstein says. “The side of the house is what you see, and the owner doesn’t usually see it. Still, you can’t paint it whatever color you wish.” Property surveys are often the most reliable way to determine where your land ends and your neighbor’s begins. In neighborhoods without HOA regulations or clear agreements, it’s best to obtain explicit permission before undertaking any action that might alter a structure your neighbor legally owns. If you can’t stand the condition or color of the fence facing your home, then you need to start a delicate negotiation. Related Negotiate with Your Neighbor Zach Peyton, brand president of Superior Fence & Rail, jokingly references the famous Robert Frost line, “Good fences make good neighbors, right?” Wrong. He says that a few considerations make all the difference. There may be cases when ownership can’t be easily established because neither neighbor has the original paperwork or the ability to schedule a property boundary survey. This may happen if neighbors had disputes in the past, if the land is rural or farmland, or if either property is part of an estate sale. In any case, if one neighbor paid for the original fence outright, that generally indicates ownership of the fence. However, if costs are shared or unclear, open and honest communication can help prevent future conflict. Peyton outlines a common scenario: “Mr. Smith wants to replace the fence during a larger backyard renovation, but Mrs. Jones, who technically owns it, doesn’t have the budget for it right now. If Mr. Smith is eager to proceed and has permission from the fence owner, he may opt to take on the full financial burden of replacing the fence. In that case, the new fence would belong to Mr. Smith.” In other words, if your half of the fence bothers, you might have to take on 100% of the responsibility for a fix that serves both you and the neighbor. Who Pays for the Paint Job? Cost-sharing can be a delicate issue. According to Lichtenstein, the simple rule of thumb is: “If you really want something, offer to pay for the entire job.” He explains that this approach usually removes friction, especially if the neighbor isn’t particularly concerned with aesthetics. “They get a benefit out of it, but it doesn’t require them to invest.” On the flip side, painting a fence without permission—even if you foot the bill—can backfire. Plain wooden fences may require a simple DIY coat of paint, but painting wrought iron, lattice, or brick fencing could damage the material irreversibly. Lichtenstein warns that homeowners who alter a fence without consent risk more than just neighborly tension. “You could be fined by the HOA, sued by your neighbor, and have legal penalties and judgments against you,” he says. What starts as a cosmetic improvement could become an expensive legal issue if the fence is ruined or the installation somehow affects your neighbor’s yard or lawn. Best Practices and Fence Alternatives “I tell every homeowner we know to buy their new neighbors a cookie cake and introduce yourself,” Lichtenstein says. While it may sound like a small gesture, taking the time to talk, explain your reasons, and ask questions can go a long way toward maintaining a collaborative approach. If you and your neighbor can’t agree, sometimes the best solution is to leave the fence as is. Create a new kind of boundary. Hedges, tall grasses, and trellises with climbing plants can provide privacy without encroaching on shared structures. “With hedges, it’s more common that you take care of your side and they, theirs,” Lichtenstein says, which can help avoid future fence disputes. If you have outdoor pets to protect, you may need to create other barriers on your side of the property line. Hardscaping or a secondary fence might be a suitable alternative. Remember, if the fence condition poses a hazard to your health—think broken slats, exposed sharp metal, or chipping toxic paint—take it up with your HOA or municipality to broker a long-term remedy.

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    6 Patio Pieces You Didn’t Know You Could and Should Clean with Dish Soap

    ByStan S.

