- Start by deciding how you’re going to declutter. You could do a room at a time, or even start with a cupboard or drawer to break it down even further.
- If you’re enthusiastic and raring to go, go the whole hog and have a decluttering binge.
- If it costs less than $20 to replace – get rid of it and give yourself permission to buy it again should you realise you really did need it (but you probably won’t).
- If you’ve had things for a long time, ask yourself, ‘Would I buy it now?’
- Give yourself a time frame. For example, have you used or worn it in the last 6 months and are you likely to in the next 6 months – if the answer is no – add it to the donation pile.
- If you can’t remember which kitchen utensils or appliances you use, attach a piece of masking tape. When you use it, remove the tape and after 2 months, get rid of anything that still has tape on it.
- Pretend you’re moving – would you take it with you?
- Once you’ve decluttered an area, put everything in your car to get it out of your house and take it to your local op shop as soon as possible. This way, you won’t have time to change your mind!
- Use the ‘one in, one out’ method – great for wardrobes and kitchens.
And remember:
- What you keep can cost a lot – it takes up precious space and time as you are probably constantly reorganising everything.
- Don’t buy more storage – you are just moving things around.
- You won’t start liking something you’ve never liked.
- Just because you’ve had things for a long time, doesn’t mean you have to keep them.
Here are some of the things that charity shops need the most
Tip: If you would give it to a friend, then it’s good to donate. If you wouldn’t then please don’t donate it. It costs valuable funds to dispose of items they can’t sell.
- Clothing, footwear and accessories
- Toys, books, DVDs and vinyl
- Small electrical items in good, working condition
- Curtains and bedlinen
- Homewares
Some stores accept white goods (such as refrigerators) and furniture but check with your local op shop first.