A beginner's guide to decluttering

As the world opens back up just as the weather’s warming up, it’s an ideal time to think about having a clear out - especially if you’ve still got neglected lockdown purchases or pre-covid things you no longer need hanging around. Taking time to review your belongings and letting go of the surplus can save time, money, stress and allow you to more easily enjoy the things that matter.

Have you ever had these thoughts?

• I'll hang onto this until it fits me again

• I spent loads on that thing – it's far too good to give away!

• That thing was a gift and I'd feel bad giving it away

• I’m sure I’ll use it one day

Well you’re not alone! We’ve asked Certified Professional Organizer Katherine Blackler of SortMySpace Ltd for some practical ideas on how we could get more organised in our living and working spaces.

How do you even start decluttering?

The getting started is often the hardest part but you need to start somewhere!

• Focus on just one area, perhaps a cupboard or a smaller room in the house like the bathroom (which usually has the fewest sentimental items in). Expired medicines and congealed toiletries are an easy target for decluttering and help you build confidence with the process.

• Reward yourself for your decluttering efforts - but with experiences rather than more things!

• Allocate a box for sentimental stuff or really difficult decisions and just pop things in there so you don’t grind to an almighty halt. Decluttering does get easier with time and practice so you can return to those items when you’re feeling stronger and enjoying the clearer space you’ve created.

• Take photos of your starting point. It’s easier to forget how far you’ve come when you hit a wall and don’t feel you can go on.

What should I be thinking about when I’m looking at all my stuff?

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I used or worn this in the last 6 months?

• Would I buy this for myself or my family now?

• Will I use or wear this in the next 6 months?

If the answer to these is ‘No’, consider selling, donating, recycling or, as last resort, ditching. 

For items you do use, but only infrequently, ask yourself

• Do I need to own this myself? Could I hire / borrow it on the odd occasion I do need it?

• Can I afford to re-buy it if I happened to need my very own version of this in future?

• Will I know exactly where to find this when I do need it?

• Will the technology have been superseded by the time I’m likely to use this?

• If that job needed doing in future, would I be likely to hire a tradesperson who’d bring their own tools or equipment?

• If I kept this item, can I lend it to others to justify the space it takes up between my usage?

Where can I let go of stuff I don’t want?

Selling: This tends to be the first port of call for many when decluttering. It’s a natural response bearing in mind the money invested in belongings to start with. Be mindful however your time has a value too so set yourself a time limit to list it and sell it. Have a ‘Plan B’ if it doesn’t sell.

• Local apps like Nextdoor and Gumtree are targeted at your neighbours who can collect in person. This saves you worrying about postage costs and items getting lost or damaged enroute.

• If you have items that might need a wider audience, try PreLoved, Shpock, Vinted and eBay.

Donating: I often hear clients say “that’s too good for charity”. There’s no such thing as too good! Many charities will now sell top-end designer stuff online and still benefit from the proceeds. It’s also worth noting:

• Charities can often earn money per kg of scrap fabric so bag up your threadbare socks as they’ll be shredded for cushion stuffing etc. Kindly bag these up separately and label as scrap fabric to save shop volunteers valuable time sifting through what’s sellable or not.
• Certain charities (such as Emmaus in SE27) can do PAT testing so will accept pre-loved white goods and electricals that you know are in working order.
• If you have spare tools or unfinished DIY projects try Men’s Sheds which provide an environment for men to regularly gather and fix, repair and upcycle things. Paint (which can’t go into household collections) can be donated via the Community Repaint scheme.
• Keep it local by listing on Freegle, Freecycle, OLIO and local Facebook groups too where people are donating or trading items without monetary exchange.
• If you’re clearing out make-up and toiletries then Toiletries Amnesty lists your local organisations that will accept new and / or part-opened containers.

Recycling: Aside from your household recycling bins there are plenty of ways to ensure items don’t go straight to landfill.

• Recycle Now has a useful directory to search for specific items you want to move onwards.
• Many local recycling facilities will take far more than we first think of and allow you to dump stuff straight into the relevant bins. You’ll need to show local ID such as utility bill or driver's licence to use the council facilities and commercial vans need a business waste licence.
• Terracycle focuses on recycling more unusual items whether that’s individuals recycling disposable razors via post or dropping off branded packaging or writing utensils via collection points. They also sell Zero Waste recycle bins for specific products for businesses or communities to gather up cumulatvely.
• You can also recycle your clothes through ‘swish’ events or clothes swaps. You take along any good quality items you’ve grown out of and are given a token for each item to then redeem against other people’s contributions! It’s usually a good giggle and a new look for you afterwards.

Ditching: As last resort there’s your usual rubbish bin or, for bulk waste and unsellable furniture, the local council can arrange bulk waste collections.

Library of Things tip: With all that stuff out the way, it's the perfect time to get cleaning! Our Steam Cleaner or Carpet Cleaner are the ideal Things to borrow for a deep clean after you've decluttered. Good luck!