    Outdoor patio furniture and decor is made of weather-resistant materials, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get dirty. Properly storing items is essential, as is regular cleaning. The good news is, you can effectively clean all kinds of patio items with one product that may already be sitting by your kitchen sink: Dawn dish soap. “Patio items accumulate all sorts of grime—from food spills and sticky drink residues to pollen, dust, and even environmental oils,” says Arianna Castro, P&G home care scientist. Whether it’s regular dish soap or one of the brand’s heavy-duty sprays, Castro says they are extremely useful for cleaning a variety of patio items, and remove up to 99% of grease and grime. “These products are designed to lift and break down these oily and greasy soils, allowing them to be easily rinsed away,” the she says. To help you keep your patio ready for lounging and entertaining all season long, here are the outdoor items you can clean with dish soap. 1. Outdoor Chair Cushions and Rugs If you notice a stain on your outdoor chair cushions or a dirty spot on the patio rug, Castro suggests spot-cleaning them with dish soap. “It’s great for treating stains, especially those that are greasy or food-based,” she says. Dawn dish soap is excellent for targeted stain treatment according to the expert, but she does recommend using a dedicated outdoor fabric cleaner for full cleaning. Before you use dish soap to spot-treat outdoor textiles, try it on a hidden spot such as the under-side of a rug to make sure it doesn’t cause discoloration. Related 2. Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces Dawn dish soap products are gentle on finishes but tough on dirt, which makes them ideal for cleaning a variety of patio pieces and backyard fixtures. “You can use them on hard, non-porous surfaces such as plastic or resin furniture, glass tabletops, [and] vinyl siding on sheds,” Castro says. One option is to mix a couple of drops of dish soap with warm water in a large bucket and scrub the items with a non-abrasive brush or sponge. Another is to use one of the brand’s sprays and spritz the dirty surface, wipe it down, then rinse with water. 3. Synthetic Wicker Furniture Not all outdoor furniture that looks like wicker is actually made of natural wicker—some is constructed from synthetic materials such as resin or plastic. Castro says you can clean synthetic wicker furniture with dish soap, but does not recommend using dish soap on natural wicker or wood surfaces to avoid damaging their finish. When cleaning synthetic wicker, make sure to use a non-abrasive sponge or brush that doesn’t cause scratches that can leave the material more vulnerable to weather-related damage. 4. Grill Grates Backyard barbecues may be fun, but cleaning sticky grill grates—not so much. Castro recommends using dish soap, which is both safe to use and effectively cuts through stubborn grease on gas and charcoal grills. As a general rule of thumb Dawn dish soap is safe to use on stainless steel, cast iron, and porcelain coated grills, but as with every appliance, it is best to check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to be on the safe side. 5. Kids’ Plastic Outdoor Toys If your kids have plastic outdoor toys on the patio, Castro suggests giving them a good clean with dish soap. In a large bucket, mix a couple of drops of dish soap with warm water and stir to combine. Use a non-abrasive sponge or bucket to scrub plastic toys clean, making sure you target any extra grimey spots or crevices that collect dirt and pollen. Rinse the toys with a hose and allow them to air dry completely. 6. Outdoor Coolers Between sticky spills and old food residue, outdoor coolers can get pretty gross. And since they hold food and drinks, it’s especially important to clean them properly and regularly in order to prevent mold from growing and potentially contaminating the cooler’s contents. Castro recommends using dish soap to clean outdoor coolers. If you notice that the cooler has an unpleasant smell, pre-treat it before cleaning. Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle and generously spritz the inside of the cooler (including the lid) with the mixture. Let it work for at least 30 minutes before scrubbing down the cooler with warm soapy water. Rinse it off the suds with water, wipe it dry with a clean microfiber cloth, and leave it open to fully dry before stocking it again.

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    8 Patio Furniture Trends Designers Swear by for an Outdoor Escape

    ByStan S.

