Spring cleaning season or not, we can all benefit from a little decluttering. And whether it’s organising the massive stack of papers on your desk, going through the jars, spices and (year-old) condiments in your cupboard, or sifting through wardrobes or boxes of knick-knacks, there’s no better time than now to take a weekend to properly declutter and organise your home.
So if you’re in need of a clear out, here’s our complete guide to decluttering, including our top tips on recycling, donating, and getting rid of your stuff in the most environmentally-friendly way.
But first, is there another benefit to decluttering other than freeing up space and making the house look nice?
Asides from giving you more space, scientific research shows that conquering clutter can clear your mind too, improving both your physical and mental health.
So, how should you go about conquering the clutter?
Step 1: Planning
Whether you are moving out or simply want to get rid of some “junk”, decluttering an entire home can seem like a big job. So in order to not get overwhelmed, it’s really helpful to set goals and make a plan before you start:
- List the clutter hotspots you want to tackle, for example, the kitchen cupboards, your wardrobe, the kids’ toy boxes
- Number these hotspots so you take on your decluttering in stages – and make sure to complete the job fully before moving on to the next space
- Note: It usually helps to start with what you can see, as this will give you the motivation to continue
- Set a date or timeframe to complete each hotspot and stick to it!
Step 2: The 3 Box Sorting Method
The three box sorting method is a really simple and effective way of cleaning.
When you approach your first clutter hotspot, bring three boxes or labelled black bin bags with you:
- Items you want to keep
- Items you want to donate to friends, family or a charity shop
- Items that can be thrown away
Using this method saves you time and energy when it comes to figuring out what to do with all of your stuff, plus it means you clean properly rather than cleaning around things!
When you’re considering where to put items, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I like it?
- Do I use it?
- Do I need it?
- Do I have room for it
Generally speaking, if you haven’t used something in the last six months, you’re almost surely never going to use it again.
When the time comes to declutter your wardrobe, try this clever idea made famous by Oprah Winfrey: hang all your clothes with the hangers in the reverse direction, and then after you wear an item, return it to your wardrobe with the hanger facing the correct direction. After a few months, you’ll have a really clear picture of which clothes you actually wear and are worth keeping – and which can be given to charity.
Step 3: Getting Rid of the Clutter
Congratulations - you now have a black bag - or a whole room full of black bags - filled with goods that need a new home. Here are your options for what to do next:
Recycle:
If you want to declutter your home to protect the planet, you must recycle. Now, part of eco-friendly decluttering begins simply with knowing where your stuff should go.
Of course recyclable glass, plastics, and paper can go straight into your recycling bin, but what should you do with your unwanted or broken electricals? The good news is from kettles to mobile phones, and battery-operated toys to toasters, you can recycle the lot! And though old or broken electrical items may appear worthless, they’re actually packed full of valuable materials like gold and zinc.
All you need to do is take them with you next time you visit your local recycling centre.
Top tip: Enter your postcode here to find your nearest recycling centre - and exactly what you can recycle there. Don’t forget to check with your local council to see whether a reuse and recycling permit is required.
Donate or put on Gumtree/Freecycle:
As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!”
Anything that’s in a good condition – clothes, books, furniture, toys, and household items – can be donated to local charities or posted on Freecycle or Gumtree.
You could also try to pass on your old goods to friends or family, or why not take it to work with a sign that says it’s a freebie?
If you are planning on taking your items to your local charity shop, make sure to check out their donation guidelines first. For example, many charities are unable to accept electrical items.
Sell:
If you think your unwanted items may be worth a bit of money, however, you also have a few options:
- Head to a car boot sale
- Sell via social media groups like Facebook’s ‘ Marketplace’
- Sell on eBay
Hire a Hertz van:
Decluttering is always a bigger job than you first anticipate, and the likelihood is you’ll have a lot of items to take to the tip, the recycling centre, or to a charity shop.
Rather than wasting petrol, ruining your car’s clean interior, and your own time doing multiple trips back and forth to the different sites, a stress-free option is to hire a van.
Could a Hertz van help you to declutter? Find out more and book here.