Tired of looking at the same odds and ends? Do you want to get rid of unused or unwanted things? Are you screaming for more space in your home? Then it may be time to consider decluttering.
Gather the Clutter
When you are sick of seeing things that either have no more use or you have no immediate need for, then you certainly have to consider getting them out of your home. Whether it is through long-term storage, giving them away to charity, or recycling them, there are a number of choices that you can look into.
You may have accumulated a good number of items during your lifetime. Some people are even considered hoarders, having difficulty letting go of things even if they are damaged or not useful anymore. Others hold on to certain items because they have sentimental value. Regardless of the reason, there is an undeniable connection that binds people with certain things that can lead to clutter.
Put an end to clutter by considering these four smart options:
1. Storage
Whether you’re moving interstate or abroad, storing excess items in a secure location can be a smart option. Even renovating a space will typically call for using a safe storage facility that will ensure your items will stay in pristine condition.
The same goes for when you are decluttering. Items that you have labelled as seasonal, have no immediate use, surplus (like office or home business inventory and such), family heirlooms, or personal effects can all be safely stashed in storage.
When choosing a storage facility, go for one that has over 30 years of experience tucked in their belts. Their experience in handling items will go a long way and give you peace of mind that your items are in good hands. Choose a storage company that is reliable and keeps your needs in mind.
2. Donate
Another option that may be considered as more meaningful when getting rid of your excess or unused belongings is to donate them.
Donating things to charity, to your community center, or even as hand-me-downs to friends or family who want them is a good way to make your items useful for others. Instead of just mindlessly throwing stuff away and filling landfills, consider if someone else may have better use for them.
Keep in mind that the items you donate should still be in good working condition. Be thoughtful and make sure you don’t give things that are severely damaged. For example, giving away a faulty hair dryer may even lead to fires.
Books may be given to your local library, shelters and other support services. If you have kiddie items that you no longer use like toys, these can also be donated to daycare centers and public playhouses. Clothes that have some frayed hems or shoes that are scuffed but still intact and useable are fine to give away. Personal belongings like used underwear should not be donated for hygienic purposes.
3. Sell
Another viable option to consider if you want to declutter your space is to sell them.
Selling items that are unused or may have been slightly used is a good way to let go of things and earn money at the same time. You can sell your goods online through social media groups, online resellers, online classifieds, or web marketplaces.
There are also apps that you can download where you can upload photos of your items and interested buyers can privately message you.
Offline, you can still go the old-school way of having a garage sale. Gather a sizeable number of items and price them according to their condition. Unused and good-as-new items can still fetch a pretty price. Or you can simply have an “everything must go” price and get rid of the items fast.
4. Recycle
Thanks to the trend of repurposing items, people now have a new found appreciation for the things that have just been “lying around.”
Aside from the environmental benefits that recycling brings, finding another use for a certain item in your home can also save you money. For example, a chipped vase may still be used as a flowerpot in your garden or perhaps a pretty tin canister can be re-used as a penholder or office organizer.
Giving your old things a new lease on life is also a good outlet for your creativity. Let your creative juices flow and see if you can make something out of plastic spoons or that old wok gathering dust in the kitchen. Those who have found their calling in repurposing things have even made a living out of it. You can give them away to friends and family as craft gifts as well.
Space Savers
It doesn’t matter if you are moving, renovating, or simply want some more space to move around; decluttering can prove to be helpful in putting things in order. Make a list of things that you no longer need so you are more organized and strategic in your mission to stash all the clutter away.
When you consider the smart options mentioned above, you could be sure that your pre-loved items are going to places or people that will cherish them as much as you did before. You not only gain space by giving things away, but you can also earn from them, feel a certain generosity when you donate them, or simply feel good knowing that you haven’t mindlessly thrown things out.
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AUTHOR BIO:Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.