    Your outdoor space is a part of your home—and it deserves just as much thought and personality as your interiors. “Since the days of COVID, we’ve leaned heavily into outdoor living, and it’s changed the way we decorate our exteriors,” says home style expert Ursula Carmona. To help you bring the same level of intention and style to your backyard, patio, balcony, or porch, we tapped interior designers and experts at leading patio furniture brands. Read on for the patio furniture trends they’re seeing in 2025—and how to bring them to life in your space. Ursula Carmona is a content creator and home style expert. Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald is the senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate, a home and garden retailer. Lindsay Schleis is a design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD, an outdoor furniture brand. 1. Room Vignettes Think of your outdoor area as a true extension of your home—one with defined zones for how you actually live. “Start by considering the ‘rooms’ you wish to define and how you envision living within these spaces,” says Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald, senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate. “Will it be a retreat? A place to host gatherings? Or an intimate spot for friends? Integral to outdoor living is the creation of distinct areas—like an outdoor living room, dining zone, relaxing retreat by the pool, or an outdoor kitchen for a complete alfresco dining experience.” Once the layout is in place, add layers of decor. “Don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out—cozy seating, layered textiles, styled vignettes,” says Carmona. 2. Elevate Small Spaces A sprawling patio isn’t a prerequisite for great outdoor design. A small balcony or backyard can shine with the right pieces. “We’re seeing a heightened demand for furniture solutions tailored to small or uniquely shaped living spaces,” says Lindsay Schleis, design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD. “Limited square footage doesn’t have to equate to limited style. Consumers are getting creative to transform a tucked-away corner into a cozy nook with a deep-seated chair or find the perfect dining set to fit their balcony.” Finish the look with layered lighting, potted plants, and textured cushions to maximize comfort and visual interest. Related Credit: Rett Peek  3. Blend Modern with Traditional Modern design isn’t going anywhere—but now, it’s being softened with timeless touches. “New traditional style is about crafting a space that seamlessly bridges classic and modern aesthetics,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “This results in an environment that is both comfortable and sophisticated, inviting yet cohesive, and—at its core—truly timeless.” Classics like Adirondack and rocking chairs remain evergreen staples, but when paired with streamlined forms and modern materials, they feel fresh and updated. “Blend classic silhouettes and colors with modern ones in furniture or accent pieces,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Then add layers of textiles, such as patterns and solids in rugs and pillows to infuse texture, comfort, and a dash of personality.” 4. Extend Patio Season with All-Weather Furniture Summer may be the official patio season for those who live in colder climates, but thanks to all-season furniture, patios and porches are becoming year-round destinations. “Our patios and porches are getting just as much love as our living rooms, which means durability and performance materials are a must,” Carmona says. Schleis is seeing the same: “Homeowners are extending their living spaces outside, where they can host friends and entertain at any time of year,” she says. “For that reason, all-weather dining, lounge, and fire pit table sets continue to grow in popularity.” 5. Design a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Space Outdoor design isn’t just for adults anymore. As more families invest in their exterior spaces, we’re seeing a rise in furniture collections made just for kids. “We launched our kids collection last year and it’s been met with enthusiasm,” Schleis says. “Parents are clearly eager to create comfortable and stylish outdoor areas specifically for their children, mirroring the adult spaces they’ve created.” Credit: Victoria Pearson 6. Infuse Nature into the Aesthetic Designers are embracing earthy tones and organic textures to help outdoor spaces feel grounded and serene. “Nature-inspired palettes and textures bring a sense of calm and relaxation to our busy lives,” says Schleis. “All shades of browns and natural, warm tones allow your furniture to both blend in with the environment while making a statement.” Look for woven accents, wood finishes, and stone-inspired materials that enhance the natural vibe. 7. Go Bold With Art Deco Decor The bold glamour of Art Deco is making a comeback—yes, even outside. Characterized by clean symmetry, curved forms, and metal materials, this iconic design style brings sophistication to patios and porches. “To incorporate Art Deco outdoors, opt for designs that provide a sleek foundation with refined details,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Introduce geometric patterns and colors through pillows and rugs and accentuate the area with brass items like lanterns and statuary for understated elegance.” Carmona has seen jewel tones trending both indoors and outdoors. To amp up the color when you’re entertaining, try emerald green cushions, sapphire blue rugs, or ruby red tableware. Credit: David Tsay 8. Play with Patterns Patterns are having a moment outdoors—from florals and stripes to geometric and global-inspired prints. “Seasonal motifs can complement any patio style, infusing fun and personality into your design,” says Smith-Fitzgerald, who says the key to adding pattern without overwhelming your space is balance. “Let these elements shine as focal points, ensuring they don’t

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