How to find old/unused system files?

[megahurt]

I'm about to get a new Mac. My current system is the result of several generations of migrations from Mac to Mac over many years. Along the way it has accumulated plenty of unused system/preference files and folders for apps and things that I no longer have.

Is there an app out there that can identify these things and help to clean them out? If I can help it, I'd rather not move all of the old excess baggage over to the new machine with me, but I don't want the pain in the ass of installing and setting everything manually.

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm about to get a new Mac. My current system is the result of several generations of migrations from Mac to Mac over many years. Along the way it has accumulated plenty of unused system/preference files and folders for apps and things that I no longer have.

Is there an app out there that can identify these things and help to clean them out? If I can help it, I'd rather not move all of the old excess baggage over to the new machine with me, but I don't want the pain in the ass of installing and setting everything manually.

There's nothing that can automatically identify preference files and folders left behind by apps you uninstall, as you would have to know which apps were removed. You'll just have to go back through and manually delete them. In the future, you can avoid this issue by completely removing all files and folders related to apps you uninstall.

The most effective method for complete app removal is manual deletion:

Best way to FULLY DELETE a program​