When it comes to deciding what stays and what goes during a move, the process can become even more complicated. One of the most common questions people have during a move is whether to remove shelves from their home. Should you take them with you, leave them behind, or maybe somewhere in between?

Well, in this guide, we’ll explore the practical, emotional, and logistical aspects of removing shelves when moving.

Why Shelves Are Often Overlooked

Shelves, whether built-in or freestanding, are often an afterthought when it comes to moving. They blend into the background of our everyday lives, holding books, photos, knick-knacks, and more. But when moving day approaches, it’s important to think about whether those shelves should come along to your new home. There are several factors to consider: cost, convenience, utility, and emotional attachment.

Built-in vs. Freestanding Shelves

The first thing to consider is what type of shelves you’re dealing with. There’s a big difference between built-in shelves and freestanding units. Built-in shelves are generally fixed to the wall and are part of the home’s structure. Freestanding shelves, on the other hand, are portable and can easily be disassembled and reassembled in a new location.

• Built-in shelves: These are often custom-made to fit a particular space, so removing them can leave behind noticeable damage that requires repair. On the flip side, leaving them behind can enhance the value of the home for future buyers.
• Freestanding shelves: These are much easier to move and may even come apart for easy transport. However, depending on the size and material, freestanding shelves might not be as durable after multiple moves.

Considerations for Removing Built-in Shelves

If you’re dealing with built-in shelves, the decision to remove them gets a bit more complex. Here are a few key considerations to help guide your decision:

1. Will You Need the Shelves in Your New Home?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether you’ll need the shelves in your new space. Built-in shelves are designed to fit specific wall spaces, so unless your new home has similar dimensions, the shelves might not fit. It’s essential to think about the layout of your new home and whether those shelves will serve a practical purpose.

• Do they complement your new space? If your new home doesn’t have the same space where the built-ins fit, removing them might not be worth the effort.
• Do you like the style of the shelves? If you’ve grown attached to your shelves, it might be hard to leave them behind but try to balance that emotional attachment with practicality.

2. Potential Damage to Your Walls

Removing built-in shelves can cause damage to your walls. In most cases, these shelves are secured with screws, brackets, and sometimes even adhesive. Once you remove the shelves, you’ll be left with holes and possibly damaged drywall. If you’re renting, this could lead to losing your security deposit, or if you own the home, it means time and money spent on repairs.

Before you decide to remove built-ins, consider whether you’re prepared to patch up the walls or pay someone to do it for you. Sometimes it’s easier—and cheaper—to leave the shelves as they are.

3. Impact on Home Resale Value

Believe it or not, your shelves could impact your home’s resale value. Built-in shelving is often seen as an asset to potential buyers because it maximizes storage and adds character to a room. Removing these shelves could detract from your home’s appeal, especially if the space looks incomplete afterward.

On the other hand, if the shelves are outdated or don’t align with modern design preferences, leaving them might actually be a drawback. Be sure to consider how potential buyers might view the shelves before making a final decision.

4. Time and Effort

Removing built-in shelves is not always a quick or easy process. It can take time to unscrew fixtures, safely remove panels, and then repair any damage left behind. If you’re under a tight moving deadline, removing built-in shelves might not be worth the effort.

In contrast, if you have time to spare and want to bring the shelves along to your new home, you’ll need to carefully plan for the removal and transport process. Be sure to have the right tools on hand, such as a screwdriver, level, and patching kit.

Considerations for Freestanding Shelves

Freestanding shelves may seem like a no-brainer to bring along, but there are still a few things to think about before you pack them up.

1. Weight and Size

Some freestanding shelves, especially those made of solid wood or metal, can be heavy and bulky. If you’re moving long-distance or hiring movers, it’s worth considering whether the cost of moving the shelves is worth it. Sometimes, it might be more cost-effective to sell or donate the shelves and buy new ones for your new space.

• Disassembly: Many freestanding shelves can be disassembled, which makes them easier to transport. Be sure to keep all screws and brackets in a clearly labeled bag so you can easily reassemble them later.
• Weight distribution: Heavy shelves can add to your moving expenses. If you’re moving on a budget, take into account how much space and weight they’ll occupy in the moving truck.

2. Condition of the Shelves

Are your freestanding shelves in good condition? If the shelves have seen better days, moving them might not be worth it. Weak joints, chipped paint, or warped shelves can make the moving process more difficult and leave you with furniture that may not even be usable in your new home.

On the other hand, if the shelves are high-quality and in good condition, it’s worth considering their value and how they’ll fit into your new home. Shelves are a versatile storage solution, and if they’re in great shape, they’ll likely serve you well in your next space.

3. Cost of Replacement

If you’re debating whether to move your freestanding shelves or buy new ones, it’s worth comparing the cost of replacement. Shelving units range in price depending on the material and design, so take a moment to research how much it would cost to replace your current shelves if you left them behind.

• High-end shelves: If your shelves are custom-made or designer, moving them might be a smart financial decision.
• Affordable shelves: If you bought your shelves at a lower price point, it might make more sense to sell or donate them and start fresh in your new home.

Alternatives to Removing Shelves

If you’ve decided that moving your shelves is more trouble than it’s worth, there are still a few options to consider:

1. Sell or Donate the Shelves

Instead of removing or moving the shelves, consider selling or donating them. There’s always someone out there looking for shelving units, and platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local thrift stores are great places to find new homes for your shelves. Not only does this option help you declutter, but it can also reduce moving costs.

2. Leave Them for the Next Homeowner or Renter

Sometimes, the best option is to leave the shelves behind. If the shelves are in good condition and suit the space, they could be a valuable asset for the next occupant. Be sure to communicate with your real estate agent or landlord about whether leaving the shelves is an option.

3. Repurpose the Shelves

If you’re feeling creative, consider repurposing the shelves before you move. Built-in shelves, in particular, can be transformed into new furniture or decorative pieces. For example, a sturdy built-in shelf could be turned into a coffee table, while wooden planks from freestanding shelves could become new wall-mounted storage.

Final Thoughts

Deciding whether to remove shelves when moving can be a tricky decision. It depends on factors like the type of shelves, your moving budget, and your future home’s layout. While built-in shelves often require more effort and planning to remove, freestanding shelves offer flexibility but can still pose logistical challenges.

Ultimately, it’s about balancing practicality with emotional attachment and financial considerations. Whichever route you choose, make sure it aligns with your moving goals and leaves you with fewer headaches on moving days.