You’ve discovered your unique rules for what stays and what goes in your home, you’ve used one of last week’s techniques to jump-start your decluttering, and now you have a big pile of things to get rid of! But unless you have a plan for what to do with them, you’ll either have a junk pile that hangs around, or send things to the landfill.
Trash is always a last resort for unwanted objects. Before you toss things in the garbage, see if your clutter falls into any of these categories.
Sell
Why not? One woman made more than $30,000 selling things she no longer wanted on her minimalist journey! I don’t expect you to sell everything you own, but if you’re not going to use that ice cream maker anymore, sell it. Listing something on eBay or Facebook Marketplace doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and can get your item to someone who needs it (while adding a few bucks to your bank account).
Donate
The Buy Nothing Project encourages its members to give freely, whether that’s tangible objects, creative works, or expertise. It has its own app or is accessible by Facebook. It’s a great way to get rid of clutter in an eco-friendly way.
You can also look up local charities to see if they’re in need of items you don’t use anymore. It’s always important to let them know what you’re donating before you donate. Charities don’t need everything all the time, and if they’re stocked up on winter coats, donating them three more will be more of a burden than a help.
Give to family and friends
When you declutter, ask yourself, “Do I know anyone who could use this?” If you do, great! You just came up with an impromptu gift AND decluttered your home. Make sure that what you give isn’t something that will become clutter in the gift recipient’s home—you don’t want to continue the clutter cycle!
Do right by the planet, and put items you don’t use back into circulation so they live out their useful lives. Not only does it keep your home clutter-free, it can brighten someone else’s life, too.
It always helps to have a plan! Have you sold, donated, or given away anything recently? Tell me in the comments what it was, and how it felt to let it go!
Such an important point about not creating a clutter issue in someone else’s home. Always ask before dropping something off at someone’s home or shipping it to them. And when you ask, give them permission to say “no.”
It is a comfort that we have more options than ever to keep items out of landfills and keep objects serving their purpose for as long as possible!
Agreed, Seana. I really want to normalize wanting less stuff! By giving giftees the option to refuse, we set a good example for how to think about clutter.
This is such an essential step in the decluttering process. It’s one thing to decide that you’re ready to let go of something. But then where is it going? And that second step is often where people get stuck. So having some resources ahead of time is useful. All of the ones you shared are terrific! The selling part can be tricky, but if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be rewarding. It’s usually more time-consuming, so that has to factor in. But at least it’s good to know it’s an option in certain situations.
Yes Linda, selling can be a little time-consuming sometimes. I’ve known some people who enjoy it as a kind of hobby, though! As long as you’re not acquiring more clutter in the process, I say go for it.
I agree with the notion of having a plan, even if you add to it or revise it as you go along. Most of my clients are inclined to donate everything to Goodwill, but often there are more appropriate options, like a furniture bank, animal shelter, Habitat for Humanity’s Re-Store, or a local refugee resettlement organization. But you make an excellent point; check before donating so you don’t overload any nonprofit (or its volunteers).
You’re right, Julie, flexibility is important in a plan. And great mention of the Re-Store!
We have had great success helping clients sell things on Facebook marketplace. We usually don’t make a lot of money, but some and it gets things out of the house. I always suggest that clients consider giving to family and friends first, before selling or donating, especially if they are sentimental about the items.
Good suggestions, Janet. It’s nice to see a family member’s face when they get what they need!