Crypto wallet cleanup checklist
Cleaning up old crypto wallets is less about pressing “send all” and more about inventory, network matching, and deciding which balances are actually worth touching.
1. Inventory every wallet and exchange
List the wallets, browser extensions, hardware wallets, mobile apps, and exchange accounts you still control. Do not enter seed phrases into random websites or tools while doing this.
2. Record the asset and network
Write down both the token and the chain. “USDT” by itself is not enough; USDT can exist on multiple networks. The network determines the address format, fee asset, explorer, and transfer path.
3. Separate useful balances from dust
Mark balances that are clearly worth keeping or consolidating, balances that are below platform minimums, and balances where the transfer fee would consume too much value.
4. Use platform conversion tools where available
For custodial exchanges, check for “convert small balances,” dust conversion, sell, or internal-transfer features before paying an on-chain withdrawal fee.
5. Move only what makes sense
For self-custody wallets, use the wallet's current fee estimate and verify the destination network. If the economics are terrible, leave the balance alone and revisit it later.
6. Keep a final record
Once the cleanup is complete, keep a simple inventory of the wallets you still use and the networks they support. This makes the next cleanup much easier.