If you want to have a clutter free home, getting rid of unwanted stuff is a good place to start. Stuff that doesn’t serve a purpose takes up valuable space and adds to our stress and distracts us from enjoying a cleaner more functional living space.
Here are 10 practical and eco friendly ways to start your decluttering journey, use local resources and give some of that old stuff a second life by donating items to a local shelter. Donating items can also help raise funds for various causes.
1. Donate to Charity Shops
Charity shops are the perfect place for gently used clothing, old furniture, small appliances and other household items that still have some life left in them. Many charities rely on donations to stock their shops, so by dropping off items like old clothing, household items and books you’re helping the environment and a good cause.
These shops use donated items to raise funds for their causes, emphasizing the importance of good-quality items and the positive impact of decluttering while helping others. This is a great way to keep your items out of landfills, reduce waste and benefit the community. Some charity shops even accept old glasses and mobile phones, so you can give those items a second life and support local causes.
2. Have a Yard Sale
Having a yard sale is a great way to get rid of old stuff, meet your neighbours and make some extra cash. Yard sales are perfect for bigger items like furniture, bulky items and even old clothing that’s still in good condition.
Many people love finding unique pieces and treasures at yard sales and it’s a great way to find new homes for unwanted items without having to throw them away. A yard sale allows you to sell multiple items at once so you can clear your whole home of unwanted clutter in a few hours.
3. Sell Online through Consignment Stores and Marketplaces
For higher value items consider using online consignment stores or platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace and local selling apps.
This is great for items like quality clothing, household items, electronics and old devices. Consignment stores will handle the selling process for you but may take a percentage of the sale price.
Online platforms allow you to connect with local buyers so you can find someone who can use what you want to get rid of.
4. Recycle
Many items like electronics, cardboard boxes and glass jars can be recycled not thrown away. Check with your local recycling program to see what items they accept. Many electronics retailers also have recycling programs and will accept old phones, laptops and other devices.
Recycling reduces waste and is a more environmentally friendly way to dispose of materials that can be repurposed. If you’re not sure where to take certain items, local recycling guides are often online.
5. Donate to Local Homeless Shelters and Community Centres
Many homeless shelters and community centres accept donations of unwanted items, especially clothing, old towels, and blankets. Donating items to a local shelter, such as warm clothing, old towels, and toiletries, can make a big difference for those in need.
These shelters and centres also appreciate gently used items like furniture, cleaning rags, and household items for people transitioning from homelessness.
6. Upcycle and Repurpose
If you’re crafty try giving your old stuff a new life by repurposing it. For example glass jars can be used for kitchen storage or as candle holders and old furniture can be repainted or refinished.
If you’re crafty old clothing can be turned into cleaning rags, throw pillows or patchwork quilts. Repurposing your items will extend their life and add a personal touch to your home decor all while reducing waste.
7. Post on Community Boards for Free
Many community boards (social media or neighbourhood apps) allow you to post items for free for others to pick up. Sharing items with your local community is a great way to get rid of bulky items or items that are hard to transport.
Free listings are especially popular for old furniture, kids toys or household items you don’t want to throw away. These boards make it easy to give your unwanted stuff a second life and keep it out of the landfill.
8. Thrift Stores and Consignment for Clothes and Accessories
Thrift stores are great places to get rid of gently used clothing, accessories and household decor. Most thrift stores accept donations of unwanted items and have a large following of people looking for secondhand finds.
If you have old clothing, bags or even home decor you no longer need a local thrift store might be interested in taking them off your hands. Not only do thrift stores give your items a second life but they also make sustainable shopping more accessible to everyone.
9. Host a House Clearance or Local Swap
If you have a lot of stuff to get rid of a house clearance might be the way to go. Some people organize swap events within their community where neighbours come together to swap items like clothing, books, furniture and household items.
Swap events are a sustainable way to get rid of unwanted stuff and for participants to get new items without spending a dime. It’s a win win way to reduce waste and clear out your home in one go.
10. Donate and Recycle Old Electronics
With technology changing so fast many of us end up with old devices like old phones, tablets or computers we no longer use. Instead of letting them gather dust take them to electronics retailers that accept donations or have recycling options.
Some charities and schools accept old electronics for their tech programs too. Recycling old devices is eco friendly and prevents harmful components going into the waste stream.
Reduce Waste Make a Difference
Decluttering your home is so satisfying. By donating, recycling, selling or repurposing what you no longer need you can clear your space and make a difference.
